There are a few potential reasons why Ticketmaster may not be showing barcodes for some tickets:
- The ticket seller has not enabled barcodes – Ticketmaster allows sellers (such as venues, teams, artists etc.) to choose whether to enable barcodes for their tickets. If the seller has not enabled barcodes, then no barcode will show even if you have a mobile ticket.
- Your ticket type does not include a barcode – Some ticket types like print-at-home tickets do not have barcodes associated with them. Only mobile tickets will show barcodes.
- The event is not barcoded – For some events, barcodes are not issued at all. This could be because the venue does not utilize barcode scanning, or because it is a very small event.
- The barcode only appears closer to the event – In some cases, the barcode may not appear until 1-2 weeks before the event date. This is to prevent early scanning and unauthorized entry.
- There is a technical error – Occasionally there may be a glitch that prevents the barcode from appearing correctly. Trying again later often resolves this.
So in summary, barcodes may not show up on Ticketmaster for a variety of legitimate reasons, and it does not necessarily indicate there is an issue with your ticket. The main options are to wait until closer to the event, check if your ticket type includes a barcode, or contact the seller/Ticketmaster for assistance.
When do Ticketmaster barcodes usually appear?
For mobile tickets purchased via Ticketmaster, the barcode typically appears:
- Immediately after purchase for events that are more than 2 weeks away.
- Within 1-2 weeks before the event for events coming up sooner.
- After the ticket transfer process is complete, for transferred tickets.
However, the exact timing can vary depending on:
- The event/seller – Each seller can choose when they want barcodes enabled.
- The ticket type – Print-at-home tickets for example may never show barcodes.
- Temporary technical issues – Sometimes delays may happen due to technical glitches.
So while barcodes usually appear 1-2 weeks out, it’s not guaranteed. Check with the specific event and ticket details to determine the expected barcode timing. Contact Ticketmaster if your barcode is still missing closer to the event.
Why do Ticketmaster barcodes sometimes appear late?
There are a few reasons why Ticketmaster barcodes may not appear until close to the event date:
- Prevent early ticket scanning/entry – Barcodes that appear too far in advance run the risk of being scanned and used before the event starts. Venues want to avoid this unauthorized entry.
- Allow time for exchanges/transfers – If barcodes appear too early but tickets are exchanged later, it would invalidate the original barcodes. Delaying barcode activation avoids this issue.
- Encourage timely ticket transfers – Withholding the barcodes until near the event motivates buyers to complete transfers sooner.
- Give time to resolve ticket issues – Last minute changes or cancellations can be handled before barcodes are active.
- Manage demand on ticketing system – Activating all barcodes simultaneously can strain Ticketmaster’s technical infrastructure.
So while late barcodes may cause some customer frustration, it ultimately helps venues control access, maintain flexibility and reduce operational risks during the critical period right before an event.
What to do if your Ticketmaster ticket has no barcode
If your Ticketmaster ticket does not show a barcode even as the event approaches, try the following steps:
- Double check your ticket type – Print-at-home tickets and some passes may not have barcodes at all. Verify your purchase information.
- Check if tickets are personalized – For high demand events, tickets may require ID matching. Barcodes won’t activate until IDs are provided.
- Contact the seller – The venue, team or organizer may have specific policies on when barcodes appear. Reach out for details.
- Wait until just before the event – Try again 24-48 hours prior in case of delays.
- Use Ticketmaster’s contact tools – You can reach out by chat, phone or social media for troubleshooting help.
- Swap for a hard ticket – For print-at-home tickets, box offices can sometimes print hard tickets with barcodes.
If there are still no barcodes after following up, visit the box office on event day to resolve. Bring your ticket info and receipt to show proof of purchase.
The bottom line is don’t panic if your Ticketmaster barcode is missing or delayed. There are ways to address it and enjoy the event.
Strategies for using Ticketmaster barcodes
Here are some tips for effectively managing and using your Ticketmaster barcodes:
Screenshot or print your barcode
Once the barcode appears within the Ticketmaster app, take a screenshot or print it as a backup. This prevents issues if you lose cell service or your phone battery dies. Some venues may even require a printed copy.
Have your ticket ready before reaching the scanner
Fumbling to open your ticket in the app at the door causes delays. Make sure your barcode is up on screen before you get to the entrance.
Save your ticket to your digital wallet
Add the ticket to Apple Wallet or Google Pay so you can access it easily even when offline. Double check that the barcode is clearly displayed.
Transfer tickets early
To send tickets to friends and allow time to get their barcodes, start transfers as soon as you can. Avoid last minute transfers.
Charge your phone before the event
With mobile ticketing, a dead phone battery means you can’t access your tickets. Fully charge your phone before heading to the venue.
Bring a paper printout as backup
Though not always required, printing your Ticketmaster ticket can serve as a safety net if you have phone issues.
Know your venue’s mask and vax policies
Check if you need to be vaccinated and/or masked to enter, and have those items ready.
Following these tips will make your Ticketmaster barcode work smoothly and prevent holds ups at the door so you can get in faster.
The future of Ticketmaster barcodes and mobile ticketing
Mobile ticketing using scannable barcodes continues to grow in popularity due to conveniences like contactless entry. Here are some ways Ticketmaster barcodes may evolve:
- Integration with digital wallets – Expect deeper integration with Apple/Google Pay to have tickets immediately accessible.
- Expanded use of NFC – More venues may allow tap-to-enter with NFC technology instead of optically scanning barcodes.
- Tighter transfer integration – The ticket transfer process may become more seamless with automatic barcode assignments.
- New security features – Options like animated barcodes could make duplication/fraud more difficult.
- Custom branded apps – Major clubs, teams and artists may offer custom white label mobile ticketing apps.
- Fast lanes for high demand events – Pre-verification of IDs/vax status could allow faster booth-free admission.
While mobile ticket barcodes are already popular, advances like these could take the technology to the next level in speed, convenience and security. How venues and Ticketmaster implement such changes remains to be seen.
One thing seems certain – printed physical tickets are being phased out in favor of mobile. So get accustomed to using your phone to access ticket barcodes at the venue door.
Conclusion
Ticketmaster’s use of mobile barcodes continues to evolve and improve the live event experience. While barcodes may not always appear instantly for all tickets, there are good reasons for the delayed timing, mainly to maintain security and flexibility leading up to events. Fan should persist through any minor glitches and utilize smart strategies to access their barcodes seamlessly.
Though some may resist going fully mobile, smartphones are enabling innovations like integrated ticket wallets, contactless entry through NFC and advanced anti-fraud features. As technology moves forward, mobile barcodes are likely here to stay and become even more deeply integrated into the Ticketmaster platform.