Hero+

Re: Getting Sims 4 to Launch without Steam

@Jirachiking No, I meant unlink your EA and Steam accounts. This is a separate process:

https://help.ea.com/en/help/account/unlink-gaming-accounts-from-ea-account/

If the only reason you have linked accounts is for Sims 4, then there's no reason to relink them. If you do want the accounts linked for other games, you can do so after uninstalling the Steam version of Sims 4 and installing the EA App version.

Your saves and other user content are stored in Documents > Electronic Arts > The Sims 4. This folder should not be removed when you uninstall the game, but it's a good idea to make a backup copy anyway. You never know when you'll run into computer trouble, and having a backup means you won't lose everything. Ideally, you'd store the backup on an external drive, but a free cloud storage service like Google Drive would work too.

8 Replies

Jirachiking
2 years ago
Ok I'll try that then and make a backup first. I just really don't want to lose my dlcs I paid for 😅
puzzlezaddict
Hero+
2 years ago
@Jirachiking Anything you own in the EA App will still be available in the EA App after you reinstall. You said you didn't own anything in Steam, aside from the base game, so that shouldn't be an issue.
Jirachiking
2 years ago
I did it and tried to get it on the ap but now manage and download are my options instead of manage and play and the download button is gray and not click able
puzzlezaddict
Hero+
2 years ago
@Jirachiking Please clear the EA App's cache:

https://help.ea.com/en-us/help/faq/clear-cache-to-fix-problems-with-your-games/

and restart your computer.

If that doesn't help, contact EA customer support and ask that the Steam version of Sims 4 be removed from your account (just the base game, make that clear). To get the live chat option, try this link:

https://help.ea.com/en/help-contact-us/?product=the-sims-4&platform=&topic=missing-game&category=manage-my-account&subCategory=find-missing-game

Make sure you're signed into an EA site (this one is fine) before clicking the link and that the location in the lower-right corner of the browser window is set to U.S. or U.K.
Jirachiking
2 years ago
I also see that in the ea app library it says "an incompatible version of this game is installed on your device. Uninstall the steam version to launch." Could that be my issue?
Jirachiking
2 years ago
I Uninstalled from Steam and was able to launch the game but now my packs aren't showing up in game and it says they aren't installed. EA Help says it's an issue everyone is having right now but I was able to play before I unlinked my steam version
puzzlezaddict
Hero+
2 years ago
@Jirachiking You should be able to install your packs through your EA App game library: click Sims 4 and select Manage > Manage add-ons. If you see Download buttons, click them. If you see the packs listed as already installed, please run searches for two or three of your missing packs. Open a File Explorer window, click This PC in the left panel, and enter the folder name for one of the missing packs in the search field in the upper-right corner. This is the full list of packs:

https://sims4.crinrict.com/eng/extras-2/available-packs-dlc/

For example, if you're looking for Seasons, you'd search for EP05 . Wait for the search to finish, then make sure the full file path is showing under each result. If it's not, expand the window sideways as necessary. Take a screenshot using Windows key-shift-S and attach it to a reply here. Then repeat for one or two more packs.
Jirachiking
2 years ago
I actually got it to work after clearing the EA Launcher cache, then uninstalling then restarting my computer and then clearing the EA Launcher cache again and then I was finally able to install everything again. Thanks so for your help and suggestions!!