Re: [READ FIRST] Sims 4 - Mac Help, Guides and Troubleshooting

Symptoms:

• Game not loading such as:
  • game app bouncing in Dock then disappearing
  • stuck on game loading screen before or after main menu
  • black game screen
• Frequent crashing such as:
  • during the intro screen before the main menu
  • during gameplay
  • after updating the game
• In-game performance and graphics issues

Read these instructions - [INSTRUCTIONS] How to troubleshoot and test a broken game | EA Forums - 11864548 

Mac specific Bugs:

Please see this separate thread for a compiled list of Mac specific bugs - https://answers.ea.com/t5/Technical-Issues-Mac/Compiled-list-of-Mac-specific-issues/m-p/9346384#M36711

CC, Mods and Patching:

• For clear instructions on how to install CC and Mods on a Mac, read itsaprilXD's excellent guide. Remember that installing Mods and CC into your game is done entirely at your own risk. They must be moved out of your Mods folder before patching. Once patched check with the creator that the Mods/CC are compatible with the latest patch before putting them back into your game.

• Troubleshooting steps for custom content not showing up in-game can be found here.

• Read @Tremayne4260's suggestions here on what to do before patching.

• Removing all characters from CC filenames will improve game performance. You can manually edit them or download my Automator workflow or App to do it automatically.

• Turn off automatic updates in EA App - EA App > Settings > Download. This is especially important if you are using Mods in your game. Make sure you don't have EA App set to launch when starting up your Mac

• For help with CC and Mods in the game head over to the Mods/CC forum - https://answers.ea.com/t5/Mods-CC-Issues/bd-p/the-sims-4-game-issues-mods-en

Using the cheat console:

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 > Keyboard > Modifier Keys and Input Sources. 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.

Further information here https://answers.ea.com/t5/Technical-Issues-Mac/-Opening-the-Sims-4-cheat-console-on-Mac/m-p/12043321#M53238

Graphics issues

If you have upped your graphics settings in game and are now having problems loading your game simply navigate to Documents > Electronic Arts > The Sims 4 and trash the Options.ini file. The game will recreate a new one and reset your graphics options to default settings.