Ticketmaster is one of the largest ticket sales and distribution companies, providing ticketing services for many major concert venues, sporting events, and more. When trying to purchase tickets on the Ticketmaster website or app, some users may encounter an error message stating that tickets cannot be purchased from their particular device. There are a few common reasons why Ticketmaster may prevent ticket buying on certain devices:
Device Identification
Ticketmaster utilizes device identification technology to analyze the devices being used to purchase tickets. This allows them to identify potential high-risk devices that may be associated with ticket brokering or scalping activities. If your device is flagged as high-risk, Ticketmaster may block purchases from that device as a precautionary measure. Some of the factors that can cause a device to be considered high-risk include:
- The device was previously associated with suspicious activity like mass ticket purchases or sales.
- The device identification details do not clearly correspond to a legitimate consumer device.
- The device has been associated with known ticket brokers or scalpers.
Unfortunately this can sometimes block legitimate customers who happen to be using a shared or new device for ticket purchases. But from Ticketmaster’s perspective, it is a necessary step to try to combat unauthorized resellers.
Location Restrictions
Ticketmaster also uses location-based restrictions when selling tickets for some events. Certain tickets are only made available for purchase by customers within the region where the event is being held. For example, customers with Canadian shipping and billing addresses may be restricted from purchasing tickets for events taking place in the United States.
If you are attempting to purchase geographically restricted tickets from an IP address, mobile device or other mechanism that does not correspond to an acceptable location, Ticketmaster may deny the transaction. Making purchases over VPN connections, foreign cellular networks when traveling, or other situations where your location does not match the event can potentially lead to purchase blocks.
Device Limitations
In some cases, the website or app platform you are using to access Ticketmaster may also impact your ability to complete ticket transactions. Ticketmaster has optimized its purchasing flows around mainstream desktop and mobile environments. Attempting ticket purchases from uncommon device types or operating systems, or through outdated apps or browsers, could result in problems.
Some examples where technical device limitations can prevent ticket sales include:
- Trying to purchase through mobile browsers or apps that no longer supported or receive updates.
- Using iOS or Android emulator programs instead of native devices.
- Attempting to purchase through smart home devices, smart TVs, or other non-standard systems.
These types of uncommon access methods may not fully support Ticketmaster’s purchase flows, CAPTCHA protections, or device tracking processes. As a result, you could encounter errors during the transaction.
Account Verification Requirements
For some high-demand events or promotions, Ticketmaster institutes additional safeguards beyond just device identification. This can include mandatory account login and verification steps before allowing ticket transactions.
In these cases, even if you are using a supported device, you may still not be able to complete a purchase until you have a Ticketmaster account that has been verified through steps like:
- Providing a valid email address you can access.
- Entering a mobile number that can receive SMS messages.
- Adding valid payment details.
- Entering a promo code or special access code if required.
Without satisfying these preconditions for a verified account, you may be rejected when attempting ticket purchases for certain protected events or deals.
Troubleshooting Steps
If Ticketmaster is blocking you from buying tickets on a particular device, there are a few troubleshooting steps to consider:
Try on a Different Mainstream Device
As a first step, attempt accessing Ticketmaster from a different mainstream device like a Windows/Mac computer, iPhone, iPad or Android smartphone. Avoid uncommon platforms and access methods if possible. If you can complete purchases successfully from the alternate device, the original device was likely flagged or incompatible.
Use a Mainstream Browser
Similarly, try performing the transaction through mainstream desktop web browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Safari or Edge instead of mobile apps or rare browsers. Support for the latest versions of common browsers is prioritized. Use a browser that is fully up to date on patches and upgrades as well.
Verify Your Account is in Good Standing
Double check that your Ticketmaster account does not have any red flags, expired payment methods, failed previous purchases or other issues. Resolving any outstanding account limitations or completing the identity verification process may resolve device-specific blocks.
Contact Ticketmaster Customer Service
If you continue experiencing device-related blocks even after trying the above, reach out to Ticketmaster’s customer service team for personalized troubleshooting assistance. They may be able to lift improper device restrictions or explain the justification for the blocks.
Why Does Ticketmaster Block Certain Devices?
Ticketmaster utilizes a variety of device protection measures in an effort to maintain fair and reliable ticket sales. By analyzing associated devices and accounts, they aim to:
- Prevent scalpers and brokers from utilizing bots, scripts or coordinated teams to monopolize ticket supplies.
- Enforce ticket purchase limits to allow more customers access.
- Identify compromised or fraudulent accounts that may be used for scams.
- Uphold geographic ticket restrictions for certain events.
- Reduce technical errors that could prevent legitimate purchases from going through.
In an ideal world, these protections would only impact bad actors misusing the system or technical loopholes. Unfortunately occasional false positives do occur, where well-meaning fans encounterblocks. But Ticketmaster views these device analysis practices as crucial to maintain integrity.
The following table summarizes some of the key motivations behind Ticketmaster’s device blocking approaches:
Blocking Approach | Goal |
---|---|
Device identification | Prevent scalpers from buying tickets en masse |
Location verification | Enforce regional ticket restrictions |
Unsupported platforms | Reduce technical errors |
Account validation | Identify fraudulent purchases |
How to Avoid Device Blocks from Ticketmaster
Here are some tips to minimize the chances of having your device unfairly blocked when purchasing tickets on Ticketmaster:
Use Mainstream Desktop and Mobile Devices
Stick to platforms with consistent ongoing support like Windows, Mac, iOS and Android devices. Avoid rare or outdated operating systems that may have compatibility issues.
Keep Your Apps and Browsers Updated
Use the latest versions of apps and browsers, which are most likely to work smoothly for ticket transactions. Enable automatic updates where possible.
Create a Verified Ticketmaster Account
Register for an account in advance and ensure it is fully verified through steps like providing contact details, payment methods, etc.
Avoid VPNs and Proxies
Accessing Ticketmaster through VPN connections or proxy servers can trigger location-based restrictions for events. Use direct local network connections when possible.
Stagger Large Purchases
If purchasing many tickets at once, break up the transactions instead of buying them all simultaneously. This appears less like bulk scalping activity.
Contact Support If Blocked
If your device is still blocked even after following best practices, quickly reach out to Ticketmaster support to have the restriction lifted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does using incognito or private browsing prevent device blocking?
No, Ticketmaster still has technical means to identify and track devices even when private browsing modes are used across purchases. These modes only clear local browsing data.
Can I use emulator apps to get around device blocks?
Developer emulator apps that mimic iOS or Android environments are detectable by Ticketmaster and may be automatically blocked from purchases. Use actual smartphones instead for the best experience.
What if I’m traveling outside my home region when tickets go on sale?
If you try purchasing geographically restricted tickets while traveling abroad, Ticketmaster may block based on your foreign IP address or mobile network. Consider waiting until you return home or having someone at home make the purchase instead.
Why does Ticketmaster allow ticket scalping if it’s against their policies?
While Ticketmaster does take measures to try to limit scalping, the practice is still difficult to fully prevent given the huge secondary market demand. Scalpers are constantly evolving their techniques as well. It remains an ongoing battle.
Is it safe to buy tickets from an unverified resale source if Ticketmaster blocks me?
No, buying from unverified scalpers or brokers carries risks, especially if Ticketmaster’s protections blocked you from the official source. You may overpay or receive fraudulent or invalid tickets. Exercise extreme caution when using secondary sources.
Conclusion
Ticketmaster blocking ticket purchases from certain devices can be frustrating, but is often necessary to maintain fairness for high-demand events. The best approach is using well-supported mainstream platforms with updated apps and browsers, validated accounts, and legitimate local network connections. With sound measures, most fans can avoid unjust device restrictions. But when in doubt, quickly contacting Ticketmaster support can also help lift improper blocks in a timely fashion.