Secondhand copy of the sims 3
I just purchased a copy of the sims 3 plus seasons second hand and I have the code for both, I tried to register the codes through this website and it says they are invalid. I don't want to have to r...
Forum Discussion
If you bought it second hand, then the key has been used by the original owner, unless it was still sealed?
i also bought a secondhand copy that was unsealed. Is there any other way of accessing the game ?
What’s Actually Happening
When you buy a secondhand physical copy of The Sims 3 (base game or expansions), the CD key that comes in the box is one-time-use only.
Once it’s been redeemed on Origin (now the EA App) or on The Sims 3 website, it’s permanently linked to the original owner’s EA account.
That means:
Even if you own the disc, you can’t re-register or reuse that key — EA’s system will always reject it as “already used” or “invalid.”
Unfortunately, EA never reissued or reset Sims 3 serials when the Origin/EA App system took over. So that code is effectively tied to someone else forever.
Your Options
1. If you still want to play from disc (offline)You can still install and play directly from the disc, without registering online, as long as:
You install the base game from the DVD.
You patch manually using the Super Patcher (still available on EA’s help site).
You launch the game through the old TS3W.exe file rather than the EA App.
This works fine if you’re okay staying offline (no Exchange, no in-game store, no online login).
You still get full gameplay — all expansions and worlds work locally.I can show you the safe EA-hosted link for the Super Patcher if you want to go that route.
2. If you want it linked to your EA App account
You’ll need to own a valid unused key.
Since EA no longer sells discs, the cheapest legit path is usually:Buy The Sims 3 Starter Pack or The Sims 3 Plus Seasons directly through the EA App, Steam, or a trusted key retailer (Humble Bundle, Green Man Gaming, https://www.loaded.com/cdkeys-deals#q=the%20sims%203 has it for £2.99, I have used them for over 12 years, Then redeem through the EA App, and never use disc again, That version automatically registers and updates through EA App, these are suggestive routes only, or you can obviously buy from the EA App store.
3. Try EA Help (but be realistic)
You can contact help.ea.com
→ “The Sims 3” → “Codes and Registration.”
If you:Upload a photo of your disc + the printed serial,
And explain that you bought it secondhand but the key is used,
…sometimes they’ll issue a one-time replacement code if they can confirm proof of purchase and the old key is inactive (rare, but worth trying).
Otherwise, they’ll tell you the key is non-transferable.
