How to download and install The Sims 3

Updated today1 min read

Överblick

Learn how to download The Sims 3 and install Expansion Packs, Stuff Packs, and Worlds.

Table of Contents

Installing digitally

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

Installing using a product code

  1. 1
    Launch the EA app.
  2. 2
    If prompted, log in using your EA Account info.
  3. 3
    Open your Library.
  4. 4
    Select Redeem Code.
  5. 5
    Enter the product code, select Next, and then Confirm.
  6. 6
    Select Download with the EA app.
Need more help redeeming your code? Read our guide to redeeming codes for more information.
The EA app replaced Origin as the main platform for downloading and launching The Sims 3 for both Mac and PC. Once you download the EA app, your packs will automatically transfer over from Origin. Learn more about the EA app and how to download it here. 

Installing with a disk

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

  1. 1
    Register your game on the EA app or TheSims3.com.  
  2. 2
    Insert the game disk into your drive and follow the on-screen instructions. If installation doesn’t start right away, double-click on the drive to start the installer. 
  3. 3
    When prompted, enter the product code that was included with the installation disks.
  4. 4
    After the installation is complete select The Sims 3 and then Play to launch the game. 
If you want the latest version of The Sims 3, download and install the EA app. If you're playing using a disk your game won't update past version 1.67.

Determining if you have a faulty disk

  1. 1
    Make a note of the exact file that is causing the installation to crash (you should be able to see what file is being installed in the installation progress bar).
  2. 2
    Try installing your game again. If your installation comes to a stop when the disk tries to install the same file as before, then you most likely have a faulty disk.

How to solve the problem

If you can’t install your game using a DVD drive, use the CD key to activate the title on the EA app and install the game digitally. 

Install Expansion Packs, Stuff Packs, and Worlds

Install The Sims 3 base game before installing any Expansion Packs, Stuff Packs, Worlds, or content from The Sims 3 store. You’ll need 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. 

Expansion Packs and Stuff Packs

Digital packs should install automatically after buying them. If they don’t, follow the steps above for installing digital purchases. If you’re installing an Expansion Pack or Stuff Pack from a disk, register them through the EA app or TheSims3.com. We recommend installing them in the order they were released from oldest to newest:
  1. 1
    The Sims 3
  2. 2
    The Sims 3: World Adventures
  3. 3
    The Sims 3: High-End Loft Stuff
  4. 4
    The Sims 3: Ambitions
  5. 5
    The Sims 3: Fast Lane Stuff
  6. 6
    The Sims 3: Late Night
  7. 7
    The Sims 3: Outdoor Living Stuff
  8. 8
    The Sims 3: Generations
  9. 9
    The Sims 3: Town Life Stuff
  10. 10
    The Sims 3: Pets
  11. 11
    The Sims 3: Master Suite
  12. 12
    The Sims 3: Showtime
  13. 13
    The Sims 3: Katy Perry's Sweet Treats Stuff
  14. 14
    The Sims 3: Diesel Stuff
  15. 15
    The Sims 3: Supernatural
  16. 16
    The Sims 3: Seasons
  17. 17
    The Sims 3: 70's, 80's & 90's Stuff
  18. 18
    The Sims 3: University Life
  19. 19
    The Sims 3: Island Paradise
  20. 20
    The Sims 3: Movie Stuff
  21. 21
    The Sims 3: Into the Future
You should always launch The Sims 3 using the disk of the most recent game Expansion or Stuff Pack you have installed.

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. 1
    Log in to your account.
  2. 2
    Select Store, then My Store Account.
  3. 3
    Select the + icon beside Redeem a code, and enter your code.
  4. 4
    Check the box to agree to the Terms of Sale and Privacy Policy, and select Redeem.
The Sims 3 launcher will 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. Any Worlds you’ve previously bought from TheSims3.com will also appear here.When you select on a World in your Purchase History to download it, you may get a pop-up message asking permission to open a URL:
  1. 1
    Select Open URL:Sims3 Protocol.
  2. 2
    The Sims 3 launcher will automatically start up and install your World.

Minimum requirements

Having trouble installing or launching The Sims 3? Check that your system meets the minimum requirements for The Sims 3 base game. 
Still having issues?
Get in touch with our customer support team for more help.