Sims 4 Packs not showing as downloaded in Origin since April 2020 patch

This isn’t really much of an issue as the packs are in fact downloaded and show up in the game but it is confusing some because Origin shows Download in the orange button instead of Play. The fix is super easy and requires creating a new folder in the Applications folder where the game is installed, and moving across a bunch of folders from the game app. Full instructions on how to do this are detailed in this thread at Answers HQ.

This is only relevant for users with an existing installation of the game. If you have installed the game since the 7 April patch you don’t need to worry about this as Origin has created the new folder for you.

How to successfully buy the Sims 4 in Origin

If you’re looking to buy the Sims 4 you need to be aware that buying it through Origin isn’t currently as straightforward as it should be. EA are really pushing Origin Access subscriptions at every step of the purchasing process, trouble is that Origin Access (OA) is not available to Mac users so a lot of new Sims players are unwittingly buying the OA subscription which is completely useless to them. The trial version of the game is also not available to Mac users so don’t even bother trying to download it.

  1. Go to Origin.com or download and install the Origin client. Log in with your EA/Origin account if you already have one or create a new one.
  2. Find the Sims 4 base game and click Get The Game:
  3. Ignore the massive adverts trying to get you to buy Origin Access and click on the Buy Now button:
  4. You will then be taken to the next option asking you which version of the base game you would like to buy. Click the one you want and follow the rest of the instructions. Ignore the Origin Access advert at the bottom of the page.
  5. For further help installing the game see full instructions here.

If you have unwittingly purchased an Origin Access subscription  and want to cancel it:

  1. Log into your Origin account
  2. Hover over your name in the bottom left corner and select EA Account & Billing
  3. In the web browser window that opens to your EA account page select Origin Access from the menu on the left side and follow the instructions to cancel the subscription

Origin legacy version no longer available

EA_Mai has announced that from 14 January 2020 the legacy version of Origin will no longer work. Users must be running the latest version to be able to play their games.  In a nutshell:

  • You must be running macOS 10.9 Mavericks or higher to run the current version of Origin.
  • Games in your Origin games library will still be available but you will not be able to play them unless you upgrade to Mavericks or higher.
  • Mac users running 10.7 Lion will no longer be able to run Origin or play any games requiring Origin such as Sims 4. If your Mac cannot upgrade past Lion your only option is to buy a new computer. Macs which cannot upgrade past Lion:
    • Late 2006 15″ and 17″ MacBook Pro and earlier
    • Early 2008 MacBook Air
    • White MacBooks
    • White iMacs
    • Mid-2007 Mac mini and earlier

If your Mac is not listed above you will be able to upgrade it to Mavericks or later. To upgrade to a later version of macOS open the App Store and search for Apple.