[FAQ] How to use Cheats ? [ Edited ]

[crinrict]

Index

Introduction

Common Pitfalls

Introduction

Cheats are commonly used in the Sims games and as it's a single player game, you can do so at your heart's content. Some cheats are also used to fix issues. 

For PC/Mac there are no consequences for using them. On Console, using cheats will disable achievements/trophies. 

To open the Cheat Console, press CTL-SHIFT-C and then type the required cheat into the text console that appears in the upper left corner.

There are many sites that lists cheats around the net but here's a few for reference

• Carl's Sims 4 Guide
• Twisted Mexi's Reddit (more as at his main site but can't link as it contains mods, please use google)
• SimsOnline

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Common Pitfalls

Tips below are for PC/Mac Version. For Console, see this: FAQ - Sims 4 Console Cheats

The Cheat Console doesn't open

A few tips if you can't get the cheat console to open. Please post in the thread if these don't help.

• Make sure you use the correct key combination (CTL-SHIFT-C). Mac uses the same combination.
• Make sure that no screenshot or other program is running in the back that uses the same key combination like Gyazo. Especially HP computers tend to have pre-installed software that conflict with the cheat shortcut. Make sure to disable those background programs.
• If you have an AMD Card, check on the settings to check if something else is assigned to the short-cut
• Make sure that the game is the active window, especially when playing in windowed mode.
• Try CTL-Shift--C instead (Windows Only)
• When in build/buy mode, make sure the focus isn’t on the search field.
• Reset all settings. To do so follow these steps:
  • Close the game.
  • Move this file to the desktop: Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 4\Options(.ini).
  • Start the game.
  • The file will be recreated.
  • Unfortunately this will reset all your graphics settings and similar as well and you need to re-set them.
  • Test if the console appears.

Cheat XYZ doesn't work

A few tips on what to do if a certain cheat doesn't work. Ask in the thread if you have further issues.

• Some cheats only work if you put testingcheats on first.
• For some cheats it's on/off for others true/false. Try both combinations
• Some cheats have been disabled by EA/Maxis and no longer work. You will need a mod to unlock those again. Google: TwistedMexi AllCheats to find the mod)
• Some cheats require a name of a trait or buff or something along these line. Those need to be unique or the cheat fails without a warning. Ask in the thread if you need help to figure out what you need to type.

Common Cheats that need AllCheats

• All Buff Cheats (this includes Pregnancy Cheats)

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[Mavolyn]

I had this problem.  Used the CTRL+SHIFT+(WindowsStartKey)+C .. that did open up the cheats.  Now in case you find that more annoying to use like I did, the other thread had the problem listed in the AMD Relive update where it used the CTRL+SHIFT+C for it.  If you go to settings, unbind or change that key combo, the regular cheat combo in Sims 4 will work again.  To change it like I did, just right click on your desktop, go to AMD settings.  From that window, go to relive and find the culprit keybinding and just change it to something you don't use.  After that, problem will be fixed. 

[meubanks68]

Thanks for the helpful thread. I couldn't figure out why the cheat console wouldn't open when I was trying to use moveobjects. AMD was using that binding for another function that I never use anyway. I was able to disable the AMD setting so I can build the way I wanted. I appreciate the information.

[rubyharringtonn]

Product: The Sims 4
Platform:Mac
Which language are you playing the game in? English
How often does the bug occur? Every time (100%)
What is your current game version number? 1.61.15.1220
What expansions, game packs, and stuff packs do you have installed? City Living, Cats and Dogs, Get to Work
Steps: How can we find the bug ourselves? Open the game and hit CMD + shift + C
What happens when the bug occurs? I hit CMD shift C and the cheat bar will not come up - it only takes a screenshot.
What do you expect to see? The cheat bar should come up.
Have you installed any customization with the game, e.g. Custom Content or Mods? Not now. I've removed them.
Did this issue appear after a specific patch or change you made to your system? Neutral/Not Sure 

‌

I've tried everything from the thread, talked to EA support twice and am really upset that I am missing a crucial part of the game (to me) as I paid a lot of money for this. I have uninstalled Origin and The Sims 4 and reinstalled them, I have deleted all my mods and saves, I have completely deleted everything from my computer and did a complete factory reset, I do not have sticky keys, I do not have another program using this command, I have reset all settings. This has been happening for a year now. 

[crinrict]

@rubyharringtonn Merged your post with the master thread on cheats.

It's CTRL-Shift not cmd shift on mac as well.

[rubyharringtonn]

None of these have worked, I tried them all and I’ve played with variant of cmd shift c, control shift c... None work. 

[Bluebellflora]

@rubyharringtonn 

Could you please go into System Preferences > Keyboard > Modifier Keys and confirm what options you have in the dropdowns next to:

Caps Lock

Control

Option

Command

Do you have any 3rd party screenshot or video capture apps installed?

[thekc]

Product: The Sims 4
Platform:PC
Which language are you playing the game in? English
How often does the bug occur? Every time (100%)
What is your current game version number? 1.62.67.1020
What expansions, game packs, and stuff packs do you have installed? All except: My First Pet, Moschino and Tiny Living
Steps: How can we find the bug ourselves? Try and open the cheat dialogue box
What happens when the bug occurs? The dialogue box does not open or appear
What do you expect to see? The dialogue box does not open or appear when doing Control, Shift and C.
Have you installed any customization with the game, e.g. Custom Content or Mods? Not now. I've removed them.
Did this issue appear after a specific patch or change you made to your system? Neutral/Not Sure 

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Its been a while since I used cheats (or played the game) but every time when I opened the cheat dialogue box (or attempt), it does not appear and I tried it in Live Mode, Build and Buy (with Sims there or not) and nothing seems to be working. My keyboard is fine and I have checked the Mods that I have and even removing them all or ones I have recently downloaded, made no difference.

[crinrict]

@thekc Merging this with the master thread on cheats.

Please try all the suggestions under common pitfalls

[thekc]

It actually works if I add the Windows key to the command, but I am not sure why it does not work as it normally does with the original command. Thank you for the help and for sending me a link to another thread.