EA App is non-functional - requesting refund
We all just need to stop supporting this awful company for a couple years and force them to improve.
#NoPreorders
I have spent the better part of two days in chat and forums with CS trying every solution available as well as all solutions I found here with no luck.
The last CS agent I spoke with tried to tell me I can play EA published games without the EA App functioning so their CS is really no help at the end of the day and doesn't know how their own products work. I have shared my transcript of the conversation below so it doesn't just look like I'm exaggerating.
They just crowdsource solutions from the forums and copy/paste into the chat.
The EA App is non-functional therefore none of my EA published games are playable, until this app is no longer required to play EA games purchased in other apps I will not be purchasing EA products and will actively be dissuading my viewers and fellow content creators from purchasing as well.
If anyone has found any solutions that aren't listed in the forums or the chat transcript please do reach out, I'd love for things to work, but my interaction with CS today has not given me high hopes.
In this context I am "G" and "MeDo E." is the CS agent
"Thank you for contacting EA HELP, my name is MeDo E., may I start with your first name please?
G (4/2/2025, 5:42:18 PM): First name Greg, this is my third ticket in 24 hrs as there is no option to reconnect to previous chats
G (4/2/2025, 5:42:39 PM): First case number: #207414632
G (4/2/2025, 5:43:02 PM): Second case number: #207453606
MeDo E. (4/2/2025, 5:43:08 PM): Hello Greg, good day and I hope you're doing well. Can you share some more details about your concern?
G (4/2/2025, 5:44:10 PM): I have tried everything suggested to me to resolve the non-function of the EA App, the last thing suggested was to go through boot processes and disable/enable programs individually to find the conflict that is keeping the EA App from starting.
G (4/2/2025, 5:44:44 PM): What I found is that it is the EA Background Services are what is keeping the app from working, but unfortunately the app requires those to function
MeDo E. (4/2/2025, 5:46:19 PM): Could you please provide me with a screenshot of the message you received while tryin to launch the EA app?
G (4/2/2025, 5:46:42 PM): I do not receive a message, the app just closes itself back down
G (4/2/2025, 5:47:27 PM): the process continues to run, but the app is not in the system tray only in task manager
MeDo E. (4/2/2025, 5:48:42 PM): Could you please share with me the game you're trying to launch?
G (4/2/2025, 5:49:35 PM): I'm not trying to launch a game, just the app
G (4/2/2025, 5:50:25 PM): I start the EA App and launch games through it since it's required even though I don't purchase anything through the EA App
MeDo E. (4/2/2025, 5:50:50 PM): In this case, I could tell that I fully understood the issue, I am currently doing my best to prepare some troubleshooting steps in order for to follow and hopefully ensuring with them will work, this will take some time, however I'll refresh you each 3-4 minutes.
G (4/2/2025, 5:51:54 PM): If those steps are restarting after uninstall and reinstalling with a fresh download; checking startup and system processes that may be conflicting; or clearing the cache they have all been suggested and none work
G (4/2/2025, 5:53:36 PM): the most recent suggested fix was a clean boot and testing conflicting processes and the conflicting process was "EA Background Services" if that was not running the app would start and not close itself down immediately
G (4/2/2025, 5:54:22 PM): nothing else had an effect on the function of the EA App besides "EA Background Services"
MeDo E. (4/2/2025, 5:54:22 PM): Thank you so much for your patience, Still working on it for you
MeDo E. (4/2/2025, 5:56:31 PM): Thank you for waiting! Could you please follow these steps:
1. Run EA App Without Background Services
. Try manually stopping EA Background Services before launching the EA App:
. Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc).
. Go to the Processes tab.
. Find EA Background Services and End Task.
. Immediately launch the EA App.
2. Check Windows Services
. Open Run (Win + R), type services.msc, and hit Enter.
. Look for EA Background Service.
. Right-click → Properties → Change Startup Type to Automatic (Delayed Start).
. Restart your PC and try launching again.
3. Check for Corrupt Windows Files
. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
. Run the following command:
sfc /scannow
Wait for the scan to complete and restart your PC.
4. Create a New Windows User Profile
. If there's a conflict with your current user account, try making a new Windows user profile and installing the EA App there.
5. Check Event Viewer for Errors
. Open Event Viewer (Win + X → Event Viewer).
. Go to Windows Logs → Application and look for EA-related errors.
This might give clues on what’s causing the issue.
6. Try Running in Compatibility Mode
. Right-click EA App → Properties → Compatibility tab.
. Enable Run this program in compatibility mode (try Windows 8 or 7).
. Check Run as Administrator and apply changes.
G (4/2/2025, 5:58:50 PM): When I manually stop the background services and restart the app it still crashes. I have tried the delayed boot option during my clean boot testing with no success. I ran a scan last night while I was asleep and found no corrupt files, I have also done a kernel-level restart of the machine to clear out temp files that might be causing conflict.
G (4/2/2025, 5:59:32 PM): My windows account would have nothing to do with the EA App, I should not have to migrate my windows account because of your poor programming.
MeDo E. (4/2/2025, 5:59:49 PM): Just to confirm Did you try all the steps i have provided?
MeDo E. (4/2/2025, 6:05:43 PM): Are we still connected?
G (4/2/2025, 6:06:12 PM): Yes we are, and I just finished trying the event viewer
G (4/2/2025, 6:06:32 PM): Event viewer doesn't show any events with EA App or any other EA service
MeDo E. (4/2/2025, 6:07:46 PM): Can you now Try Running in Compatibility Mode
. Right-click EA App → Properties → Compatibility tab.
. Enable Run this program in compatibility mode (try Windows 8 or 7).
. Check Run as Administrator and apply changes.
G (4/2/2025, 6:08:03 PM): I tried compatibility mode, it crashes
G (4/2/2025, 6:10:40 PM): I've tried all suggested solutions, nothing has resolved the issue
MeDo E. (4/2/2025, 6:11:43 PM): Thanks a lot for providing these details, Allow me some time while I work on the process please
G (4/2/2025, 6:13:53 PM): Thank you, how long should I allow since I'm quite literally losing money dealing with this? I've been dealing with this issue through chat for a total of around 5 hours now with no one being able to help me.
MeDo E. (4/2/2025, 6:15:18 PM): Thank you for waiting! Could you please try these steps:
1.Check for Missing or Corrupted Dependencies
App relies on specific system components that might be missing or broken.
A. Install/Repair Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables
Go to Apps & Features (Win + X → Apps & Features).
Find Microsoft Visual C++ 2015-2022 (x64 and x86).
Click Modify → Repair (for both versions).
If missing, download from Microsoft and install.
B. Install DirectX and .NET Framework
Download and install DirectX End-User Runtime (Download DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer from Official Microsoft Download Center).
Download and install .NET Framework 4.8 (Download .NET Framework | Free official downloads).
2. Check for System Conflicts
Even though EA App isn't showing errors in Event Viewer, some system settings could be blocking it.
A. Windows Security Blocking EA App?
Open Windows Security → App & Browser Control.
Click Exploit Protection Settings.
Set EAApp.exe to "Disable" for:
Control Flow Guard (CFG)
Data Execution Prevention (DEP)
Mandatory ASLR
B. Check Windows Services
Press Win + R, type:
Look for EA Background Service.
Right-click → Properties, set Startup type: Automatic.
Click Start (if it’s stopped).
3. Try Running EA App in a Virtual Machine (VM)
If it crashes on your main system, testing it in a Windows 10/11 VM can help confirm if it's a software issue.
Download Oracle VirtualBox or use Windows Sandbox (Windows Pro/Enterprise).
Install Windows 10/11 in a VM.
Install EA App and see if it runs properly.
If it works in the VM but not your main OS, something in your system configuration is blocking it.
4. Last Resort: Clean Install of Windows
If nothing works, the issue might be deep in Windows itself. Consider:
Backing up files (important documents, saves, etc.).
Doing a full Windows reset (Settings → System → Recovery → Reset this PC).
G (4/2/2025, 6:15:24 PM): but I can't leave the window or I have to start this all over, which I've done 3 times now
MeDo E. (4/2/2025, 6:18:04 PM): No worries, take your time!
MeDo E. (4/2/2025, 6:21:39 PM): Are we still connected?
G (4/2/2025, 6:21:47 PM): I have repaired the C++ Redist, and installed DirectX and the .net framework already, there were no issues. As previously stated I have disabled my firewall completely and allowed the EA app and related services through windows security. I tried testing with a VM last night and confirmed the issue is software related not Windows related.
MeDo E. (4/2/2025, 6:22:42 PM): Did you tried to restart your PC then launch the EA app?
G (4/2/2025, 6:24:53 PM): Yes
G (4/2/2025, 6:25:18 PM): I did all of that yesterday before or during contact with customer support
MeDo E. (4/2/2025, 6:25:33 PM): You still have the same issue?
G (4/2/2025, 6:26:13 PM): I also did a clean Win 11 install this morning while I got some rest
G (4/2/2025, 6:26:59 PM): Same issue, this is clearly a conflict with EA App and EA Background Service, not windows settings or files
MeDo E. (4/2/2025, 6:29:12 PM): I see, in this case I will kindly ask you to please report this as a bug https://help.ea.com/en/help/faq/report-problems-with-games-or-ea-account/\nAs this will make us aware of the issue and we will be able to take a closer look at it. We really appreciate your cooperation
G (4/2/2025, 6:30:19 PM): I would like to request a refund for all of my purchased titles that require your non-functional app to be played.
MeDo E. (4/2/2025, 6:31:09 PM): Can you share with me the E-mail related to the account experiencing the issue, please?
G (4/2/2025, 6:31:15 PM): Creating a bug report would be great, if your website worked
G (4/2/2025, 6:31:30 PM): EA Forums will not allow new accounts or sign-ins currently
G (4/2/2025, 6:31:49 PM): [edit: email address removed]
MeDo E. (4/2/2025, 6:32:01 PM): The link working you just need to click on this link: https://forums.ea.com/category/ea-forums-en
MeDo E. (4/2/2025, 6:32:19 PM): To validate the EA account, I've sent you a verification Email which contains a 6-digit code. Please share this code with me once you receive it.
G (4/2/2025, 6:32:20 PM): The link works, the website does not
G (4/2/2025, 6:32:42 PM): I cannot create a forum post without an account, and I cannot create an EA Forums account or sign in according to the webpage
G (4/2/2025, 6:33:42 PM): Code: 285427
G (4/2/2025, 6:34:26 PM): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZBDxNxOPcyRSf6EANw9_K1X76dGf6FY0/view?usp=sharing
MeDo E. (4/2/2025, 6:34:37 PM): Thank you so much!
G (4/2/2025, 6:34:47 PM): Photo of EA Forums page
MeDo E. (4/2/2025, 6:35:13 PM): After double check it for you. You didn't buy any games from the EA app. In this case you will need to contact the retailer.
G (4/2/2025, 6:35:51 PM): Steam is not the issue, EA is. You are not providing a service as advertised which is in violation of FTC standards and consumer protection laws
G (4/2/2025, 6:36:36 PM): You require that I use your app regardless of where the game is purchased, therefore you as a company are responsible if the product does not function as advertised
MeDo E. (4/2/2025, 6:37:05 PM): Please note that you will need to contact the retailer where you paid the money.
G (4/2/2025, 6:37:54 PM): No, you will refund the items purchased through steam because they do not function as they were sold to me, due to your company's product not working
G (4/2/2025, 6:38:30 PM): This is an issue with EA, not Steam. EA will resolve the issue as they are in violation of FTC standards and consumer protection in the USA.
G (4/2/2025, 6:39:10 PM): You product does not work as you have advertised it, I am owed a refund for this product as it is EA's responsibility to maintain the functionality of their products
G (4/2/2025, 6:40:15 PM): EA sells products through steam and generates revenue therein, therefore EA is fully capable of refunding through the steam store, just as they are capable of delisting games from the store
MeDo E. (4/2/2025, 6:40:20 PM): That's not correct. If you bought the game from EA app we will be able to help. In this case you will need to contact Steam support.
MeDo E. (4/2/2025, 6:40:22 PM): We appreciate your understanding. Is there anything else I can help you with today?
G (4/2/2025, 6:40:57 PM): I would like a refund of all games requiring the use of the non-functional EA app as it is EA's responsibility to maintain their products
G (4/2/2025, 6:41:33 PM): I was sold a product with the promise of playability by EA Games, these products are not playable due to the EA App
G (4/2/2025, 6:41:56 PM): Steam did not promise function, EA did by requiring the use of their app for the game to function
MeDo E. (4/2/2025, 6:42:21 PM): I want to share with you that you're able to play the game on Steam app normally. While you have been bought the games from Steam.
MeDo E. (4/2/2025, 6:42:23 PM): Is there anything else I can help you with today?
G (4/2/2025, 6:42:39 PM): I cannot play the game through steam without the EA App
G (4/2/2025, 6:43:10 PM): a quick google search will correct yo
G (4/2/2025, 6:43:32 PM): The EA App is required to play EA games regardless of where they are purchased
MeDo E. (4/2/2025, 6:44:04 PM): Okay and you have bought the game from Steam.
G (4/2/2025, 6:44:43 PM): Yes, but whether or not I buy the game through steam, the game is not playable without the EA App functioning, that is by EA's design
MeDo E. (4/2/2025, 6:45:38 PM): You can rest assured I'll document feedback in regards to this situation. Please do create a ticket through our EA Answers forum (EA app) page here: (https://forums.ea.com/category/ea-app-en/discussions/ea-app-general-discussion-en) to properly report this to the game studio and bring more visibility to it. By posting this, it will bring attention to us and anything else who is having the same issue so we will be aware and help in providing a solution. Thank you so much for your time and understanding, Is there's anything else you would like me to help you with for now? I will be more than happy to help you.
G (4/2/2025, 6:45:54 PM): The forums that don't work?
G (4/2/2025, 6:46:16 PM): We just went through this and I shared a photo showing that the forums are not a tenable solution to any current EA problem
G (4/2/2025, 6:47:11 PM): EA requires their app in order to play their games regardless of if they are purchased in the microsoft store, steam store, or epic store. Therefore EA is responsible if those games are inaccessible due to their program or application not working, as EA is the company that requires the app in order to play their games.
MeDo E. (4/2/2025, 6:48:20 PM): I understand this might not have turned out as you hoped, but please know I did my best to assist you at this very moment. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. If there’s nothing else for now, we'll wrap up this chat, but I'm always here to help whenever you need. Thank you for your understanding!
G (4/2/2025, 6:48:43 PM): My problem was not solved and I was offered no tenable solutions for the future.
G (4/2/2025, 6:48:53 PM): I need to speak with someone higher up please.
G (4/2/2025, 6:49:07 PM): I request transfer to a supervisor "
