[32-bit] Sims 3 - Mac Help, Guides and Troubleshooting
The Sims 3 is no longer updated to support macOS or the hardware Apple have used since 2013. Consequently this can result in a lot of issues when trying to get the game to work. Below you'll find various troubleshooting steps and links to all known issues and, where applicable, a workaround or potential fix. The 5-step guide to installing the Sims 3 on a Mac Jump to this post below Optimal gameplay tips Jump to this post below Information you should be aware of: The current version of the game is 32-bit and therefore will not work in macOS 10.15 Catalina. EA have announced that they are working on a 64-bit version but this has not yet been released. If you want to play The Sims 3 but have updated to Catalina please see your options here. The Mac version of the game is not natively written for macOS like Sims 1, Sims 2 and Sims 4 are. It is the Windows version of the game 'wrapped' using software called Cider which basically tricks the game into thinking it is running in Windows, an emulator of sorts. This is the root of most problems that users experience and why it is extremely difficult to diagnose and fix any errors in the game. There is a more detailed explanation here. The Mac version of the game can only utilise up to 2Gb RAM, as opposed to the 4Gb RAM the Windows version can use. This is because the LAA issue that was patched for Windows users was never addressed for the Mac version of the game. This 2Gb limit is why the Launcher causes so many crashes as it uses a large of amount of RAM just to load, especially if you have CC/Mods and Exchange items. The Mac game is patched to 1.67, not 1.69 like Windows users. Mac users do not have the ability to disable Expansion and Stuff Packs through the Launcher. Mac users do not need Origin to actually play the game. You need it to download a digital version of the game but that's it. Once downloaded an external installer will pop up guiding you through the installation process. Once the game is installed into your Applications folder you can load it directly from there without having to open Origin. It is not possible to repair or uninstall the game through Origin, no matter what EA customer support tell you. It is impossible as the option is not, and never has been, available. The only solution for a proper Simming experience on your Mac is to play it in Windows, the OS which the game was written for. For detailed instructions on how to install Windows on your Mac please read this thread: How to install Windows using Boot Camp Steps to try if your game will not load, crashes, or displays an error message: Navigate to the Electronic Arts folder, this time opening The Sims 3 folder. Trash the following files then try loading the game again: CASPartCache.package compositorCache.package scriptCache.package simCompositorCache.package socialCache.package Try a new game, without any CC, mods, saves etc. This will help figure out if your install is dodgy or you have corrupted data. Doing this is simple, open your Documents folder then open the Electronic Arts folder. You will see a folder in there called The Sims 3. Drag this to the desktop. DO NOT DELETE IT. This folder holds all your game data like downloaded content, saves and everything precious to your game. Now, start up your game (it regenerates the folder you just moved) and see if you can play with a new Sim in a new world. Make sure you open CAS and make sure you try out Build/Buy mode. Try playing for at least an hour or so. If that works then the installed game and EPs/SPs is fairly stable so the issue lies somewhere within the folder you moved out. The difficult part is figuring out where the problem is within the data. For an extensive explanation of the files and folders in the Sims 3 folder please read Crin's guide here. To put your game back to how it was (not working presumably if you had to just do that step!), navigate through to the Electronic Arts folder again and trash the Sims 3 folder the game just recreated. Put your old folder, the one you moved to the desktop, back in it's place. If you want to move back individual files or folders from your moved folder make sure to delete the newly created ones first. Properly uninstalling the game or an individual Expansion/Stuff Pack: If all else fails then be prepared to completely uninstall and reinstall your game in an effort to get it working again. Just using the uninstaller is not enough though as it leaves residual files behind which can cause issues with a new install. You must use the uninstaller, if available and not corrupted, and then manually remove the residual files. For full instructions on how to do this successfully please read this page. For uninstalling just an Expansion or Stuff Pack please read these instructions. Known and common issues: Click on the issue you are having to be taken to further help and instructions if available. Unknown Error - Base game only installed Unknown Error - Late Night, Ambitions, Fast Lane, Outdoor Living and macOS 10.11 El Capitan or later Expansion and Stuff Packs not showing as installed in the Launcher and Applications folder Store content not showing up Exception Raised/Debug error - RAM/Memory related Disc Authorisation/No disc errors Error Code 12 fix Installer stuck on a file during installation - Quit the installer, manually uninstall any files already installed for the Pack you are trying to install, run the Origin reset tool then re-download and try to install again. Connecting to server issues Error 327682:0 - Means you are trying to install the 32-bit version of the game in macOS Catalina or later. It won't work as Apple no longer support 32-bit apps.339KViews22likes3Comments[CURRENT ISSUE]Sims 3 'Unknown Error' in El Capitan and later OS versions
The Unknown Error message is now affecting a huge amount of Mac users who are trying to play Sims 3. This error has always been around and can be caused by a variety of different issues but recently it seems to be linked to users running macOS Sierra and El Capitan and the Late Night, Ambitions, Fast Lane and Outdoor Living Packs. Please read @corey_0414's accepted solution below for a workaround for this issue. They have also posted a very helpful video which I have linked below: If you have just the base game installed and are trying to install just one add-on packs please read @ZaftigGal's post here for clear instructions. @EA_Kristi recommends setting up a new administrator user account on your Mac and installing the packs using that account as an alternative solution that can sometimes solve the issue. - If you have downloaded the game through Origin you should not need to use Origin to play, launch the game from within your Applications folder. This is only applicable to the Mac version of the game. - If you encounter a message stating that the game is a more recent version than expected just ignore it and carry on installing. This is because the installer is expecting a lower patch level than 1.67. - If you are having issues with Packs not showing as installed in the Launcher please read the guide here on solving the issue. Please bear in mind that the game is not compatible on most post-2013 Macs due to unsupported Intel/AMD graphics resulting in an Unknown Error message for just the base game. You can check whether your Mac is listed in the stickied thread here - http://answers.ea.com/t5/The-Sims-Mac/CURRENT-ISSUE-The-Sims-3-Issues-playing-on-newer-post-2013-Macs/m-p/4935394#U4935394 However, applying this workaround for the Unknown Error issue as well as editing the .sgr files may make the game playable. If none of the above suggestions work please post with the details of your Mac, including the version of macOS you are running, which EPs/SPs work/don't work and what steps you have taken to resolve the issue.Solved219KViews30likes531CommentsAn announcement for The Sims 3 players on Mac
Dear Simmers, If you currently play The SimsTM 3 on Mac, pay close attention to this announcement! Earlier this year, Apple announced plans to phase out support for 32-bit applications with their new macOS, Catalina. Due to this change, we will be releasing an updated version of The Sims 3 that will be compatible with the new macOS, The Sims 3 (64-Bit & Metal). We will also be making all DLC content available in this new format, as well. The Sims 3 (64-Bit & Metal) will be available for download via Origin. We don’t have a release date for when Apple will release Catalina. However, if it occurs before The Sims 3 (64-Bit & Metal) is out and you decide to update your Mac to macOS Catalina, you will not be able to continue playing The Sims 3 until after we release The Sims 3 (64-Bit & Metal). Once The Sims 3 (64-Bit & Metal) is released, you will have to uninstall your current version of The Sims 3 and packs before re-installing, and you will not be able to patch your existing installation. We will post more detailed instructions when we make this update available. You will not lose your progress in the game and you will keep all the extra content you have acquired over time. The Sims 3 (64-Bit & Metal) FAQ Where can I get The Sims 3 (64-Bit & Metal) Edition? If you are an existing The Sims 3 owner, we will have instructions on this page which will walk you through the steps to get your copy of The Sims 3 (64-Bit & Metal) Edition when it is released. When will 64-Bit & Metal Edition be available? This change is planned for early 2020. We will update you once we have a confirmed date. Will I be able to get the 64-Bit & Metal Edition through a patch to my current game? No. The Sims 3 (64-Bit & Metal) Edition will be its own version of The Sims 3 and carries significant changes from the currently available version. This means that the game will not be patched and will require the The Sims 3 (64-Bit & Metal) Edition and the packs to be installed like a new release through Origin. Will the minimum specifications be the same as The Sims 3? No. The Sims 3 (64-Bit & Metal) Edition will require the latest version of Origin which requires OSX 10.9 or later. Also, since the The Sims 3 (64-Bit & Metal) Edition adds 64-bit and Metal support, the minimum specifications will be adjusted accordingly. What if I can’t update my Mac? The Sims 3 and all the packs will be available in their current form for those players who choose not to or cannot update their Mac to Catalina. Will I need to buy The Sims 3 or my packs again? No. All The Sims 3 players who have registered their game and packs with Origin will have access to The Sims 3 (64-Bit & Metal) Edition when it releases. If you have the disc version of The Sims 3, you will need to redeem your code in Origin to access The Sims 3 (64-Bit & Metal) Edition in Origin. Will The Sims 3 (64-Bit & Metal) Edition release for Windows PC? There are no current plans to update the Windows PC version of The Sims 3. Version 1.6.9 is available to The Sims 3 players via Origin. What do I need to do to make sure my game is saved before I update to macOS Catalina? While updating macOS to a newer version should be straight forward, we recommend you backup your saves before updating to macOS Catalina. You can find The Sims 3 save files in Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3. Simply copy the entire The Sims 3 directory somewhere safe like your cloud storage of choice (eg. iCloud, Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, etc.) or a USB flash drive. This will backup your downloaded content and your save files among other things.155KViews320likes3Comments[CURRENT ISSUE] The Sims 3 - Disc Authorisation/No Disc Errors
"Disc Authorization Failure – no game disc found! Please insert The Sims 3 disc before proceeding" "Disc Authorization Failure – we are unable to verify that your disc is a valid copy of The Sims 3. Please contact customer service" These disc errors have been a problem for Mac users playing The Sims 3 since it was released. Since upgrading to OS X El Capitan the number of users experiencing it has increased sharply. This is easily resolvable by uninstalling your latest (by release date) EP/SP and downloading the digital version from Origin. You don't need to purchase the EP/SP, you simply redeem your product codes in Origin and the game(s) will be available to you. If you get the error message in Origin that your product code has already been used make sure you haven't previously registered the code under a different account. If you have you need to be logged in under that account. For merging accounts or code issues please contact EA customer support - For support, please visit the EA Help website. For instructions on how to use the EA Help services, please refer to How to use EA Help. If you are still getting the error message after downloading and installing the EP then download and install the patch for the digital version of the game. If it still isn't working then completely uninstall your game and reinstall. For further help and instructions please read this guide.Solved139KViews14likes247CommentsMac: Error with sims 3 "Unknown Error Occurred" (after installing).
Hi i bought a macbook pro 2015 with el capitan os x version i update it... when i download my sims its appear me a window saying "Unknown Error Occurred" in my sims 3 its doesn't open anything just that window, and my sims 3 documents folder its empty i really wanna play the sims 3 ☹️ and i try to re-installing but nothing.☹️ My game is digital (origin) before i was playing in w7 but now i have a mac. I have 8gb of ram and an intel i5. The icon its don't appear me in the desk and application folder... so i try to open always in origin. I don't have copy of nothing cuz i installing and never play in this mac. I have The Base game with Night,Into the future,showtime... and high-enloft (pack). Create a sims its another app.Solved133KViews7likes41Commentsthe sims 3 (64-bit & metal) release
The last we heard about it is in October. I have been waiting to see if the release has been posted. The catalina update for mac has been released and you guys said you would release the 64 bit in early 2020. Well the time is here it is January 10th, 2020 and I just want to know when the release date is. I am beyond excited to play the sims 3 again but I cant seem to find the release date Im looking for. Every time I go to search it, it just pulls back up the announcement of that they will be releasing a 64 bit. EA if you could please respond to my question. Im sure there are thousands of mac users out there who are waiting just like me. We love your game! We just want to play it. Thanks for taking the time to read it.Solved112KViews69likes4042Comments[CURRENT ISSUE] The Sims 3 - Issues playing on newer (post 2013) Macs
Users with post-2013 model Macs with integrated Intel graphics, possibly 15" with AMD GPUs too, are reporting a variety of issues which render their Sims 3 games unplayable. The following issues are indicative of the game not being compatible on certain Macs. This is due to the onboard graphics, notably integrated Intel chipsets, not being supported by the game: If your game won't load past the blue screen with the plumbob: If you're getting the error message "Cannot start the process when the game is running. Please quit the game and try again" If you're getting the "Unknown error" message (this message can be for a variety of reasons, not just this one) If you're getting an error message saying your game has unexpectedly quit You may be able to get past the launch screen but then your game won't run properly. The list of Macs affected: MacBook: Early 2015, model identifier MacBook8,1, Intel HD 5300 13" MacBook Pros: Late 2013, model identifier MacBookPro11,1, Intel Iris 5100 Mid 2014, model identifier MacBookPro11,1, Intel Iris 5100 Early 2015 model identifier MacBookPro12,1, Intel Iris 6100 15"MacBook Pros: Late 2013, model identifier MacBookPro11,2 (2.0Ghz Intel Core i7 only), Intel Iris 5200 Mid 2014, model identifier MacBookPro11,2 (2.2Ghz Intel Core i7 only), Intel Iris 5200 Mid 2015, model identifier MacBookPro11,4, Intel Iris Pro 5200 Mid 2015, model identifier MacBookPro11,5, Intel Iris Pro 5200 & AMD Radeon R9 M370X MacBook Airs: Early 2015 11", model identifier MacBookAir7,1, Intel HD 6000 Early 2015 13", model identifier MacBookAir7,2, Intel HD 6000 Mac mini: Late 2014 Mac mini, Model Identifier: Macmini7,1 (2.6, 2.8 Ghz Intel Core i5 and 3.0 Ghz Intel Core i7 models only) (Intel Iris 5100, Haswell) iMacs: Late 2013 21", model identifier iMac14,1, Intel Iris Pro 5200 Late 2015 21", model identifier iMac16,1, Intel HD 6000 Late 2015 21", model identifier iMac16,1, Intel Iris Pro 6200 Late 2015 21", model identifier iMac16,2, Intel Iris Pro 6200 This list is not exhaustive. Please bear in mind I am reliant on Mac Simmers like you to post with your Mac's specs if your game is not working due to this issue. To find out your exact model Mac click on the Apple logo, top left of your desktop then select About This Mac. In the window that appears click on System Report. Your model identifier will be in the next pop up window on the right hand side. There is a workaround you can try which involves editing a couple of game files. For a step by step guide please read my instructions here - http://bluebellflora.com/fix-for-incompatible-graphics-for-the-sims-3-on-mac/ Some people are reporting that their game works if they only have the base game installed, others are managing to play with a couple of Expansion Packs. Late Night and Ambitions seem pretty much completely unplayable. I will move any threads I see about this issue to this one so we can consolidate all the information in one place. And if you try the workaround..... Good luck! 🙂 Update 6th January 2016 - SimGuruDrake has confirmed on the official Sims forum that the Sims 3 team are still looking into this issue -http://forums.thesims.com/en_US/discussion/comment/14453811/#Comment_14453811 Update 23th July 2018 - If you're still struggling please see my post here asking for more information.Solved111KViews6likes273CommentsSims 3 Keeps Freezing/Crashing on my Mac!
Every thirty or so minutes, my Sims 3 game randomly freezes or crashes. Nothing that I am doing in the game causes the freeze or crash. It does one of two things: ⚽ either it freezes so that the music is still playing and my mouse can move but nothing else is happening and I am forced to anually shut down my computer or 🏈 the game simply crashes without any warning. I've heard some theories about why this might be happening, but someone please tell me what to do so I can continue playing without having to restart every thirty minutes! Thanks.Solved74KViews5likes7CommentsSims 3 - "There is a problem connecting to the server..." installation error
If you are not able to install Sims 3 due to an apparent connection issue, please post here. The warning windows you may receive are: This maybe an EA server issue or an OS based issue. You may also have two or more game icons happy bouncing away in the Dock while the game tries to authenticate: If you are affected please click the Me Too button below this post and reply confirming which version of macOS you are running. Thanks to @puzzlezaddict for the screenshots.Solved72KViews85likes387CommentsCan't run The Sims 3 on macOS Catalina
It is with a heavy heart I tell Sims 3 is not supported on macOS 10.15. I have, with @Bluebellflora 's help managed to keep the game running all up to High Sierra, but this update appears to have been the last straw that broke the camel's back. Since macOS 10.15 Catalina does not support 32-bit programs, The Sims 3, as well as SimCity 2013, got deactivated when I finished the operating system update. That means, on its very 10th birthday, this legendary game will be kept in our memory ❤️ Well.. unless EA suddenly would make a fake 64-bit script as with Sims 4, but I don't have high hopes 😢Solved56KViews12likes11Comments