Help

Get help installing mods, finding translations, or fixing common problems.

Installation and updates

Use these steps unless the mod’s own page gives you different instructions.

How to install

In the Mod Library, open the mod you want to install. Choose Download options on that page.
If the download is zipped, unzip it first so you can get to the mod files inside.
Put the mod files in Documents/Electronic Arts/The Sims 4/Mods, using the files you extracted if the download was zipped.
If the mod includes a script, keep that file no more than one folder deep inside Mods.
Install everything the mod needs to run. You can find those requirements under Requirements by mod below.
In the game, go to Game Options, then Other. Tick Enable Custom Content and Mods, and Script Mods Allowed if the mod has a script. Restart the game if you changed either one.

How to update

Close The Sims 4 completely.
Remove the version you’re replacing from your Mods folder. If the mod’s page gives specific update steps, use those.
Look through your Mods folder for other copies. Duplicates can make menus or reactions appear twice and cause other problems.
If the update is zipped, unzip it. Put the new mod files in Documents/Electronic Arts/The Sims 4/Mods.
Before you reopen The Sims 4, check for localthumbcache.package. If you find that file, delete it.

Requirements by mod

Accountant CareerXML Injector
Actor OverhaulGet Famous · XML Injector · Lumpinou’s Mood Pack (for its moods) · Maplebell Pie Menu
CAS Trait PackScript mods turned on
Country ClubXML Injector · Lumpinou’s Mood Pack (for its moods)
Expanded Storytelling Relationship BitsXML Injector · Lumpinou’s Mood Pack (for its moods) · Maplebell Pie Menu
Family ExpectationsThe Sims 4 base game · Lot 51 Core Library 1.43 or newer · Script mods turned on
Love TriangleXML Injector · Lumpinou’s Mood Pack (for its moods)
Maplebell Pie MenuThe Sims 4 base game
More KissesXML Injector · Lumpinou’s Mood Pack (for its moods)
Senior TripXML Injector · Lumpinou’s Mood Pack (for its moods) · Maplebell Pie Menu
Sweet MomentsXML Injector · Lumpinou’s Mood Pack (for its moods)
Teen Stories and ActivitiesXML Injector · Lumpinou’s Mood Pack (for its moods) · Maplebell Pie Menu

Lumpinou’s Mood Pack: Several mods use Lumpinou’s Mood Pack. Check the list above. Without the pack, some moodlets from those mods have no mood.

Common problems and fixes

Pick a problem to see what you can try.

The mod doesn’t show up in my game
Check that the download is unzipped inside Documents/Electronic Arts/The Sims 4/Mods.
In the game, go to Game Options, then Other. Enable Custom Content and Mods must be ticked, and Script Mods Allowed too if the mod has a script. Restart the game if you changed either one.
A mod with a script must be no more than one folder deep inside Mods.
If the mod needs XML Injector (see Requirements by mod, above), check that it’s installed and working. That’s the usual cause.
Menus, reactions or interactions appear twice
This usually means two copies are installed. Close the game, delete the older copy (check the rest of your Mods folder too), and delete localthumbcache.package if it’s there.
The interface disappears or acts up after an animation
Make sure Lumpinou’s Mood Pack is installed properly and up to date. That’s a common cause. If it doesn’t help, report the problem.
Family Expectations shows an “Installation Issue” message
The message means the mod or Lot 51 Core isn’t loading properly. Make sure both of the mod’s files are installed, the script is no more than one folder deep, Script Mods are turned on, and Lot 51 Core is installed.
Something changed after a game patch
First check mod compatibility: it shows which version of each mod was checked on which game patch, and any known issues with what to do meanwhile.
Then read the mod’s latest release notes and fixes in Updates. If your problem isn’t mentioned in either, report it.

FAQ

Pick a question to see the answer.

What does early access mean?
Some new versions go to patrons first. Download options on a mod’s page show who can get each version, and whether there’s a free one.
Is it safe to add a mod to a save I’m already playing?
Back up your save first, whenever you add, update or remove a mod. If the mod has a full guide, it says what happens to a save you already have.
How do I remove a mod?
Close the game, delete the mod’s files from your Mods folder, and delete localthumbcache.package if it’s there. Back up your save first, in case you want to go back.
A mod comes in more than one edition. Can I install them all?
No, install only one. For example, Debutante Ball comes in Long and Short, and Teen Stories comes in standard and No Invite.
Which game version do I have?
Open Documents/Electronic Arts/The Sims 4 and open GameVersion.txt. The number inside, like 1.129.39.1030, is your game version.
Where does the game save its error files?
In Documents/Electronic Arts/The Sims 4. Look for a file whose name starts with lastException or lastCrash. Open it in a text editor and paste its text into Report an issue.

Translations

Still stuck?

Report the issue. Saying which mod and game version you have helps the most.

Report an issue

Not about an issue?

Contact

Have a collaboration idea, permission request, or something else? Write to me.