Here the official instructions how to register your games: http://answers.ea.com/t5/The-Sims-3/Information-How-to-Register-The-Sims-3/td-p/387162/If your game is showing up on the MyGames tab in the Origin client, it's registered.I that doesn't work, here's a few things you can tryInvalid or Used Serial CodesIt seems that if you get the download version at Origin, your game is automatically added to your account at thesims3.com IF your accounts are connected. It just doesn't show up under registered games cause the icons are broken. Try redeeming your limited edition codes anyways (see below) and also log out and back in on thesims3.comMake sure you've typed the code correctly. 0 and O, B and 8 and 2 and Z look very similar, so try both variations if you're not sureIf you use the product code at Origin, try the one in the email instead if they are not the same or the other way roundContact Customer Support. If your code is indeed already used or invalid, only they can help you since they can look into your account. If you have proof of purchase, they can issue you a different one.Invalid Redemption CodesDo not attempt to redeem those codes at Origin. It will render them useless and you will need to contact Customer Support.This post lists all still valid links: How to redeem the limited edition content. You need to redeem the right code at the right page or it won't work.Contact Customer Support. If your code is indeed already used or invalid, only they can help you since they can look into your account. If you have proof of purchase, they can issue you a different one.The Game does not show up in Origin to downloadLog out of the Origin client and back inMake sure you're running the latest version of Origin.Try the steps described here: Purchased download not visible in OriginYou might need to wait a little longer. There are a lot of people trying to download the game which puts a lot of strain on the servers. I do not know how it works but if I were EA, I would restrict the number of simultaneous downloads and let the ones that pre-ordered early download first.If you got an email with your code but it's not showing up in Origin, try redeeming the code in the clientMonitor this thread for updates: The Sims 3 Seasons and Origin / not able to download pre-ordered SeasonsContact Customer Support. They might be quite busy thoughBuy the DVD next time. You can redeem that at Origin as well so you can start playing with the DVD and then when it's less busy, uninstall the EP and download from the Origin to get the download version.If you have more suggestions, please post them here.If non of the solutions work for you, please also post here, stating WHERE the code doesn't work. When trying to register on thesims3.com or on game installation ?------------------------------------Did this FAQ help you with your issue ? If so, please consider pressing the XP button

I received a code with only four sets of letters/numbers instead of five. Like this ****-****-****-****Both the website registration and the in game registration requires 5 sets. I think this is just an invalid serial code?

I have the codes after downloading a game from origin, but still not being recognised so that I can redeem at Sims 3. I am unable to log into Origin, its just hanging. Been like this for a week now. I will NOT be buying anymore games by EA until they start resolving their issue (and that includes all my Xmas presents, and one for me (Sims 3 Season). Maybe if all their customers hit them in their pocket by refusing to buy anymore games by them, it might kick their arses to sort out all the issues they seem to be having.

I have a problem with registration too. It seems as though my sims 3 account and origin account are linked but there have been some problems. It's recognised that I have sims 3 base and the ambitions pack however not the world adventures. Not only that but it wont allow me to manually register it as it comes up as 'invalid'. Alongside this I did not recieve the 1000 points for the base game, neither the bonus content for world adventures. I have no idea what else I can do as I've tried logging in and out and manually putting in the codes. I can't even contact EA either since they won't suppy an email address. Very frustrated.

I'm having the same issue. I received an email from EA stating that the Sims 3: Seasons and packages were available for download. I attempted to download Seasons last night- it got to the step of entering my product key and it kept telling me it was "invalid". So, I contacted EA last night.. given a new product key and yeah..still does not work. I was advised that maybe my payment had not gone through yet-but on my bank acct the money has already been taken out; and if it has not worked today then to contact them back. Well.. Now I'm just waiting. Hopefully, everyone's problem will get solved.

Try live chat. You'll need to change the country to US if it doesn't light up to be used.

crinrict

Hero+

14 years ago

[FAQ] Invalid and Used Serial Codes & Games not showing up in Origin

Here the official instructions how to register your games: http://answers.ea.com/t5/The-Sims-3/Information-How-to-Register-The-Sims-3/td-p/387162/

If your game is showing up on the MyGames tab in the Origin client, it's registered.

I that doesn't work, here's a few things you can try

Invalid or Used Serial Codes

It seems that if you get the download version at Origin, your game is automatically added to your account at thesims3.com IF your accounts are connected. It just doesn't show up under registered games cause the icons are broken. Try redeeming your limited edition codes anyways (see below) and also log out and back in on thesims3.com
Make sure you've typed the code correctly. 0 and O, B and 8 and 2 and Z look very similar, so try both variations if you're not sure
If you use the product code at Origin, try the one in the email instead if they are not the same or the other way round
Contact Customer Support. If your code is indeed already used or invalid, only they can help you since they can look into your account. If you have proof of purchase, they can issue you a different one.

Invalid Redemption Codes

Do not attempt to redeem those codes at Origin. It will render them useless and you will need to contact Customer Support.
This post lists all still valid links: How to redeem the limited edition content. You need to redeem the right code at the right page or it won't work.
Contact Customer Support. If your code is indeed already used or invalid, only they can help you since they can look into your account. If you have proof of purchase, they can issue you a different one.

The Game does not show up in Origin to download

Log out of the Origin client and back in
Make sure you're running the latest version of Origin.
Try the steps described here: Purchased download not visible in Origin
You might need to wait a little longer. There are a lot of people trying to download the game which puts a lot of strain on the servers. I do not know how it works but if I were EA, I would restrict the number of simultaneous downloads and let the ones that pre-ordered early download first.
If you got an email with your code but it's not showing up in Origin, try redeeming the code in the client
Monitor this thread for updates: The Sims 3 Seasons and Origin / not able to download pre-ordered Seasons
Contact Customer Support. They might be quite busy though
Buy the DVD next time. You can redeem that at Origin as well so you can start playing with the DVD and then when it's less busy, uninstall the EP and download from the Origin to get the download version.

If you have more suggestions, please post them here.

If non of the solutions work for you, please also post here, stating WHERE the code doesn't work. When trying to register on thesims3.com or on game installation ?

------------------------------------

Did this FAQ help you with your issue ? If so, please consider pressing the XP button

technical issues

95 Replies

rumbutter
Hero (Retired)
11 years ago
if the game was bought 2nd hand/used the code/s will be tied to the original persons account and are non transferable nor can they be re-registered to another account
ladyroxanne
11 years ago
i don't think the person even used it maybe they didn't know there was a website or maybe they didn't have internet
Anonymous
10 years ago
I just uninstalled all my Sims 3 (seven in all) because it kept crashing. Now, I'm trying to reinstall and it will not work. The install applicator comes on but it does not give me the option to place my CODE. It goes through all the steps but SKIPS where I'm suppose to place my unique CODE and goes straight to --> Typical or Custom and then to Install. It will INSTALL without the CODE but then it will not LAUNCH to play.
I've done all the requested instructions i.e. registry, cache, restart, reboot, etc. NOTHING WORKS! ☹️
What is a girl to do without her Sims? Please help!
Anonymous
10 years ago
I have the steam version and I keep trying to use my serial code and ive een copied and pasted but it still wont work I found it typed it in nope its not working plz I rlly want the pets expansion
Anonymous
9 years ago
I just bought this game after losing my old ones. I started a new EA and origins accounts and new Sims 3 account and bought the base game from Walmart. Sins website says the code is invalid and origins says code is not valid, please confirm that the code has been entered correctly.

It has been, I've tried a dozen times. It will not work. I just bought this game. Am I going to have to return this and get a new game.......again?!

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[FAQ] Invalid and Used Serial Codes & Games not showing up in Origin

95 Replies

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