How do mobile tickets work at concerts?
Getting and using mobile tickets
When you buy a mobile ticket, it's delivered to your account on a ticketing app like Ticketmaster, AXS, or SeatGeek. You may need to log in to view it.
At the venue, open the app and pull up the ticket. The barcode often refreshes every few seconds to prevent screenshots. Hold your phone under the scanner to get in.
Some tickets can be added to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet for easy access. This works even if you don't have cell service, as long as you've added it beforehand.
Transferring and managing mobile tickets
If you can't attend, you can usually transfer a mobile ticket to someone else through the app. The recipient gets their own barcode, and yours stops working.
You can also sell mobile tickets on the platform's resale marketplace. The ticket is transferred automatically to the buyer when the sale is complete.
If your phone dies, you're stuck. Some venues have charging stations or can look up your order at the box office, but it's best to bring a portable charger.
Common mistakes
- Taking a screenshot of the barcode—many venues use rotating barcodes that won't work from a screenshot.
- Waiting until you're at the gate to log in; cell service can be spotty, so open your tickets before you arrive.
- Assuming you can use a mobile ticket on someone else's phone without transferring it; the barcode is tied to your account and may not scan if it's not transferred.
