Set up access codes for ticket types
Access codes let you hide specific ticket types from public view. Only buyers with the code can see and purchase those tickets—useful for member-only presales, private offers, or exclusive pricing tiers.
How access codes work
When you add an access code to a ticket type, that ticket disappears from the public event page and calendar widget. Buyers see a "Have a code?" prompt instead. After entering the correct code, the hidden ticket type appears and they can purchase it.
Access codes are set per ticket type, not per event. This means you can have some ticket types public and others gated within the same event.
One access code per ticket type
Each ticket type supports exactly one access code. If you need different codes for the same offering—such as separate member and staff rates—create a separate ticket type for each code.
A ticket type can only carry one access code at a time. Use multiple ticket types if you need multiple codes.
Add an access code to a ticket type
Open your event in the Eventually dashboard.
Scroll to the ticket types section and select the ticket you want to gate.
Find the Access code field.
Enter an access code with at least 6 characters.
Save your event.
Leave the Access code field blank to make the ticket type publicly visible. This is the default setting for all new ticket types.
If an existing ticket type already has an access code shorter than 6 characters, you must replace it with a longer code before you can save changes to that ticket.
The helper text below the field reads: "Buyers must enter this code to see this ticket type. Use at least 6 characters."
Why won't my access code save?
Eventually requires all access codes to be at least 6 characters long. If you try to save a ticket type with a shorter code, you will see a validation error. Replace any existing code that is shorter than 6 characters before saving.
How buyers unlock tickets
On the public event page or calendar widget, buyers will see a "Have a code?" link near the ticket types section.
Buyers click "Have a code?"
They enter their code in the "Enter access code" field.
They click Apply.
If the code is correct, they see "Code accepted! Tickets unlocked." and the hidden ticket type appears in the ticket list. They can then select and purchase it like any other ticket.
Error messages
Buyers may see these messages when entering an incorrect code:
"This ticket is not currently available." — The code doesn't match any gated ticket type for this event.
"Something went wrong. Please try again." — A temporary error occurred. Buyers should retry.
"Too many attempts. Try again in a few minutes." — The buyer made multiple incorrect attempts in a short time.
Use cases for access codes
Member presales — Send a code to your members or newsletter subscribers before public ticket sales open.
VIP pricing — Offer discounted ticket types to a select group without advertising the price publicly.
Private events — Create a hidden ticket type for invite-only attendees while keeping a public registration option for waitlist or overflow.
Staff and comp tickets — Reserve ticket types for staff, press, or complimentary guests.
Share access codes carefully
Access codes are not unique per buyer. Anyone with the code can unlock the ticket type. If you need per-person validation—for example, assigning unique codes to each member—consider using a separate private event or a different approach.
Related guides
Quick start guide — Overview of event setup and checkout
Set up your calendar widget — How the calendar widget displays events