June 2015 - last edited 4 weeks ago
Whether your game isn't playing properly or you just want some info on how The Sims 4 should perform on your Mac, please take some time to read through this thread and try out some of the suggestions and troubleshooting tips. This thread is for Mac specific issues. For general gameplay bugs it's always worth checking Crinrict's Bug Thread as some bugs are gameplay related so therefore affect both Mac and Windows users.
- Legacy Edition of The Sims 4
https://answers.ea.com/t5/Technical-Issues-Mac/The-Sims-4-Mac-Legacy-Edition-thread/m-p/8420037
- Using Curseforge for Mods
https://answers.ea.com/t5/Technical-Issues-Mac/Curseforge-and-Sims-4-for-Mac/m-p/12239207#M54205
- Storing the Sims 4 folder externally
- Finding out which Mac you have
Please read these instructions on how to find the information.
- System requirements
Make sure your Mac meets the minimum system requirements for the game. If it doesn't it will not load.
- Game not loading
- Black screen
- Crashing
Please try these basic troubleshooting steps before posting asking for help. You can normally fix simple problems yourself in minutes.
- Greyed out Play/Install button in Origin
Please try this fix
- Screen flickering in-game
Toggle your Edge Smoothing settings. More information here.
- Game not updating in Origin
Please try this fix
- Game icon bouncing up and down in the Dock but not loading
Please try this fix
- Saved games not loading
Jump to this post.
- Mac specific bugs
Please read this post for Mac specific bugs. These are bugs which only affect those playing The Sims 4 in OS X and macOS.
- CC, Mods and Patching
Please jump to this post.
- Graphics issues
For all graphics related queries head to this section.
- Origin
For help with Origin on a Mac.
How to install Sims 4 on an external drive
- Miscellaneous information
If you want to play the same save games on two or more Macs you can without having to copy the save files onto an external drive. Saves can be synced immediately using a file sharing site and an app called MacDropAny. Full instructions here.
If you would like to stop the Gallery from filling up the cache folder with thumbnails you can use Automator to automatically delete them.
June 2015 - last edited August
Finding your Mac's specifications
Click on the Apple icon in the top left corner of your desktop and select About This Mac. You should see a window like the one above. Please provide the following information (you may need to click on More Info depending on what operating system you're running). Do NOT include your serial number:
June 2015 - last edited January 2021
Symptom:
Steps to try:
June 2015 - last edited August 2020
Mac specific Bugs:
Please see this separate thread for a compiled list of Mac specific bugs - https://answers.ea.com/t5/Technical-Issues-Mac/Compiled-list-of-Mac-specific-issues/m-p/9346384#M367...
August 2015 - last edited March 2020
CC, Mods and Patching:
August 2015 - last edited March 2020
Using the cheat console:
Using the cheat console is exactly the same on a Mac as it is in Windows. Hold down CTRL, Shift and C. Whereas we normally substitute the CMD key for the CTRL key, this is not the case in The Sims 4 (or The Sims 3). If this is not working for you check your keyboard configuration in System Preferences > Keyboard > Modifier Keys and Input Sources. The cheat console is coded into the game, there is no reason why it shouldn't work unless the user has changed some settings or has software installed which may be conflicting with the keyboard settings. Check whether your CTRL key is faulty or broken. If all else fails:
August 2015 - last edited March 2020
Graphics related threads:
If you have upped your graphics settings in game and are now having problems loading your game simply navigate to Documents > Electronic Arts > The Sims 4 and trash the Options.ini file. The game will recreate a new one and reset your graphics options to default settings.
August 2015 - last edited March 2020
Origin help:
Origin connection and installation issues:
For any issues with Origin not downloading, installing, connecting or working properly please read this dedicated Mac Origin thread.
January 2016 - last edited March 2020
Minimum Requirements
Recommended Requirements
*If your Mac is a 2011 or earlier model it is not Metal compatible. You will need to run the Legacy Edition of the game.
January 2016 - last edited March 2021
Symptoms:
- Greyed out Play/Install button in Origin
- Game not updating in Origin
- Game bouncing up and down in the Dock but not loading
Steps to try: