There always seems to be some confusion over how to open the cheat console on a Mac because Mac users normally substitute the CMD key for the CTRL key in everyday Mac usage (CMD + C, CMD + V for copying and pasting for example). In Sims 4 however this is not the case. To open the cheat console when playing the game in macOS you use CTRL, Shift and C. It has always been this combination in Sims 4, never the CMD key. There are a few, limited exceptions to this which are dependant on Mac configuration and NOT the game controls: if the modifier keys have been changed from the default setting in System Preferences/Settings > Keyboard. Apple help page here. If other 3rd party apps installed on the Mac interfere with the default keyboard settings such as video or screen capture software. if the Input Source in System Preferences > Keyboard has been changed from the default language settings. broken CTRL key(s) System Settings > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts for changing modifier keys: Windows users, see this thread [READ FIRST] Cheat console doesn't open

@little_tati898 It's not Command, it's CTRL, Shift and C.

@chrissyforeverr CTRL, Shift and C, not the Command key, unless you've changed the keyboard options on your Mac.

Hold down the Control key, the letter C key and the Shift key at the same time. This will bring up the cheat code box in the upper left hand corner. From there you can enter the cheat commands. To exit the Cheat box, hold down the same keys to close it.

@Kathykins MacOS doesn't have an AMD interface like Windows. It is a completely different operating system.

Using the cheat console is exactly the same on a Mac as it is in Windows. Hold down CTRL, Shift and C. Whereas we normally substitute the CMD key for the CTRL key, this is not the case in The Sims 4 (or The Sims 3). If this is not working for you check your keyboard configuration in System Preferences, have you changed it in the past? Have you changed something in System Preferences > Accessibility > Keyboard? Have you changed the Modifier keys? The cheat console is coded into the game, there is no reason why it shouldn't work unless the user has changed some settings or has software installed which may be conflicting with the keyboard settings. Check whether your CTRL key is faulty or broken. If all else fails: Try plugging in or bluetoothing another keyboard to your Mac. You may have a broken CTRL key(s). Check for 3rd party software that has changed the keyboard mapping, e.g. - screenshot software or video capture software. 3rd party software that is conflicting with the game. Close down any other apps that are running. User changes to the modifer keys in System Preferences. Has someone used your Mac under your user account and changed something without you knowing? Go into System Preferences > Keyboard > Modifier Keys and set another key as the CTRL key The Input Source in System Preferences > Keyboard has been changed to a different language. You could also try adding another language to see if this resolves the issue. You can also find this information in the Sims 4 stickied help thread at the top of this Mac forum. It is exactly the same for Sims 3. @weezlemarshall For help with the Gallery please see this FAQ - http://help.ea.com/uk/article/the-sims-4-gallery/

Forum Discussion

Bluebellflora

Hero+

4 years ago

🛠️ Opening the Sims 4 cheat console on Mac

There always seems to be some confusion over how to open the cheat console on a Mac because Mac users normally substitute the CMD key for the CTRL key in everyday Mac usage (CMD + C, CMD + V for copying and pasting for example). In Sims 4 however this is not the case.

To open the cheat console when playing the game in macOS you use CTRL, Shift and C. It has always been this combination in Sims 4, never the CMD key.

There are a few, limited exceptions to this which are dependant on Mac configuration and NOT the game controls:

if the modifier keys have been changed from the default setting in System Preferences/Settings > Keyboard. Apple help page here.
If other 3rd party apps installed on the Mac interfere with the default keyboard settings such as video or screen capture software.
if the Input Source in System Preferences > Keyboard has been changed from the default language settings.
broken CTRL key(s)

System Settings > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts for changing modifier keys:

Windows users, see this thread [READ FIRST] Cheat console doesn't open

mac

188 Replies

Bluebellflora
Hero+
2 years ago
@cnu5y0n5zgnj

See the opening post on page 1. You're not using the correct key combination.
cnu5y0n5zgnj
2 years ago
are these not the correct key combinations? i press them at the same time but the testingcheats true bar doesn’t show up it just switches through each person in the family, it’s worked many times before just recently when i’ve started to use the buttons for other applications on my mac it just hasn’t been working. is there something in my settings i need to change prehaps?
Bluebellflora
Hero+
2 years ago
@cnu5y0n5zgnj

Please read the opening post on page one, as directed.
rayannnicole
Newcomer
11 months ago
I'm currently running into this issue. No combinations seem to be working and I even changed my Mac's screenshot settings. It's the in-game screenshot setting I think.
Bluebellflora
Hero+
11 months ago
rayannnicole

If it were the in-game screenshotting causing your issue it would be affecting all Mac users, which it isn't.

What key combination are you using?

please post a screenshot showing your modifier keys setup
MaMa2littles
Seasoned Newcomer
9 months ago
So I know I’ve seen plenty of discussions and I feel I have tried everything. Please don’t judge me but I truly am at at a loss to getting my cheats screen to pull up or anything. can someone help me with a step by step to figures out what the issue could be?? Thank you!
MaMa2littles
Seasoned Newcomer
9 months ago
I was able to pull the bar up. But now it’s not doing anything. It’s now allowing anything to happen cheats wise
heyheyhey1989
Newcomer
8 months ago
when i try and open my cheats bar, it just shows me a popup on the side of my screen about screen captures. i used to be able to open it but when sims updated i couldn't anymore. i usually use command+shift+c but its not working does anyone know how to fix this?