Quick Answers
There are a few common reasons why you may not have been able to add your pass to your wallet at the time of your Ticketmaster purchase:
- The event is too far in the future – Passes typically can’t be added more than 30-90 days in advance of an event.
- The ticket type is not eligible – Some types of tickets, like resale/speculative tickets, may not be eligible for pass delivery.
- There was a technical error – Occasionally an error prevents the pass from being properly delivered.
Don’t worry if you couldn’t add your pass upon purchase. You should receive an email notification when your pass becomes available, typically 7-10 days before the event. You’ll then be able to easily add it to your Apple or Google wallet.
When Passes Are Available
Ticketmaster aims to make passes available in your digital wallet as early as possible. However, the timeframe depends on the event and ticket type:
- For most primary market tickets, passes are available 14-30 days before the event.
- For resale tickets, passes are usually available 3-14 days before the event.
- For late release primary tickets, passes may not be available until 7 days before.
These timeframes allow Ticketmaster to coordinate pass delivery with event organizers and clients. They also ensure passes reflect the most up-to-date event information, including any schedule changes, cancellations or last-minute logistical details.
As soon as your pass is ready, you’ll receive an email notification allowing you to easily add it to Apple Wallet or Google Pay.
When Are Passes Not Available?
In some cases, passes may never become available to add to your phone’s wallet:
- If you purchased speculative tickets very early that are not yet assigned to an event.
- If you purchased non-mobile-capable ticket types, like print-at-home tickets.
- For extremely late releases, like day-of-show tickets.
- If the event is canceled before passes are delivered.
You’ll still be able to access these types of tickets, just not through a mobile pass. Make sure to check your confirmation email for your delivery options.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you didn’t receive your pass when expected or are having trouble adding it to your wallet, here are some things to try:
- Check your spam or promotions folder – The email may have been directed there.
- Search your inbox for “Your tickets are ready” – The notification email often has this subject line.
- Double check eligibility – Make sure the event, ticket type and timing allows for pass delivery.
- Contact support – If available, reach out for troubleshooting help.
- Wait a few days and try again – Sometimes additional time is needed to resolve delivery issues.
Nine times out of ten, the pass becomes available within a few days when any errors or ineligibilities are resolved.
Common Error Messages
When trying to add a pass, you may encounter an error message such as:
- “This pass is not recognizable.”
- “This pass cannot be added to Wallet at this time.”
- “There was a problem reading this pass.”
This typically means the pass file became corrupted or expired before you could add it. Reach out to the ticket seller (Ticketmaster) for assistance redelivering or regenerating your pass.
Using Your Pass
Once successfully added, passes offer quick, convenient access to event tickets directly from your phone’s wallet app.
Here are some ways mobile passes enhance the event experience:
- Gain entry simply by holding your phone near the venue scanner.
- Store tickets safely and access them easily, without need for printing.
- Receive important updates, like gate changes, right on your pass.
- Easily transfer tickets to friends by sharing the pass.
- Have tickets automatically appear on your phone lock screen as the event nears.
Apple Wallet Tips
If using Apple Wallet, be sure to:
- Allow notifications to receive updates on your pass.
- Display the pass on your lock screen for quick access.
- Double-click the side button to quickly bring up passes.
- Use Express Transit mode for expedited entry.
Google Pay Tips
For Google Pay users, keep in mind:
- Show the pass barcode from the lock screen for convenience.
- Enable notifications to get updates.
- Tap and hold a pass to easily transfer it.
- Join the event’s Google Pay waitlist for expedited entry.
Following these tips will ensure you have the best experience using your mobile pass. Contact the ticket seller if you encounter any issues after adding a pass. Enjoy the show!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about Ticketmaster passes:
Why can’t I add my pass yet?
Passes typically become available 7-14 days before the event, depending on the ticket type. If your event is more than 2 weeks away, you’ll need to wait for the pass to become ready for delivery.
What if my event was postponed?
If your event is rescheduled, Ticketmaster will aim to update and redeliver your passes with the new event info. You’ll get an email when your updated pass is ready to add.
Can I use a digital pass if my phone dies?
You should bring a printed copy of your tickets as a backup in case your phone dies. You can find your order confirmation with ticket barcodes in your Ticketmaster account.
How do I share a pass with someone else?
In Apple Wallet or Google Pay, tap and hold your pass and select the transfer option. This will temporarily send the pass to someone else to use.
Why won’t my pass scan properly?
Make sure to open your pass in your wallet app so the venue can scan the updated barcode. Position your phone 3-4 inches from the scanner. Refresh your pass if gave issues.
Conclusion
While you may not have been able to add your Ticketmaster pass right away, in most cases they become available 7-14 days before the event. Passes offer convenience and enhance the event experience once in your digital wallet. If you have any issues accessing your passes as the event nears, be sure to contact Ticketmaster for troubleshooting assistance. With your passes in hand, enjoy the show!