If you’re trying to launch The Sims 4 through Origin, use the EA app instead: EA says it replaced Origin as its main PC and Mac platform for downloading and launching the game. Sign in to the EA app, open your Library, select The Sims 4, and click Play.
Launch The Sims 4 if it is already installed
- Open the EA app and sign in to the EA Account associated with the game.
- Open Library and select The Sims 4. You can also search for the game in the app.
- Click Play.
EA’s current guide describes the EA app as the main PC/Mac route for downloading and launching The Sims 4: EA’s The Sims 4 download and installation guide.
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| 1 |
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The Sims 4 - Parenthood - Origin PC [Online Game Code] | $13.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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The Sims 4 - Vampires - Origin PC [Online Game Code] | $11.20 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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The Sims 4 - PC/Mac | $35.69 | Buy on Amazon |
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The Sims 4 Limited Edition PC / Mac | $54.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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The Sims 4 - Kids Room Stuff - Origin PC [Online Game Code] | $5.60 | Buy on Amazon |
Install The Sims 4 before launching it
- Open the EA app and sign in.
- Search for The Sims 4.
- On the game page, choose Download.
- Confirm the installation location and language, then follow the prompts to begin downloading.
- When installation finishes and Play appears, select it to start the game.
The Sims 4 base game became free to play on October 18, 2022, and EA lists the EA app, Steam, and Epic Games as PC/Mac download options. The steps above are for the EA app; Steam and Epic Games have their own launchers and interfaces.
What if you’re using a Mac or an old PC disc?
Mac requirement
EA says the EA app requires macOS Catalina or later. A Mac running an earlier macOS version does not meet that stated launcher requirement. See EA app download, installation, and update guidance.
The Tool Desk
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- Requires The Sims 4 & all game updates. For PC, see minimum system requirements for the pack.
- Develop Parenting Skills – Level up your Sim’s parenting skills to satisfy their child’s needs and influence their behaviors. Gain new abilities through experience and choosing when to discipline bad actions, encourage good behavior, or just let kids be kids.
- Shape Your Sim’s Childhood – The decisions you make influence how your Sim parents and leave a lasting impact on their child’s future. Each choice shapes their personality, affects their traits, influences their family relationships, and guides their path into adulthood.
- Gather your Sim’s family to participate in new activities and spend quality time with each other. Sims of all ages can work together to complete a variety of school projects, express their creativity using construction blocks, or volunteer their time for good.
- Customize your Sims’ looks and their home with new family fashion and build items. Give the kids’ bedrooms extra personality, remodel the kitchen to feel homier, and let your Sims express their sporty or artistic sides with new outfits.
Legacy PC disc
If you have a PC disc copy, EA’s guide says to insert the disc, follow the installation prompts, and enter the included product code if asked. For current PC/Mac EA-app instructions, use the download and installation guide linked above.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.If clicking Play does not work
The right troubleshooting steps depend on your device, launcher, and what happens after you click Play. Note whether you are using the EA app, Steam, or Epic Games; whether the game is installed; and any error message shown. Then use support guidance for that platform and symptom rather than applying a generic fix.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Requires The Sims 4 & all game updates. For PC, see minimum system requirements for the pack.
- Customize Kids Rooms – Build kids bedrooms that are both expressive and full of style. Excite your Sim’s imagination with colorful new furniture and themed decorations ranging from space robots to fun flower flourishes.
- Battle with Monsters – Collect and trade monster cards featuring your Sim’s favorite magical creatures. Use cards in the electronic battle station to bring them to life and challenge friends to a monster duel that’s sure to excite.
- Play with Puppets – With the all-new puppet theater and a bit of imagination, Sims can tell a variety of whimsical stories to entertain an audience of family and friends.
- Kids Fashion – Trendy yet playful kids clothing and hairstyles let Sims showcase their individual style, or highlight obsession with the latest tween heartthrob.
Rank #4
- Compatible with PC and Mac.
- We’ve designed the game to be a live service so that we can continually evolve The Sims 4 experience with exciting new features and content.
- Now with Pools and Ghosts: Pools and ghosts have arrived and are now included in The Sims 4 with the most recent updates.
- Exclusive Sims 4 Life of the Party Digital Content – Features the stunning Flaming Tiki Bar and spectacular party costumes
- 100% Good Quality
Rank #3
- 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
Rank #2
- Requires The Sims 4 & all game updates. For PC, see minimum system requirements for the pack.
- Create Vampires
- Unleash Supernatural Powers
- Escape to Forgotten Hollow
- Live the Immortal Life
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.
