Quick Answers
There are a few common reasons why Ticketmaster may say your presale code is invalid or wrong:
- You typed the code incorrectly – presale codes are case sensitive and must be entered exactly as provided
- The presale period expired – presale codes are only valid for a limited time, usually 24-48 hours
- The code is for a different event – make sure the presale code matches the specific event you’re trying to buy tickets for
- You’re using an old code – check the email for the most recent presale code, old codes often won’t work
- You’re attempting to use the code multiple times – presale codes are usually only good for one transaction or a limited number of tickets
If you’re certain you have the right code and are within the valid presale window, try typing it again carefully or contact the promoter who provided the code to verify it is still active and valid for the event you want.
What is a Presale Code?
A presale code is a special password or code that gives fans early access to purchase tickets to concerts and events on Ticketmaster before the general public on-sale.
Presale codes are usually released by the artist, venue, or promoter of the event to fan club members, email newsletter subscribers, credit card holders, spotify listeners, and other select groups. This gives them the chance to buy tickets before they sell-out or surge in price on the general on-sale.
Each presale code is unique to a specific event and valid for a limited window of time, usually 24-48 hours before the public on-sale time. The codes are redeemed at checkout on Ticketmaster to unlock access to the presale inventory.
Using a valid presale code does not guarantee tickets, but it gives fans a better chance at securing seats before the general public has access. The inventory available during presales varies by event. In many cases, the best tickets are reserved for fan club members and VIPs.
Where to Find Presale Codes
There are a few main ways to get presale codes:
- Join the artist’s official fan club – Fan club members often get first access to presales
- Sign up for the venue’s email list – Large venues release presale codes to their mailing lists
- Follow the event promoter – Promoters like Live Nation and AEG email codes to selected followers
- Check artist & event social media – Presale info is often announced on Facebook, Twitter, etc.
- Have an American Express card – AmEx cardholders get special presale ticket offers
- Listen to spotify – spotify sometimes email presale codes to top listeners of an artist
If you want to increase your chances for presale ticket access, it helps to connect with artists and venues you plan to see in advance rather than waiting until tours are announced. Signing up for multiple presale sources will also improve your odds of getting a code.
Why is My Presale Code Not Working?
There are a few common reasons your Ticketmaster presale code may not be working:
You Typed It Incorrectly
Presale codes are usually a mix of numbers and letters. They are case sensitive, so you need to type the code exactly as it appears. If the code contains any lowercase letters, those need to be entered properly or the code will not work. Double check that you entered the presale code correctly.
The Presale Period Expired
Most presale code are only valid for a limited window before tickets go on sale to the general public. Typically presales last 24-48 hours. If you try to use an expired code after the presale has ended, Ticketmaster will display an error that the code is invalid or no longer working. You need to enter a valid code while presales are still active.
It’s for a Different Event
Presale codes are unique to each event. Make sure you are using the correct code for the specific concert or show you are trying to buy tickets for. Using a code for a different event will not work. Verify the presale code matches the exact artist and venue you are purchasing for.
You Already Used It
In many cases, presale codes can only be used once or to purchase a limited number of tickets. If you already used the code to buy tickets during a previous presale, Ticketmaster’s system will remember and prevent you from using it again. This stops people from sharing codes and overusing them. You will need to obtain a new unused presale code to purchase additional tickets.
It’s an Old Code
Artists will sometimes issue new presale codes as additional shows are added or presale dates shift. Check that you have the latest email and are using the newest code. Using an old expired code will result in an invalid error on Ticketmaster.
You Have Multiple Browser Tabs Open
If you are trying to use a presale code while having other Ticketmaster tabs open, it may not work. The system recognizes when the same code is being used across multiple sessions. Only have one browser tab open when redeeming a presale code.
Tips for Using Presale Codes Successfully
Here are some tips to have the best experience using Ticketmaster presale codes:
- Read emails carefully for the exact code and valid timing
- Make sure you’re on the right Ticketmaster site for your country
- Don’t share codes – use them only once yourself
- Be ready right at the start of the presale time
- Have an account and payment info saved in advance
- Click fast – popular shows sell out in seconds
- Try on both desktop and mobile apps
- Call Ticketmaster if errors persist and you need help
Following these tips will help ensure your presale code works properly and you have the best chance at getting tickets. But even with a valid code there are no guarantees as many presales have very limited quantities available. Being ready at the exact presale start time is vital.
Getting Help When Presale Codes Don’t Work
If you are certain you have the correct presale code during the valid timeframe but it is still showing as invalid or wrong on Ticketmaster, here are some things you can try:
- Contact the source of the code – The promoter, artist, or venue may be able to verify the code or issue a new one
- Try it on a different device – Sometimes codes work on mobile but not desktop, or vice versa
- Make sure cookies/cache are cleared – An overfilled cache can prevent codes from going through
- Use a different web browser – Switch from Chrome to Firefox or Safari to see if that helps
- Delete and re-enter the code carefully – Avoid typos by typing it fresh
- Contact Ticketmaster support – They may be able to assist if there are errors
If none of those basic troubleshooting tips work, your last resort is to contact Ticketmaster customer service. Give them as much detail as possible about the presale code issues you are experiencing. They have access to see if codes are properly formatted and active in their system.
What to Do If You Miss Presale Codes
It can be frustrating to miss out on getting presale codes, especially for big concerts and hot tours. If you weren’t able to get a code or the presale tickets already sold out, don’t worry – there are still options:
- Join fan clubs to ensure you have access for the next tour
- Find presale code giveaways and contests on social media
- Set alerts so you don’t miss any code announcements
- Buy from verified resellers once public sales open
- Wait for general ticket sales – presales often have very limited inventory
- Check for ticket drops leading up to the event date
- Get on the waitlist if the show is sold out
- Be ready right at the general on-sale time for best availability
While presales give some fans early ticket access, they represent a fraction of the total tickets. There will still be lots of opportunities to get seats, even if you don’t have a special presale code. Persistence and preparation is key.
Should Presale Codes Be Shared?
In short, no. Presale codes should not be shared publicly or used by multiple people. Most codes can only be used once or have a strict limit on the number of tickets allowed per code. People who share them widely are violating the terms and may prevent real fans from getting access.
Some reasons not to share presale codes include:
- It often doesn’t work – codes get invalidated when used multiple times
- You could get flagged for code misuse or cheating
- It contributes to bots getting ahold of codes
- You won’t be eligible for future presales if caught
- The tickets you buy can get cancelled and refunded
- It’s unfair to real fans who played by the rules
While it can be tempting to share a code to help others get tickets too, it causes more harm than good in most cases. Only share presale codes privately with very close friends or family you trust. Posting codes publicly almost always backfires.
How Do Presales Work on Ticketmaster?
Here is an overview of how presales work on Ticketmaster:
- Users receive an event-specific code from the artist, venue, or promoter via email or social media.
- Shortly before the presale, Ticketmaster creates a separate URL just for the presale.
- Typically the timing is 48 hours before general on-sale but can vary.
- Fans visit the presale Ticketmaster page and enter the code during checkout.
- If the code is valid, special presale-only tickets will be unlocked.
- Tickets are first come first served during the presale window.
- Codes can usually only be used once and have ticket limits.
- Once the presale ends, codes no longer work.
- Any remaining tickets go on sale at general on-sale 2-3 days later.
So in summary, presales allow selected users early access to buy tickets before the general public. This prevents them from immediately selling out. Each code unlocks limited presale inventory for a short period prior to general availability.
Conclusion
Troubleshooting error messages when your Ticketmaster presale code doesn’t work can be frustrating. But in most cases, the issue is something simple like a typo, expired code, or not reading instructions properly. Always double check that you have the exact right code for the specific event you’re trying to buy. Make sure to enter it carefully with no spaces. If it still doesn’t work, contact Ticketmaster support for assistance before the presale period closes to make sure you get access. With patience and persistence, you should eventually be able to unlock presale tickets!