Mobile Ticket Transfer Explained: How to Accept

What is mobile ticket transfer? It moves a ticket from one account to another inside the official ticketing system, such as Ticketmaster, AXS, or a team app. When you accept the transfer, a new barcode is issued to you and the sender's copy stops working. That is how many resale tickets are delivered, and why a screenshot of someone else's ticket will not get you in.

This guide covers how to accept a transfer on Ticketmaster and AXS, why tickets sometimes appear late, what to do if a transfer does not arrive, and how delivery works on TixBit. Steps were checked against each company's help pages on October 15, 2026. Never fees for buyers on TixBit.

How does mobile ticket transfer work?

The sender starts the transfer from their account and enters your name and email address or phone number.
You get a link by email or text, and on Ticketmaster also by WhatsApp.
You sign in or create an account with the ticketing company and accept the tickets.
A new barcode is issued to you. Ticketmaster says that once the recipient accepts, they are "issued a new barcode that only they can use," and the sender's tickets are no longer valid for entry. Ticketmaster: How does Ticket Transfer work?

AXS works the same way. Once an AXS Mobile ID transfer is complete, the original ticket is no longer valid. While a transfer is still pending, the sender can revoke it. AXS: Can I still use a ticket after I have transferred or shared it?

The TixBit glossary has a short definition of mobile transfer.

How do I accept a ticket transfer on Ticketmaster?

From an email: select Accept Tickets, then sign in or create an account. Ticketmaster says to use the same email address the tickets were sent to.
From a text or WhatsApp message: tap the sign-in link, then sign in or create an account.
Find the tickets under My Tickets. Season tickets or a ticket series may send you to the team or venue's own site.

Ticketmaster: How does Ticket Transfer work?

Ticketmaster also says that for your own security, "it's a good idea to know and trust the person transferring tickets to you." When you buy on a marketplace, the marketplace's guarantee is what backs that trust.

How do I accept an AXS Mobile ID transfer?

The recipient gets an email or text with a link to claim the tickets and, if needed, to install the AXS app. AXS Mobile ID tickets are shown in the app at the gate and cannot be printed for venue entry. AXS: How do I transfer AXS Mobile ID? AXS: Can I print my AXS Mobile ID ticket?

AXS says there is no limit on how many times a ticket can be transferred, so you can pass a ticket on to a friend after you accept it. AXS: How many times can an AXS Mobile ID ticket be transferred?

Why can't I see my tickets yet?

A late transfer is not always a problem. Common reasons:

The event organizer has not opened transfers. Ticketmaster says the event organizer decides when transfers are allowed and that transfer may become available closer to the event. Ticketmaster: Why can't I transfer my tickets?
Barcodes are released later. For Ticketmaster Mobile Entry tickets, you can access the barcodes three days before the event. Ticketmaster: How do I use Mobile Entry tickets?
Resale orders take time to post. Ticketmaster says resale tickets "may take up to 24 hours" to appear in your account. Ticketmaster: What ticket delivery options does Ticketmaster offer?
The transfer went to a different email or phone number. Check that the account you are signed into uses the email or number on your order.

Can I use a screenshot of a mobile ticket?

Usually not. Ticketmaster's moving barcode refreshes every 15 seconds, and Ticketmaster says "screenshots won't get you in." AXS says its Mobile ID QR code changes every few seconds. Ticketmaster's NFL page says screenshots and printouts will not be accepted for NFL games. Ticketmaster: Why do my tickets have a moving barcode? AXS: Can I share screen shots of digital tickets with friends? Ticketmaster: NFL Tickets: Everything you need to know

A seller who offers a screenshot instead of a transfer is a red flag. See our guide to avoiding ticket scams.

Should I add my tickets to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet?

Yes, when the ticketing app offers it. Ticketmaster recommends adding tickets to a mobile wallet so you can access them "even without internet connection," and suggests viewing tickets before you arrive because reception at venues can be limited. Ticketmaster: How do I use Mobile Entry tickets?

How does ticket delivery work on TixBit?

Delivery depends on the ticket type shown with the listing. Some tickets arrive electronically by email. Mobile-transfer tickets require you to accept a transfer in the venue's or primary ticketing platform's app. Your order email and the ticket status in your TixBit account show the delivery instructions and timing. The TixBit FAQ covers delivery questions.

Under the TixBit Guarantee, accept ticket transfers on time and use the delivery method shown in your order. Off-platform transfers may not be covered. If TixBit cannot fulfill an order, TixBit cancels it and refunds you.

What you see is what you get: TixBit listings show the section and seats you are buying. Real seats. Real sections. No phantom rows.

What if my ticket transfer never arrives?

Check the basics. Search your inbox and spam folder for the ticketing company's email, and confirm you are signed in with the email or phone number on your order.
Check the event's transfer timing. Transfers may open close to the event, as described above.
Contact the marketplace you bought from, not the seller directly. For a TixBit order, email support with your order number. For an event-day problem, contact TixBit as soon as it happens.
Do not accept a workaround such as a screenshot, a PDF for a mobile-only event, or a request to pay the seller outside the marketplace.

How do I send tickets to a friend?

On Ticketmaster, sign in, find your order in My Tickets, select Transfer, choose the tickets, and enter your friend's contact details. You may need to confirm a one-time code. Only the sender can cancel a transfer, and only before it is accepted. Ticketmaster: How does Ticket Transfer work?

On AXS, all transfers require a one-time passcode. Select the event, tap Transfer, choose the tickets, and enter the recipient's name and email address or phone number. AXS: How do I transfer AXS Mobile ID?

Once your friend accepts, your copy of that ticket no longer works.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a mobile ticket transfer take?

It depends on when the transfer is sent. The event organizer decides when transfers open, and Ticketmaster says resale orders can take up to 24 hours to appear in your account.

Do I need an account to accept transferred tickets?

Yes. Ticketmaster and AXS both require you to sign in or create an account to accept tickets, and some teams send you to their own ticketing site.

Can I still use a ticket after I transfer it?

Not after the transfer is accepted. Ticketmaster and AXS both say the sender's original ticket is no longer valid once the recipient accepts.

Why does my ticket barcode keep moving?

It is an anti-fraud feature. Ticketmaster's moving barcode refreshes every 15 seconds, so a screenshot or copy will not scan.

What does "will call" mean?

Will call means you pick up tickets at the venue box office. See the TixBit glossary entry for will call.

Does TixBit charge a delivery fee?

TixBit has no fees for buyers. The price you see is what you pay.

The bottom line

Accept your transfer as soon as it arrives, in the account that matches your order, and add the tickets to your phone's wallet before you leave. A real mobile ticket lives in your own account. A screenshot does not.

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Sources and review date

Reviewed October 15, 2026. Steps were read on each company's help center and may change by event or app version.