How to download and install The Sims 3

Digital purchases on the EA app should install automatically after buying them. If they don’t, here’s how to manually install them.

Digital purchase on the EA app

1. Launch the EA app.
2. If prompted, log in using your EA Account info.
3. Open your Library and click on The Sims 3.
4. Select Add-ons.
5. Find your purchase and Download.

Installing a product code purchase for the EA app

1. Launch the EA app.
2. If prompted, log in using your EA Account info.
3. Open your Library.
4. Select Redeem Code.
5. Enter the product code, click Next, and then Confirm.
6. Click Download with the EA app.

Need a little more help redeeming your code? Read our guide to redeeming codes for more information.

If you bought The Sims 3 on disc (PC only)

1. Register your game on the EA app or TheSims3.com.
2. Insert the game disc into your disk drive and follow the on-screen instructions. If installation doesn’t start right away, double-click on the drive to start the installer.
3. When prompted, enter the product code that was included with the installation discs.
4. After the installation is complete select The Sims 3 and then Play to launch the game.
   

Always make sure to install The Sims 3 base game before installing any Expansion Packs, Stuff Packs, worlds, or content from The Sims 3 store.

Make sure to use the same email and account information you use for your EA Account on the EA app if you’re buying worlds or redeeming bonus codes from TheSims3.com.

Worlds

Some worlds are available to buy through the EA app, and others are only available to buy and download on TheSims3.com.

If you buy a world or world bundle through the EA app, we’ll email you a code to redeem on TheSims3.com.

To redeem a code:

1. Log in to your account.
2. Select Store, then on My Store Account.
3. Select the + icon beside Redeem a code, then type your code into the boxes.
4. Check the box to agree to the Terms of Sale and Privacy Policy, and click Redeem.

The Sims 3 launcher will then automatically start up and install your world.

If it doesn’t start automatically, you can download your world from your Purchase History page on TheSims3.com. You can also find any worlds you previously bought from TheSims3.com on that same page.

When you click on a world in your Purchase History to download it, you may get a pop-up message asking permission to open a URL:

1. Click on Open URL:Sims3 Protocol.
2. The Sims 3 launcher will then start up and install your world.
3. Once it’s finished installing, open the game and you’re all set to start a new household in your new world.

Having trouble installing or launching your game? Make sure to check that your system meets the minimum requirements for The Sims 3 base game.