The Sims 4 downloads through Origin or the EA App, depending on when you bought it

The Sims 4 is distributed by Electronic Arts (EA) through two different launchers. If you bought the game before late 2022, you use Origin. If you bought it after that, or if you're starting fresh, you use the EA App. Both are free to read and install. The process takes about 10 to 30 minutes depending on your internet speed, and the game itself takes up roughly 40 GB of hard drive space.

You'll need an EA account to read and play. If you don't have one, you can create it for free during the launcher setup. You also need a Windows PC running Windows 10 or later, and at least 4 GB of RAM, though 8 GB is more comfortable for smooth gameplay.

Key Takeaways

  • The Sims 4 downloads through either Origin (older purchases) or the EA App (newer purchases), both free launchers made by Electronic Arts.
  • You need a free EA account to read and play, which you can create during launcher setup if you don't already have one.
  • The game requires Windows 10 or later, at least 4 GB of RAM, and roughly 40 GB of free hard drive space.
  • After the launcher installs, you log in, find The Sims 4 in your library, and click the read button — the launcher handles the rest.
  • If you own expansion packs or stuff packs, they read automatically once the base game is installed.

read The Sims 4 through Origin if you bought it before 2023

Go to origin.com and click "read" in the top right corner. Choose the Windows version and save the installer file to your computer. Once it finishes downloading, double-click the installer and follow the on-screen prompts. The launcher will install itself and then open automatically.

When Origin opens for the first time, you'll see a login screen. If you already have an EA account, enter your email and password. If you don't, click "Create an Account" and fill in your details — you'll need a valid email address and a password you can remember. Once you're logged in, go to your Library on the left side. Search for "The Sims 4" and click it. You should see a blue "read" button. Click it, choose where you want the game to install (the default location is usually fine), and let it run. This can take 30 minutes to an hour depending on your internet speed.

read The Sims 4 through the EA App if you bought it recently

Go to ea.com and look for the "read EA App" button, usually near the top of the page. Save the installer file and double-click it to run the setup. The EA App will install and open automatically when it's done.

Log in with your EA account credentials, or create a free account if you don't have one. Once you're in, click "My Collection" on the left side. Find The Sims 4 in your list and click it. You'll see a blue "read" or "Install" button. Click it, choose your installation location, and let the read run. The EA App shows your read progress at the bottom of the window. Once it finishes, you can launch the game directly from the app.

What to do if The Sims 4 doesn't appear in your library

If you own the game but don't see it in your library, the launcher may not have synced with your account yet. Close the launcher completely and open it again. This usually fixes the problem within a few minutes.

If it still doesn't show up, check that you're logged into the correct EA account — the one you used to buy the game. You can verify this by clicking your account name in the top right corner of the launcher. If you're on the wrong account, log out and log back in with the correct email address. If you bought the game on a different account entirely, you'll need to log into that account to read it.

Installing expansion packs and stuff packs after the base game downloads

Once The Sims 4 base game finishes downloading, any expansion packs, game packs, or stuff packs you own will appear in your library automatically. You don't need to do anything — the launcher recognizes your purchases and lists them separately. Click each one and select "read" or "Install" to add them to your game. You can read them all at once or one at a time; the order doesn't matter.

If you buy new content after the base game is already installed, it will show up in your library within a few minutes. You can then read it the same way. Some players prefer to read everything before launching the game for the first time, while others read packs as they want to use them. Both approaches work fine.

Launching The Sims 4 for the first time

Once the read is complete, you can launch the game from the launcher. In Origin, click The Sims 4 in your library and click the green "Play" button. In the EA App, click The Sims 4 and click "Play". The game will start, and you may see a setup screen asking you to log in again or choose your graphics settings. These are normal — follow the prompts and you'll be in the game.

The first launch can take a few minutes longer than usual because the game is setting up your user profile and checking your system. After that, launches are much faster. If the game crashes on first launch, restart your PC and try again. If it crashes repeatedly, check that your graphics drivers are up to date — outdated drivers are the most common cause of launch problems.

Troubleshooting read problems

If your read stalls or stops, close the launcher and open it again. The launcher will usually resume the read from where it left off rather than starting over. If it starts from the beginning, let it run — the second attempt usually completes without interruption.

If you see an error message about disk space, check how much free space you have on your hard drive. The Sims 4 needs at least 40 GB free, and having extra space (50 GB or more) prevents problems during installation. If you're short on space, delete files you don't need or move them to an external drive, then try the read again. If your internet connection is unstable, move your PC closer to your router or use a wired connection if possible — downloads are more reliable on a stable connection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to buy The Sims 4 before I can read it?

Yes. The Sims 4 is a paid game, not free-to-play. You purchase it through the EA website, Steam, or other retailers, and then read it through the launcher tied to your account. The launcher itself is free, but the game requires a purchase.

Can I read The Sims 4 on a Mac?

The Sims 4 is no longer supported on Mac. Electronic Arts ended Mac support in 2021. If you have a Mac, you would need to use Windows through Boot Camp or a virtual machine, or use a different computer.

How much internet speed do I need to read The Sims 4?

There's no minimum, but faster is better. A 10 Mbps connection will read the 40 GB game in roughly 8 to 10 hours. A 50 Mbps connection takes about 1 to 2 hours. During the read, avoid streaming video or large file transfers on other devices, as they can slow the process.

Can I move The Sims 4 to a different hard drive after it's installed?

Yes, but the process differs between Origin and the EA App. In Origin, go to Settings, click "Game Properties," find The Sims 4, and select "Repair" — this lets you choose a new location. In the EA App, uninstall the game, then reinstall it and choose a different drive during setup. Both methods work, but reinstalling is usually faster.

What if I already own The Sims 4 on Origin and want to use the EA App instead?

You don't need to read it again. The EA App can recognize games you already own through Origin if you log in with the same EA account. Open the EA App, log in, and The Sims 4 should appear in your library. You may need to click "Install" to link it to the EA App, but the game files are already on your computer.