There are a few common reasons why you might get an error saying your phone number is invalid when trying to purchase tickets on Ticketmaster:
You Entered an Incorrect Phone Number Format
Ticketmaster requires you to enter your phone number in a specific format. Here are some things to check:
- Enter your phone number without any spaces or punctuation like dashes. For example: 5551234567
- Make sure you include the area code. Do not enter just the 7 digit local phone number.
- If you have an international number, try entering your country code first. For example +44 for the UK.
Double check that you entered a valid, working phone number in the proper format. This is one of the most common reasons for the “invalid phone number” error on Ticketmaster.
Your Phone Number is From a VoIP or Virtual Carrier
Ticketmaster may not recognize phone numbers from certain internet-based phone carriers. This includes:
- Virtual phone numbers like Google Voice
- VoIP services like Vonage or Skype
- Temporary “burner” type phone numbers
These types of phone numbers sometimes get flagged as invalid. Consider entering a more traditional cell phone or landline number if possible.
Your Phone Carrier is Not Supported
While Ticketmaster accepts phone numbers from most major carriers, some smaller regional or prepaid carriers are not supported. You may need to enter a different phone number on your account if your carrier is not recognized.
Your Number is Entered Incorrectly on Your Ticketmaster Account
If you have a Ticketmaster account, make sure your phone number is entered correctly in your account profile. If the number on your account does not match the number you enter at checkout, you may get the invalid error.
To fix this:
- Log into your Ticketmaster account
- Go to your account settings
- Find the phone number field
- Make sure your number is entered correctly
There is a Temporary Block on Your Number
In some cases, Ticketmaster may temporarily block a phone number from being used if there are concerns about the validity of the number. This can happen if:
- There have been multiple failed attempts from the same number
- The number has been reported as fraudulent
- There are concerns about reselling or bot activity from that number
If you think your number has been incorrectly blocked, you will need to contact Ticketmaster Customer Support to remove the block. But this is typically only a temporary hold on your number for security reasons.
Your Number is Already in Use on Another Account
Ticketmaster only allows one account per phone number. If your number is already associated with another Ticketmaster account, you will get an error trying to use it on a new account.
To fix this, you will need to either:
- Log into the existing account that is using that phone number
- Remove the number from the other account so it can be used on your new account
You cannot have duplicate accounts with the same phone number on Ticketmaster.
There Was a System Error Processing Your Number
In rare cases, you may get an invalid phone number error due to a glitch or temporary system issue on Ticketmaster’s end. Some things to try in this case:
- Refresh the page and try re-entering your number
- Clear your browser cookies and cache
- Try again later or from a different device
- Contact Ticketmaster Customer Service if the issue persists
Most of the time system issues will resolve themselves quickly. But if an error persists, Ticketmaster may be having technical difficulties processing numbers.
You Have Reached the Purchase Limit for That Number
Ticketmaster limits the number of tickets that can be purchased per phone number as an anti-fraud measure. In some cases, you may get an invalid error because the purchase limit has been reached for that number.
If you try entering a different number and still get the error, this is likely the reason. Limits vary by event but are typically around 6-8 tickets per number. You will need to obtain a new number to purchase more tickets.
Conclusion
Getting an invalid phone number error when trying to buy tickets on Ticketmaster can be frustrating. But in most cases it simply means your number was entered incorrectly or is not in a supported format. Be sure to double check your number, try without any spaces/dashes, and include the country code if applicable.
If you have a VoIP, virtual or prepaid number, enter a more traditional cell/landline number if possible. And make sure your number isn’t already associated with another Ticketmaster account. If issues persist, contact Customer Support for help removing any blocks or resolving other system issues.
With some minor adjustments, you should be able to successfully enter your phone number and complete your ticket purchase on Ticketmaster.
Reason | Solution |
---|---|
Incorrect phone number format | Enter number without spaces or dashes, include area code |
VoIP/virtual carrier number | Try a more traditional cell or landline number |
Unsupported carrier | Use a number from a different carrier |
Number entered wrong in account | Update number in account settings |
Temporary block on number | Contact support to remove block |
Number already in use | Log into account with that number or remove it |
System error | Refresh, clear cache, try again later |
Purchase limit reached | Obtain a new number |
Further Troubleshooting Tips
Here are some additional things you can try if you are still getting the invalid phone number error on Ticketmaster:
- Try entering the number in a different field or place on the Ticketmaster website. Sometimes it may work in one spot but not another.
- If you are entering the number on a mobile device, try switching to a desktop to enter the number and see if that helps.
- Contact your phone carrier to confirm your number is properly formatted and active on their end.
- Ensure your device has a stable internet connection when trying to enter your number.
- As a test, try entering a completely different number like a friend’s cell. If that works, it confirms something is wrong with your number specifically.
- If other troubleshooting fails, you may need to get your phone number changed or get a new additional number to use for ticket purchases only.
Preventing Invalid Number Errors in the Future
To avoid the invalid phone number issue going forward:
- Double check numbers are entered correctly whenever creating or updating accounts
- Make sure to include country code if your number is international
- Consider using a mainstream cell carrier number for ticket purchases
- Check account purchase limits before buying tickets on the same number
- Store your number in your account profile to autofill at checkout
- Pay attention to any error messages about your number and resolve them quickly
Catching minor number issues early and fixing them can help prevent the “invalid phone number” roadblock when buying tickets in the future.
Phone numbers play a key role in Ticketmaster’s purchase process and security protocols. But with some vigilance on proper number entry and formatting, you can avoid the dreaded invalid error message and get your hands on those coveted tickets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I have to enter my phone number to buy tickets on Ticketmaster?
Ticketmaster requires a valid phone number for every ticket purchase for a few important reasons:
- To send you purchase confirmations and reminders about the event
- For identity verification and reducing fraud/bot ticket purchases
- In case they need to contact you regarding the event or tickets
- For re-entry if tickets are will call only/not emailed
It allows them to confirm each purchase is linked to a real person for improved security and communication. So invalid numbers can’t be used to anonymously buy up lots of tickets.
What if I don’t have a phone number to enter on Ticketmaster?
If you do not have your own phone number to enter, try using:
- A family member or friend’s number with their permission
- A landline home phone number if you have one
- Purchasing a basic prepaid SIM card with some minutes
- Using a VoIP number like Google Voice, with some limitations
In some cases, Ticketmaster may offer exceptions for those without phone numbers to pick up will call tickets. But typically a number is required for online and mobile ticket purchases.
Can I use the same Ticketmaster account across different phone numbers?
No, Ticketmaster only allows you to use an account with one phone number at a time. If you need to change the number on your account, you will have to update it in the account settings. You cannot have duplicate accounts linked to the same number.
What are the exact steps to update my phone number on my Ticketmaster account?
To update the phone number on your existing Ticketmaster account, follow these steps:
- Go to Ticketmaster.com and log into your account
- Click on your name or account icon in the top right corner
- Go to Settings or Your Account/Profile
- Find the Phone Number field and click Edit or Change
- Enter your new phone number and click Save
- Confirm the update via email or SMS if prompted
This will replace the old number everywhere in your account with the new updated phone number.
How do I remove a phone number from my Ticketmaster account?
If you need to fully remove a phone number from your Ticketmaster account, follow these steps:
- Log into your Ticketmaster account online
- Go to your Account Settings or Profile
- Locate the Phone Number field
- Delete the current number in that field and leave it blank
- Click Save to remove the number from your account
Once removed, you can add a new number if needed. Leaving it blank also works but you may need to enter a number for future purchases.
What should I do if Ticketmaster Customer Service is not helping with my invalid number issue?
If you are still getting nowhere with Customer Service regarding your invalid number error, here are a few additional things you can try:
- Ask to speak to a manager for additional troubleshooting help
- Reach out via a different channel – phone, chat, email, social media
- Try contacting Ticketmaster again on a different day and time
- Double check that you have explained the full issue in detail so they understand
- Politely but firmly insist that your valid number be reviewed and unblocked
Continuing to engage with different Customer Service representatives and politely escalating your case when needed can often help get the right resolution.