Fix: Sims 4 expansion pack won’t download and install

EA has so far released 13 Sims 4 expansion packs. Each pack added many new gameplay features and improvements.

But downloading and installing a new Sims 4 expansion pack is not always simple. Various glitches and errors may pop on the screen preventing you from installing the game.

Why can’t I download and install Sims 4 expansion packs?

Fixes for Windows

Re-install the EA App

1. Exit the EA App
2. Go to Control Panel
3. Then go to Programs
4. Click on Uninstall a program
5. Select the EA App and hit Uninstall
6. Restart your computer, and reinstall the app

Check if you can install your Sims 4 expansion pack.

Run the EA App as an administrator

Exit the EA App. Right-click the game client icon on your desktop and select Run As Administrator. Try to download and install the expansion pack again.

Lower User Access Control settings

1. Close the EA App
2. Then press the Windows key and type UAC in the search field
3. Double-click on the Change User Access Control settings
4. Move the slide bar to the lowest setting available
5. Save the new settings

Launch the EA app again, and try to install the Sims 4 expansion pack you’re interested in.

Download the expansion from the game library

1. Launch the EA App and click on your game library.
2. Select the Sims game that you have.
3. Then scroll down to More. Hit the down arrow.
4. Click on the list of the expansion packs that you already own.
5. There should be a Download button next to the latest expansion pack.
6. Click on the Download option and check the results.

Reload your library

Go to your game library and click on Games in the top corner. Then click on Reload library. Check if your expansion packs start installing.

---

Fixes for Mac

Uninstall and reinstall Origin

1. Close your Origin game client.
2. Launch Finder, and navigate to the Applications folder.
3. Drag and drop Origin to the Trash.
4. Right-click on Trash icon and click on Empty Trash.
5. Restart your Mac and reinstall Origin.

Launch the .dmg file

1. Exit Origin client and any other unnecessary apps.
2. Launch Finder, and click on Go.
3. Select Computer.
4. Navigate to Macintosh HD, and select Library.
5. Go to Application Support, select Origin, and click DownloadCache.
6. Locate the folder for the expansion pack you’re trying to install. Look for a file with the .dmg file extension.
7. Open the .dmg file. If it doesn’t work, this indicates your Mac couldn’t download the expansion pack properly.
8. Clear the DownloadCache folder. Simply drag the folder to Trash and empty the bin.
9. Restart Origin and download the expansion pack again.

If the problem persists, and you still can’t download or install your Sims 4 expansion pack, contact EA Support.

Did these tips help you troubleshoot the problem? Which solution worked for you? Let me know in the comments below.

Updated: June 2023.