Restrict Ticket Access in SimpleTix
Learn how to control who can purchase tickets using password protection or email domain restrictions while keeping event details public.
Restrict Ticket Access is a powerful feature that lets organizers control who can buy tickets to an event, while still displaying public information (date, time, location). Whether you need a pre-sale, alumni gathering, donor event, or private staff function, this feature helps you keep ticketing secure and exclusive.
You can choose between two restriction methods:
- Password Protection: Set one password that attendees must enter before viewing ticket options
- Email Domain Restrictions: Specify up to five domains (e.g., @company.com or @university.edu). Only email addresses matching those domains can complete a purchase
Your event page remains visible to everyone, showing all the standard information. Only the ticket purchasing section requires authentication. Admins can turn restrictions on or off or switch between password vs. domain protection at any time with changes taking effect immediately.
This feature can be combined with individual password-protected tickets for additional layers of security.
Use Cases
Pre-Sales
Offer early-bird access only to newsletter subscribers who know the password.
Alumni/Donor Events
Share password or domain list with alumni or major donors to restrict access.
Private Staff/Student Events
Ensure only on-campus staff (e.g., @school.edu emails) can buy tickets.
VIP or Sponsor-Only Access
Limit access to partners by adding their corporate email domains.
Setting Up Restrict Ticket Access
Step 1: Log In to the Manager Portal
- Access Your Account:
- Go to Manager Portal and sign in with your organizer account.
- From the dashboard, select the event you want to secure.
Step 2: Find the Restriction Settings
- Navigate to Event Details:
- In the left-hand menu of your event, click Event Details.
- Scroll down until you see the Restrict Event Access section.
Step 3: Enable Restriction
-
Toggle Protection:
- Toggle Restrict Event Access to ON.
-
Choose your restriction type:
Password Protection:
- Select Password Protection
- Enter your desired password in the field provided
Email Domain Restrictions:
- Select Email Domain Restrictions
- Add up to five domains (e.g., @school.edu)
- Press Enter or click the + icon after each domain
-
Save Settings:
- Click Save to apply your restrictions.
Step 4: Test Your Restriction
-
Test the Flow:
- Open your event’s public page in a private/incognito window.
- Verify that the ticket-purchase section prompts for a password or requires an allowed email address.
-
Verify Domain Restrictions:
- If using domain restriction, try signing in with an unauthorized email to confirm it’s blocked.
- Then test with an authorized domain to ensure it works.
Step 5: Update or Remove Restrictions
- Make Changes:
- Return to Event Details → Restrict Event Access anytime.
- To switch from Password to Email Domain (or vice versa), simply select the other option and save.
- To disable restrictions altogether, toggle Restrict Event Access OFF and click Save.
Managing Restrictions
Viewing Current Settings
In Event Details, you’ll see whether Password Protection or Email Domain Restrictions is active, and the associated password or domains listed.
Editing a Password
- Update Password:
- Click on Password Protection.
- Overwrite the existing password with a new one.
- Click Save.
All future buyers will need the new password immediately after saving.
Adding/Removing Domains
- Manage Domain List:
- Under Email Domain Restrictions, click the “x” next to a domain to remove it.
- To add a domain, type it in and hit Enter.
- Click Save to apply changes.
Switching Restriction Type
- Change Protection Method:
- Toggling from Password to Email Domain (or vice versa) automatically removes the previous setting.
- Select the new type, configure it, and click Save.
How Buyers Experience Restrictions
Customer Journey
-
Event Discovery:
- Visitor lands on the public event page.
- They see date, time, location, and ticket types—then click Buy Tickets.
-
Verification Required:
Password Protection:
- A password prompt appears
- They must enter the correct password to unlock ticket options
Email Domain Restrictions:
- They must sign in or register with an email matching one of your approved domains
- If it doesn’t match, they cannot proceed
-
Purchase Flow:
- After verification, ticket options appear.
- They select tickets and complete checkout as usual.
Best Practices
Clear Instructions
In your event description or emails to attendees, let people know they’ll need a password or must register with an approved email domain.
Use Unique Passwords
Choose a password that’s easy to share with the intended group but hard for outsiders to guess.
Maintain Domain Lists
Periodically review your allowed domains if your audience changes. Remove outdated or irrelevant domains to keep access tight.
Plan for Changes
If you anticipate opening ticketing to a broader audience later, schedule a reminder to disable or update restrictions before that date.
Communication Is Key
Share specific instructions (password or domains) in your marketing emails and social posts so guests know exactly how to access tickets.
Combine with Promo Codes
For extra exclusivity, you can still use promo or discount codes in tandem with restrictions—buyers will need both to unlock certain discounted ticket types.
Troubleshooting
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
See Also
Learn about other advanced event configuration options.