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To manually update The Sims 4, open the launcher or console download controls where you installed it and check the game’s download or update status. In the EA app, go to Library and select The Sims 4 to open its Game Hub. On console, use Xbox or PlayStation’s game download controls. After a patch, check that your mods and custom content are compatible before playing.
Manually check for an update in the EA app
- Open the EA app and select Library.
- Select The Sims 4 to open its Game Hub, where EA directs players to download a game and find information about it. Check the game’s update or download status there and start the update if it is offered. See EA’s EA app game help.
- If the app says, “An update is required to launch this game. Visit the Game Hub to begin your update,” close any running Sims 4 process, then return to the Game Hub and try again. On PC, close it in Task Manager; on Mac, use Force Quit.
Turn on automatic updates for future patches
In the EA app, open Application settings on PC or Settings from the app menu on Mac. Select Download and enable Update games automatically. To let queued downloads continue when the app is closed, also enable Enable background downloads. These settings are optional; they are not required to update the game manually.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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The Sims 4 - PC/Mac | $35.69 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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The Sims 4 - Xbox One | $27.24 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Goliath The Sims Board Game | Family Strategy Game | Craft Your Story, Collect Matching SIMbols |... | $10.62 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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The Sims 4 (PS4) (Renewed) | $24.91 | Buy on Amazon |
Check updates through Steam or Epic Games Store
If you installed The Sims 4 through Steam or Epic Games Store, check its update or download status in that storefront’s Library or downloads area. The exact current button sequence for manually starting an update in either storefront is not established here, so use the controls displayed by your installed version rather than relying on a specific menu path. EA notes that a Steam-purchased EA game may require the EA app to launch; a game purchased through the EA app cannot be transferred to Steam. See EA’s EA app game help.
Restart or reinstall a stuck console update
The Sims 4 console edition is separate from PC and Mac. Digital copies normally install once their download completes. If an installation is stuck or fails, EA advises removing partially installed game files and downloading or installing the game again.
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#1 Best Overall
- Create unique sims: A variety of sims are yours to personalize, each with distinct appearances, dynamic personalities, and inspiring aspirations
- Build the perfect home: Construct the home of your, and their dreams by planning its layout, choosing furnishings, and altering the landscape and terrain
- Explore vibrant worlds: Travel between locations, discover amazing and distinctive neighborhoods, and encounter captivating venues
- Play with life: Control the rich and entertaining moments of your Sims’ lives from their relationships to their careers
Xbox
- Open Download History.
- Select The Sims 4, open its menu, and choose Install.
- Afterward, restart the game or console so the system can check for game updates.
PlayStation
- Open Notifications > Downloads.
- Find The Sims 4, press Options, and choose Install.
- Afterward, restart the game or console so the system can check for game updates.
See EA’s console setup and download guidance.
If an EA app download will not start or finish
For an EA app download problem, EA lists clearing the app cache, temporarily disconnecting unnecessary network devices, trying a wired connection, and checking firewall or antivirus access as troubleshooting options. These are general download fixes, not steps every player needs for a routine update. Start with the Game Hub; try these options if the download remains stuck.
Check mods and custom content after updating
Before resuming play with mods or custom content, check whether the files are compatible with the installed patch. The Sims 4 Team’s September 22, 2026 update notes say outdated mod files contributed to its top automated crash report and recommend the Mods & Game Updates Guide on the EA Forums. This is a reason to check compatibility after a patch, not evidence that every mod breaks with every update.
Rank #2
- Create a variety of unique sims with distinct appearances, big personalities, and all new emotions
- Construct the home of your dreams by designing its layout, choosing its furnishings, and altering the landscape
- Explore vibrant worlds: Travel between worlds, explore unique neighborhoods, and discover interesting venues
- Play with life: Control the rich and entertaining moments of your Sims' lives from their relationships to their Career
Which version should you see?
Version numbers depend on platform and change as patches are released. EA’s September 22, 2026 patch notes list PC 1.128.90.1030, Mac 1.128.90.1230, and console 2.39. Treat those as a date-stamped reference, not a permanent current-version check; compare your game with the latest platform-specific notes in EA’s The Sims 4 news and updates.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Create Unique Sims - Create a variety of unique Sims with distinct appearances, big personalities, and all-new emotions. Sculpt your Sims' body shape using the powerful new Create A Sim tool then choose their hairstyles, walk-styles, and fashions. Give their lives purpose by selecting their traits and aspirations that give you control over their mind, body, and heart
- Build the Perfect Home - Effortlessly build and design homes for your Sims using the new room-based Build Mode. Construct the home of your dreams by designing its layout, choosing its furnishings, and altering the landscape. You can even add a pool or basement
- Explore Vibrant Worlds - Travel between worlds, explore unique neighbourhoods, and discover interesting venues. Your Sims can visit new communities to expand their social circle, hangout with friends in parks, or find and collect fun new objects
- Play with Life - Control the rich and entertaining moments of your Sims' lives from their relationships to their careers. Your choices shape every aspect of their lives from birth, to being a toddler, and into adulthood. Develop your Sims' skills and pursue new hobbies.
Rank #3
- PLAY WITH LIFE, IN REAL LIFE: Dive into the neighborhood, meet iconic Sims, and fulfill your life’s aspirations like never before!
- A NEW WAY TO PLAY SIMS: Gather up to 5 players as you each craft your own story while collecting matching SIMbols along the way in this family strategy game
- EVERY GAME, A NEW STORY: Embark on an entirely new journey each time you play while encountering unexpected surprises at every turn — what will your life look like?
- ICONIC DETAILS FOR FANS: Ideal for play and display, featuring iconic artwork, nostalgic touches, plumbob movers, interaction dice, and a needs tracker familiar to fans
- MAIN CHARACTERS WANTED: Recommended for 2-5 players, ages 12 and up
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
