You cannot transfer Ticketmaster tickets directly from Apple Wallet to someone else's device
Ticketmaster tickets stored in Apple Wallet are tied to the original purchaser's Apple ID and cannot be moved to another person's wallet through Apple's system. The ticket remains linked to your account even when it appears on your phone. If you need to give your ticket to someone else, you must use Ticketmaster's official transfer process instead — which removes the ticket from your wallet and sends it through Ticketmaster's system to the recipient.
This restriction exists because Ticketmaster uses ticket transfers to track ownership and prevent fraud. The person receiving your ticket will get their own version in their Ticketmaster account or Apple Wallet, but the transfer happens through Ticketmaster's servers, not through Apple's wallet system.
Key Takeaways
- Apple Wallet tickets cannot be shared by forwarding or copying — you must initiate a transfer through the Ticketmaster app or website.
- The ticket recipient needs a Ticketmaster account before you can send them a ticket, though they do not need to have Apple Wallet.
- Once you transfer a ticket, it disappears from your Apple Wallet and appears in the recipient's Ticketmaster account within a few minutes.
- Some events restrict how close to showtime you can transfer tickets, so check the event details before the deadline passes.
- The recipient can add the transferred ticket to their own Apple Wallet after receiving it in their Ticketmaster account.
How to transfer a Ticketmaster ticket through the app
Open the Ticketmaster app on your phone and go to your account. Find the event ticket you want to transfer and tap it. Look for a "Transfer" or "Send Ticket" button — the exact wording depends on your app version, but it will be near the top of the ticket details screen.
Tap the transfer button and enter the recipient's email address or phone number. Ticketmaster will search for their account. If they do not have a Ticketmaster account yet, you will see a prompt to send them an invitation to create one — they must complete this before the transfer can finish. Once you confirm the transfer, the ticket leaves your wallet immediately and Ticketmaster sends a notification to the recipient.
The recipient will see the ticket in their Ticketmaster account within a few minutes. They can then add it to their own Apple Wallet if they want, or display it directly from the Ticketmaster app at the venue.
Transferring through the Ticketmaster website
Log into your Ticketmaster account on a computer or mobile browser. Navigate to "My Events" or "My Tickets" — the section name varies by region. Find the event and click on the ticket you want to transfer.
Select "Transfer Ticket" from the options menu. You will be asked to enter the recipient's email address. Ticketmaster will check whether they have an account; if not, it will send them an invitation link. Complete the transfer and Ticketmaster will send the ticket to their account.
Transfers through the website work the same way as the app — the ticket moves out of your possession immediately and the recipient gets notified. They can add it to Apple Wallet once it arrives in their Ticketmaster account.
What happens to the ticket after you transfer it
Once the transfer completes, the ticket is no longer yours. It will disappear from your Apple Wallet and from your Ticketmaster account. The recipient becomes the official owner in Ticketmaster's system, which means they can transfer it again if they need to, and they are the one who can request a refund if the event is cancelled.
The recipient does not automatically get the ticket in Apple Wallet — they receive it in their Ticketmaster account first. From there, they can choose to add it to Apple Wallet by opening the ticket in the Ticketmaster app and selecting "Add to Apple Wallet" or a similar option. Some recipients prefer to keep tickets in the Ticketmaster app instead, which works just as well at the venue.
Transfer deadlines and restrictions
Ticketmaster sets transfer windows for most events — you can usually transfer tickets up until a certain time before the show, often 24 hours before doors open. Some high-demand events or seated venues have shorter windows. Check the event details in your Ticketmaster account to see the exact deadline for your ticket.
If you miss the transfer deadline, you cannot send the ticket to someone else through Ticketmaster's system. Your only option at that point is to bring the ticket holder to the venue yourself or contact Ticketmaster customer service to ask about exceptions — though they rarely grant them.
Some events also restrict the number of tickets you can transfer or require that you transfer to people outside your household. These rules vary by event and venue, so read the terms when you purchase.
If the recipient does not have a Ticketmaster account
When you initiate a transfer to someone without a Ticketmaster account, the system will send them an email or SMS invitation to create one. They need to click the link, set up their account, and confirm their email or phone number before the transfer completes. This usually takes a few minutes, but can take longer if they do not check their email right away.
You can resend the invitation if they do not receive it the first time. Once their account is active and confirmed, the ticket will move into their account automatically. Make sure you have their correct email address or phone number before you start the transfer, because sending it to the wrong contact means the ticket sits in limbo until they claim it or the transfer expires.
Troubleshooting a failed transfer
If a transfer does not go through, the most common reason is that the recipient's email address or phone number was entered incorrectly. The ticket will stay in your account and you can try again with the correct information.
If the recipient's account exists but the transfer still fails, they may have privacy settings that block incoming transfers, or their account may not be fully verified. Ask them to log into their Ticketmaster account and check their settings. They should also verify their email address if they have not already.
If you are past the transfer deadline or the system will not let you transfer for another reason, contact Ticketmaster support through the app or website. Explain your situation and they may be able to manually process the transfer or offer an alternative, though this is not may provide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer a ticket to someone who does not have Apple Wallet?
Yes. The recipient does not need Apple Wallet at all — they only need a Ticketmaster account. They can display the ticket from the Ticketmaster app at the venue instead. If they want to use Apple Wallet later, they can add it after the transfer completes and the ticket appears in their Ticketmaster account.
What if I transfer a ticket and then change my mind?
Once a transfer completes, you cannot undo it. The ticket belongs to the recipient. Your only option is to ask them to transfer it back to you, which they can do if the transfer window is still open. If the deadline has passed, contact Ticketmaster support and explain the situation — they may be able to help, but there is no may provide.
Do I need to remove the ticket from Apple Wallet before transferring it?
No. The transfer happens in the Ticketmaster system, not in Apple Wallet. You do not need to do anything to your wallet — just initiate the transfer through the Ticketmaster app or website and it will remove itself automatically.
Can the recipient transfer the ticket to someone else after I send it to them?
Yes, as long as the transfer window is still open. Once they receive the ticket in their Ticketmaster account, they can transfer it again using the same process you used. The transfer deadline applies to all owners, so if you are close to the cutoff time, let them know so they do not miss it.
What if the event is cancelled after I transfer the ticket?
The recipient becomes the owner and has the right to request a refund. Ticketmaster will contact them directly about refund options. You cannot request a refund once you have transferred the ticket, even if you paid for it originally.