How to Fix The Sims 4 Delivery Express Not Downloading
Learn the most common causes and step-by-step fixes to restore in-game updates quickly and safely.


The Sims 4 Delivery Express (also called SDX) is a feature that allows the game to receive small updates, fixes, and content adjustments without requiring a full patch download. While this system is convenient, many players occasionally run into problems where Delivery Express updates won’t download or get stuck indefinitely.

If your Sims 4 Delivery Express is not downloading, don’t worry. This guide covers the most common reasons it happens and the best solutions to fix it.

What Is Sims 4 Delivery Express?

Delivery Express is an in-game update delivery system introduced to help The Sims 4 send minor content changes directly through the main menu. These updates are smaller than full game patches and are meant to apply automatically when you launch the game.

When it works properly, you may see a message on the main menu saying new content has been delivered. When it doesn’t, you may notice:
  • Delivery Express stuck on downloading
  • No SDX updates appearing
  • Updates failing repeatedly
  • Game not applying new fixes

Why Delivery Express Won’t Download

Before troubleshooting, it helps to understand the most common causes:
  • Temporary server issues from EA
  • Internet connection problems
  • Corrupted cache files
  • Outdated game version
  • Mods or custom content interfering
  • Game platform installation issues

How to Fix The Sims 4 Delivery Express Not Downloading

1. Restart The Sims 4 Completely

Sometimes the simplest fix is the most effective.
  1. Close The Sims 4 fully
  2. Exit your game launcher (EA App or Steam)
  3. Restart your computer
  4. Launch the game again

Delivery Express often retries downloads after a fresh restart.

2. Check EA Server Status

Delivery Express requires EA servers to be online. If servers are down or under maintenance, SDX downloads may not work.

If the issue started suddenly and many players are experiencing the same problem, it may not be something you can fix immediately. Waiting a few hours can sometimes resolve it.

3. Make Sure Your Game Is Fully Updated

Delivery Express updates will not always download correctly if your base game is outdated.

Open your launcher and check for any available Sims 4 updates. Install the latest patch first, then restart the game to allow SDX content to download properly.

4. Remove Mods and Custom Content Temporarily

Mods can sometimes block Delivery Express updates, especially UI mods or outdated script mods.

To test this:
  1. Go to your Sims 4 Mods folder
  2. Move all mods to a temporary folder on your desktop
  3. Delete the localthumbcache.package file
  4. Relaunch the game

If Delivery Express works after removing mods, one of your mods may need updating.

5. Clear The Sims 4 Cache Files

Corrupted cache files are one of the most common causes of SDX download issues.

Steps to clear cache safely:
  1. Close the game
  2. Open your Sims 4 folder in Documents
  3. Delete the file named "localthumbcache.package"
  4. Restart the game

This does not delete saves or builds, but it can fix many download and menu-related problems.

6. Repair or Verify Your Game Installation (EA App and Steam)

If Delivery Express is not downloading, one of the most common causes is missing or corrupted game files. Repairing your installation helps restore any damaged files that may be preventing SDX updates from applying correctly.

The steps depend on which platform you use to play The Sims 4.

Repair The Sims 4 in the EA App

If you play through the EA App:
  1. Open the EA App
  2. Go to your Game Library
  3. Click The Sims 4
  4. Select Manage
  5. Choose Repair

The EA App will scan your game files and automatically replace anything broken or incomplete.

Once finished, restart your computer and launch the game again to check Delivery Express.

Verify Game Files if You Play Through Steam

If you play The Sims 4 on Steam, you won’t see a Repair button, but Steam includes a similar tool called Verify Integrity of Game Files.

To do this:
  1. Open Steam
  2. Go to your Library
  3. Right-click The Sims 4
  4. Select Properties
  5. Click the Installed Files tab
  6. Choose Verify integrity of game files

Steam will scan your installation and redownload any missing or corrupted files.

After the scan completes:
  1. Restart Steam
  2. Launch The Sims 4 again
  3. Check if Delivery Express begins downloading properly

Important Note for Steam Players

Even when using Steam, The Sims 4 still relies on the EA App in the background for online services, including Delivery Express.

If SDX is stuck, it may also help to:
  1. Fully close Steam and the EA App
  2. Restart your computer
  3. Open Steam again and relaunch the game

This refreshes the connection between Steam and EA servers.

7. Check Your Internet Connection

Delivery Express updates require a stable connection.

Make sure:
  • You are not in offline mode
  • Your firewall is not blocking The Sims 4
  • Your connection is stable and not dropping frequently

If possible, try restarting your router or switching networks.

8. Disable Antivirus Blocking (If Necessary)

Some antivirus programs may mistakenly block game update connections.

If Delivery Express is stuck, try temporarily disabling real-time protection or adding The Sims 4 as an allowed program. Only adjust security settings if you are comfortable doing so.

9. Sign Out and Back Into the EA App

Account syncing issues can occasionally prevent SDX downloads.

Try:
  1. Logging out of the EA App
  2. Closing the app completely
  3. Logging back in
  4. Relaunching The Sims 4

This can refresh your connection to EA services.

10. Reinstall as a Last Resort

If nothing else works, reinstalling may help, but it should only be the final step.

Before reinstalling:
  • Back up your Saves folder
  • Back up Mods and Tray files

After reinstalling, launch the game clean first before adding mods back.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Delivery Express affect gameplay?
Delivery Express updates are usually small fixes or content adjustments. Missing them may cause minor inconsistencies, but major updates still come through regular patches.

Can I manually download Delivery Express updates?
No, SDX updates are handled automatically through the game’s main menu system.

Will clearing cache delete my saves?
No. Cache clearing only removes temporary files, not your saved games or builds.

Final Thoughts

The Sims 4 Delivery Express not downloading can be frustrating, but in most cases, it can be fixed with basic troubleshooting like clearing cache files, repairing the game, or removing outdated mods.

If the problem is caused by EA server issues, the best solution may simply be waiting until services stabilize.

With these steps, you should be able to get Delivery Express working again and keep your game up to date.