Getting access to presale tickets for your favorite artist’s upcoming tour can be exciting. Presale codes allow you to purchase tickets before the general public, giving you the best chance at scoring great seats. However, it can be frustrating when your presale code doesn’t work on Ticketmaster. There are a few potential reasons why your code may not be working.
The Presale Hasn’t Started Yet
One of the most common reasons a presale code won’t work is because the presale period hasn’t started yet. Presale times are very specific, usually starting at 10am local venue time on a particular date. If you try to use your code too early, you’ll get an error message that the code is invalid or incorrect. Double check the presale details to make sure you’re trying at the correct time. Set an alarm or reminder so you don’t miss the moment the presale starts.
You’re Using the Wrong Presale Code
Many artists and events have multiple presales, each with a different code. For example, there may be a fan club presale, VIP package presale, Spotify presale, venue presale, and more. Make sure you’re using the correct code for the specific presale you’re trying to access. Carefully check the source of your code and read any instructions that were provided about how to use it. Don’t guess – ultimately an incorrect code won’t work.
The Code is Case Sensitive
Presale codes on Ticketmaster are case sensitive. That means a code like Q8Fg9A won’t work if you type q8fg9a. Be very careful to enter the code exactly as it was provided, matching upper and lower case letters precisely. Going back to double check is better than having your code rejected.
You’re Entering the Code in the Wrong Place
With all the excitement of entering a presale, it’s easy to put your code in the wrong field when purchasing tickets. On Ticketmaster, there will be a special presale code box. Make sure you’re entering the code there rather than in the regular promo code field. Entering it in the wrong place will make it invalid.
The Presale Session Expired
Presale ticket purchases usually need to be completed within a short window such as 10-15 minutes. If you take too long browsing show dates or selecting seats, the presale session may expire. This prevents people from tying up tickets for long periods. When your session expires, any presale code you enter will no longer be valid. Make sure you’re ready to purchase when joining the presale.
The Presale Has Sold Out
Because presales offer limited quantities of tickets, they can sell out quickly. If you see a “sold out” message, it unfortunately means presale tickets are no longer available. Even an active, valid presale code won’t work when inventory is gone. Make sure to join as early as possible to get the best selection.
You’re Trying to Use a Single-Use Code Again
Some presale codes are intended for one-time use only. If you already purchased tickets during a presale, that code becomes void. Attempting to reuse it will generate an error. Check the details of your specific code – unless indicated otherwise, assume codes are single use. You’ll need to get a fresh code to purchase more tickets later.
There Was a Glitch with the Presale System
With so many people attempting to access presales at once, there can be technical issues on Ticketmaster’s end. Error messages could occur, or the site could run slowly. Be patient and keep trying your code. If problems persist past the presale end time, contact Ticketmaster customer support for assistance. Technical problems are often resolved and tickets can still be unlocked.
You’re Accessing the Wrong Ticketmaster Website
Ticketmaster operates different websites for different countries. A presale code generated for Ticketmaster US won’t work on Ticketmaster Canada, for example. Similarly, Ticketmaster UK is a separate domain. Make sure you are accessing the Ticketmaster site specific to the country where the concert is taking place.
You’re Trying to Use an Expired Code
Just like presale periods are limited, presale codes also eventually expire. They are usually only active for the first few days of a presale. If you try to use an older code after that window closes, Ticketmaster will display an invalid message. Check for any expiration date listed with your code. For the best results, always use codes as soon as possible.
You Didn’t Follow Presale Link Requirements
Some presales require special access links in addition to a code. The link essentially acts as a waiting room, queueing you for your turn. If you only enter the code without going through the link process, you’ll be rejected. Carefully go through all steps provided with the presale details. Don’t take shortcuts or make assumptions about the process.
You’re Logged Into the Wrong Account
If you received a unique presale code tied to your fan club membership or Ticketmaster account, make sure you’re logged into the correct profile. Trying to use your code while logged into a different account will not work. Log out of all other accounts and log back in to the account that was issued the code.
You Have the Wrong Browser Open
Presales sometimes require using specific web browsers due to technical reasons. Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge all handle web code differently. If you’re instructed to use one browser and attempt the presale in another, you’ll probably encounter issues. Close all other windows and open only the specified browser before entering your presale.
You Already Have the Maximum Number of Tickets in Your Cart
Presales often come with ticket purchase limits, such as 4 or 6 per customer. If your cart already contains the maximum quantity, any presale code will be declined when you try to add more. Clear out any previous event tickets from your cart before attempting to use your presale code. Make sure you’re starting fresh.
Your Payment Details are Incorrect
Successfully entering a presale code only reserves your tickets for a limited time. You still need to fully complete checkout within 10-15 minutes. If your payment information on file is outdated or your credit card is declined, your ticket reservation will be released. To avoid this, update your Ticketmaster account with current payment details before joining a presale.
You’re Using a Void or Fake Presale Code
Unfortunately, some shady resellers distribute fake and void presale codes that never actually work. They take advantage of eager fans who don’t realize they’ve been given non-functional codes until it’s too late. Only trust codes that come directly from an artist’s official fan club or verified promoter source.
You Have Multiple Tabs Open
It’s important to only have one browser tab open when entering a presale code. Multiple tabs can confuse the system and interfere with your access. Close all windows and tabs first. Then open one fresh browser page and enter the presale. Avoid the temptation to open extra tabs – they can do more harm than good.
You’re Accessing from an Unsupported Device
Presales sometimes restrict access to desktop or mobile devices only due to technical limitations. Trying to enter a code on an unsupported device, such as a tablet, won’t work. Make sure you’re using the device specified in the presale instructions. Desktop and mobile experiences vary, so you need the right hardware.
You’re Restricted Due to Past Purchase Limits
If you’ve already reached the maximum number of tickets allowed across a certain time period, Ticketmaster may restrict you from purchasing more. This prevents resellers from hoarding tickets. Until the purchase limit resets, your codes will be declined. Contact Ticketmaster Support if you think you’ve been incorrectly restricted.
Conclusion
Troubleshooting an invalid presale code can be stressful, especially if you miss out on tickets. But don’t panic yet. Run through the potential reasons above to identify what went wrong. Confirm the details of the presale, double check your access steps, and remedy any issues. With persistence and care, many presale code problems can be fixed. Just make sure you act before that countdown clock hits zero!
Reason | Solution |
---|---|
Haven’t started yet | Wait for presale start time |
Wrong presale code | Use the correct code |
Case sensitivity | Match code case |
Entering in wrong place | Use presale code field |
Session expired | Hurry when purchasing |
Sold out | Join sooner next time |
Reusing single use code | Get a new code |
Technical issues | Contact support if it persists |
Wrong Ticketmaster website | Use correct country site |
Expired code | Use codes quickly |
Didn’t follow link process | Carefully follow all steps |
Wrong account | Log into correct account |
Wrong browser | Use specified browser |
Max tickets in cart | Empty cart first |
Incorrect payment | Update payment details |
Fake code | Only use trusted codes |
Multiple tabs open | Use only one tab |
Unsupported device | Use desktop or mobile |
Past purchase limit | Wait for limit reset |
Have a backup plan
Even if you follow all troubleshooting steps, presales are never guaranteed. Technical issues or high demand could still interfere. Have a backup plan in place in case you can’t get presale tickets:
- Know the general onsale date and time. Mark your calendar and set reminders.
- Follow the event and venue on social media for onsale announcements.
- Consider joining the artist’s fan club for early access.
- Save payment details ahead of time for a faster checkout.
- Download the Ticketmaster app which may work better than desktop.
- Connect with other fans to share tips and codes.
- Be ready on multiple devices at onsale time to boost your odds.
- Have a budget in mind in case you need to buy resale tickets.
- Be flexible about dates and seats if demand is high.
While presales are great, regular onsales are still a solid chance at tickets. With preparation and persistence, you can score seats even without a presale code. Don’t panic if you miss a presale – just pivot to the next ticket opportunity.
Contact Ticketmaster for assistance
If you can’t diagnose the issue with your presale code, reach out to Ticketmaster for help. Their customer support team can look into the specific code and account details to troubleshoot.
Call their helpline at +1 800-653-8000 (US) or +44 (0) 333-321-9990 (UK). Phone support is available 7am – 9pm CT, 7 days a week.
You can also contact them via email using their online contact form. Expect a response within a few hours.
When you reach out, have details like the code value, onsale date, event, and order number ready. With their expertise, many presale code problems can be resolved.
Use presales strategically
To avoid presale headaches in the future, use these strategies:
- Carefully read and bookmark presale details when announced.
- Double check code spelling and case before entry.
- Log into Ticketmaster account ahead of the presale.
- Make sure payment details are pre-saved for faster checkout.
- Close all tabs and apps before attempting entry.
- Type in codes manually instead of cut and paste.
- Save confirmation emails in case you need order numbers.
- Use a desktop computer instead of mobile if possible.
With proper diligence, technical issues can be avoided in the first place. routines to ensure a smooth presale ticket buying experience.
The Bottom Line
Frustration over an invalid presale code is understandable. But concertgoers shouldn’t despair if they encounter this issue. In most cases, there are fixes that can salvage the situation when acted upon quickly. Review the various reasons a code might not work, and methodically try solutions until tickets can be unlocked. With Ticketmaster’s help and strategic presale practices, fans can score seats even when problems arise.