Re: Unable to start: The Sims 4 is already running - Mac only

I'm seeing that this question has been asked since 2013 and even up to 2016. The only answers posted are for windows 10 - well I'm not using windows I'm using a Mac so the quick fix for everyone else hasn't worked for me.

I've erased my mod folder and there is no cache to clean. I just wanted to play a game I've been playing since I was a child.

Unable to start:

The Sims™ 4 is already running.

[ed35e0ea:29f00e76:00000000:18a1dd51]

@mlkhny

The Sims 4 was released for Mac in February 2015 so any threads before then relate to Sims 3. That issue is due to unsupported graphics cards as Sims 3 is not compatible on post-2013 Macs without editing some game files.

Are you having issues with Sims 3 or Sims 4? Have you tried quitting the game process in Activity Monitor?

@mlkhny

That's great that you fixed it and it would help others if you could post on here what you did to fix it. This site is players helping players 🙂

Hello 

I'm having the same problem as you had, and therefore I would really like to know how you fixed your problem? 

hi!?i got the same problem too..it is so frustrating..have you solve the problem yet?

can you please let me know how you fixed this?? I'm on mac and i too can't seem to find a solution its driving me nuts!!!

TIA

@jacintaleee

Can you open Activity Monitor, select the Sims 4 and then click on the grey X in the top left corner (not the red X) to quit the process?

@mlkhny @munkjohanne @jacintaleee @AlDanDylan

The Sims 4 folder in Documents > Electronic Arts can be newly created by simply moving the current one to the desktop. The game will automatically generate a new one with default settings and no saves/CC/Tray/Mods etc. which could be corrupted/incompatible. It's the first trouble shooting step in the help thread 🙂

@Munteax

Are you playing in Windows on your Mac? Or in macOS? Please can you provide more information about your Mac. Instructions on how to do so here - http://answers.ea.com/t5/The-Sims-Mac/READ-FIRST-Sims-4-Mac-Help-Guides-and-Troubleshooting/m-p/4612396/highlight/true#M162

Can you please run the Origin reset tool. If it still doesn't work try this:

1. In your Applications folder right click on the Sims 4 app and select Show Package Contents.
2. Navigate to Contents > Mac OS.
3. Right click on The Sims 4 and select Move to Trash. Don't drag the file as it will only move an alias and leave the original in place. If there is another file in the folder, The Sims 4.par, leave it alone.
4. Now open Origin, click on The Sims 4 in your Games Library and click on Download.

Playing in macOS. 

I have a MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2017, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports) which i believe meets the requirements for the game. I have already reset origin once before, which did not help, and I cannot find the sims 4 under applications. I just reinstalled the Sims 4 and still cannot find it under applications.

I need help! I have tried everything including speaking to EA for hours and i am still getting this message.

Can you please help me?

@sarisastar @brittannie27

1. Have you moved your Sims 4 folder to the Desktop and tried launching a new clean game?
2. Have you repaired the game in Origin?
3. Have you set up a new user account on your Mac and tried to play in that?

Please also provide FULL details about your Mac and games - http://answers.ea.com/t5/The-Sims-Mac/READ-FIRST-Sims-4-Mac-Help-Guides-and-Troubleshooting/m-p/4612396/highlight/true#M162

hI

I'm replying to your topic because i'm experiencing the very same problem you did.

the sims 4 won't launch and it displays the error message "game is already launched" and same error code (see attached file)

Can you please tell me what you did to fix it?

I tried calling EA but they just told me to wait, that they can't do anything to help me.

thank you for reading,

best regards

Steven

@AudeMeledje

Have you tried the suggestions in my post above?

The entire Sims 4 must be moved to your Desktop, not just the Mods folder found within. I have seen several posts lately that say "Well, I moved my Mods folder" thinking that will disable the Mods. No, it doesn't work that way. The entire Sims 4 folder (found Documents > Electronic Arts > Sims 4) must be moved. At this time DO NOT DELETE IT! This is where your saved games, saved sims, CC, mods, and screenshots are stored. 

Moving this folder allows for the game to create a new folder as something in the old one may have become corrupted and needs to be cleaned out. 

I need help. I've done a poop ton to to avoid deleting the sims yet again. I had trouble on my old mac and had to delete my whole game. 

@Bluebellflora your solution worked for me! thank you so much <3 

I know it is 2 years later but I have just experienced this problem and need some help 😕

So, I know I'm super late.... but I've been having this same problem for a week now.

I just found a way to fix it and not lose any of your data! So for future reference....

         1) go to your finder and your document. There should be a folder labeled Electronic Arts.

         2) go in that folder and find your folder labeled Sims 4. Inside this folder you'll find your mods, downloads, cache, and another folder labeled saves.

         3) drag the entire electronic arts folder to your trash.

         4) Now in your finder that folder should have been replaced with another, go in to where you find the Sims 4 folder in your finder

         5) Now open your trash and go into where you find the saves folder again

         6) Lastly, drag your saves folder from the trash to replace the one in your new Sims 4 folder.

You have now fixed the problem AND kept all your data.