When your Sims 4 expansion packs, game packs, or kits show “Download to Use,” it usually means the game confirms you own the content, but the required files are not installed, incomplete, or not detected correctly. This issue can occur on PC (EA app or Steam) as well as on PlayStation and Xbox consoles.
Below are step-by-step solutions based on your platform.
For PC (EA App or Steam)
1. Install Missing Packs Manually
The most common fix is to make sure each pack is fully downloaded and installed through your launcher.
EA App or Steam:
- Open the EA app or Steam.
- Go to Library and select The Sims 4.
- Click Manage or the three-dot menu.
- Open Manage Add-ons (EA app) or scroll to the DLC section (Steam).
- Locate any packs marked as not installed and click Download or Install.
2. Clear the Launcher Cache
Corrupted cache files can prevent the launcher from recognizing installed content.
EA App:
- Click the menu (three lines) in the top-left corner.
- Go to Help > App Recovery.
- Select Clear Cache and restart the app.
Steam:
- Right-click The Sims 4 in your Library.
- Choose Properties > Installed Files.
- Click Verify integrity of game files.
3. Repair the Game
Repairing the game checks for missing or damaged files and fixes them automatically.
- In the EA app, open your Library.
- Click the three dots on The Sims 4 tile.
- Select Repair and wait for the process to finish.
4. Confirm You’re Using the Correct EA Account
Make sure you are signed in to the same EA account that originally purchased the packs. Packs will not appear or install if you are logged into a different account.
5. Check Installation Location (Advanced Users)
Ensure all Sims 4 files and expansion packs are installed in the same main Sims 4 directory.
or here if you use Steam:
They should NOT be placed in:
Usually, you can find it in this location (unless you changed it):
This PC\Local Disk C\Program Files\EA Games\The Sims 4
or here if you use Steam:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\The Sims 4
- A separate custom folder
- A Create-a-Sim Demo folder
- Multiple install locations
- A cloud drive such as OneDrive which causes syncing issues
Incorrect file paths can cause the game to display “Download to Use” even when files exist.
For PlayStation or Xbox
1. Restore Licenses (PlayStation Only)
Restoring licenses forces the console to re-verify your purchased content.
- Go to Settings > Users and Accounts > Other.
- Select Restore Licenses.
2. Check and Install Game Add-Ons
Some packs may need to be installed manually.
- Open Game Library (PlayStation) or My Games & Apps (Xbox).
- Select The Sims 4.
- Scroll to the Add-Ons section.
- Install any packs listed as not installed.
3. Check Active Subscriptions
If a pack was downloaded through PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass, it will only work while your subscription is active. Expired subscriptions can cause packs to show as unavailable.
4. Reinstall the Game (Last Resort)
If none of the above steps work:
- Fully uninstall The Sims 4 and all add-ons.
- Reinstall the base game first.
- Download and install each pack again.
Final Tips
The “Download to Use” message almost always means the content is owned but not properly installed or detected. Following the steps above usually resolves the issue without needing to contact support.
If the problem persists after reinstalling, contacting EA Support, PlayStation Support, or Xbox Support may be necessary for account-level issues.
6 Comments
it still doesnt work for me
ReplyDeleteSul Sul! Sorry to hear about that. Let's troubleshoot your issue:
Delete1) Have you tried restarting your computer?
2) Are you using a 64-bit Windows system (Windows 8 or newer)?
3) Do you have the legit base game?
4) Did you download the packs from the EA App or Steam or somewhere else?
5) Did you install it in the correct location?
It should either be here:
This PC\Local Disk C\Program Files\EA Games\The Sims 4
or here (If you use Steam):
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\The Sims 4
6) Do you have an active cloud storage like OneDrive? Cloud drives have a tendency to sync files in the background and sometimes syncing issues happen that may affect or corrupt your files.
Have them seen as owned but when i press the three dots it doesnt show up with "manage add-ons" i only get view properties, repair and uninstall
ReplyDeleteSul Sul, boog! Do you have the legit base game? What troubleshooting steps have you done, so far?
DeleteHello. I've tried every single step above, and on the other article about downloading the DLC. I've restarted my computer, I've manually downloaded the files twice now, also redownloaded the Unlocker twice, and made sure they are in the correct folder countless times. I've cleared the launch cache, I've repaired my game, and still, the newest DLC's don't show up as owned, only "Download To Use." It's only with the Royale EP, and the two newest kits, all other DLC's work just fine though. I'm at a loss.
ReplyDeleteSul Sul, Hydrakinz! Thanks for taking the time to explain everything you’ve already tried. I really appreciate the effort you put into troubleshooting.
DeleteSince this looks like a more specific case with the newest DLCs, the best next step would be to continue through the OFFICIAL SUPPORT HUB where your issue can be tracked more closely and you can be provided more detailed guidance if needed. That way nothing gets missed, and you’ll get the most accurate help possible.
Thank you for your patience and hope your issue gets resolved soon! 💚