Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesYes. Once The Sims 4 is installed and activated, you can play without an internet connection. For PC and Mac players using the EA app, first launch the game online and select Go offline in the app. EA’s current guidance says offline availability lasts 30 days from the game’s last online launch.
What you need to do before going offline
EA says an internet connection is required to activate The Sims 4, but that you do not need to be online to play once the game is installed. Set things up while connected so the game and any content you own are ready before you lose access to the internet.
- Install and update the base game. EA recommends having the base game installed and updated before installing packs.
- Install your owned packs. Download or install any packs you want to use, then check that they appear in the game. Confirm recent purchases while online, since newly bought content may not appear in the Marketplace until you reconnect.
- Launch the game online at least once. This is a prerequisite in EA’s current instructions for EA app offline mode.
- Choose Go offline in the EA app. The steps differ slightly on PC and Mac, as described below.
EA’s The Sims 4 FAQ covers activation and offline play. Its pack installation guide explains installing and managing packs.
How to put the EA app in offline mode
On PC
- Open the EA app while connected to the internet.
- Select the menu button with three horizontal lines in the top-left corner.
- Choose Go offline.
On Mac
- Open the EA app while connected to the internet.
- Open the Account menu.
- Choose Go offline.
EA’s current EA app offline-mode guidance says the game can work offline for 30 days after it was last launched online. If you close the EA app, it will automatically go online the next time it opens, so select offline mode again before playing without a connection.
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What works offline—and what does not
Offline mode is for playing the installed game, not for using its online services. You can continue playing locally, but features that require a connection will be unavailable or limited.
- Community Gallery: Online community features, including the Gallery, are not available without connectivity.
- Marketplace: EA says Marketplace use requires an internet connection. Offline, only My Collection is available; you cannot browse or buy Marketplace content.
- Recent purchases: A purchase made shortly before disconnecting may need a connection before it appears in the game.
See EA’s Marketplace guide for its online-access and My Collection details.
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Does offline play work on every platform?
EA’s FAQ states that an installed and activated game does not require an internet connection to play. The 30-day offline window and the steps above come from EA’s current guidance for the EA app. EA’s cited instructions do not establish the same window or procedure for every console, account state, or platform, so check the instructions for your platform rather than assuming the EA app rules apply to it.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Can you move your saves with a USB drive?
A USB drive is optional if you want to transfer save files between computers; it does not enable offline play. EA’s FAQ describes copying the saves folder to a flash drive or other portable storage and moving it to another computer. Keep a separate backup before moving or replacing save files.
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