How to Install Mods in The Sims 4 (PC & Mac: Easy Step-by-Step Guide)

Mods are one of the best ways to customize and enhance The Sims 4, whether you want new hairstyles, furniture, gameplay tweaks, or full system overhauls. From small quality-of-life improvements to major realism mods, installing mods lets you shape the game exactly how you want.

Important: Mods work only on PC and Mac. Console versions of The Sims 4 do not support mods.

Since EA officially partnered with CurseForge, installing and managing Sims 4 mods has become much easier for beginners. That said, many players still prefer manual installs for more control.

Step 1: Check Your Sims 4 Game Version (Important Before Installing Mods)

Before downloading any mod, you should confirm your game’s current patch version. Mods built for older patches can cause crashes, glitches, or corrupted saves.

How to check your patch version

1. Open Documents
2. Go to Electronic Arts → The Sims 4
3. Open the file GameVersion.txt
4. Note the version number listed

When downloading mods, always make sure the creator confirms compatibility with your game version—especially after major Sims 4 updates.

Step 2: Enable Mods in The Sims 4 Settings

Mods will not work unless they are enabled inside the game.

Steps

1. Launch The Sims 4
2. Click Options → Game Options
3. Open the Other tab
4. Enable both options:
   • Enable Custom Content and Mods
   • Script Mods Allowed
5. Click Apply Changes
6. Restart the game

After restarting, The Sims 4 is ready to load mods.

Step 3: Locate the Sims 4 Mods Folder

All mods must be placed in the correct folder for the game to detect them.

Mods folder location

• Windows:
  Documents → Electronic Arts → The Sims 4 → Mods
• Mac:
  Documents → Electronic Arts → The Sims 4 → Mods

If the Mods folder does not exist, launch the game once and close it. The folder will be created automatically.

Do not delete or modify the Resource.cfg file inside the Mods folder.

Step 4: Install Sims 4 Mods Manually (Recommended for Full Control)

Manual installation is ideal if you download mods from creator websites or want tighter organization.

How to install mods manually

1. Download mods from trusted sources such as:
   • CurseForge
   • ModTheSims
   • The Sims Resource
2. Extract downloaded files if they are zipped (.zip, .rar, .7z)
3. Place files in the Mods folder:
   • .package files → Mods folder or subfolders
   • .ts4script files → Mods folder (maximum one folder deep)
4. Relaunch the game

When the game starts, a pop-up will confirm which mods are loaded.

Step 5: Install Sims 4 Mods Using CurseForge (Easiest Method)

For beginners, CurseForge offers the safest and simplest way to manage mods.

Steps

1. Download the CurseForge app
2. Open the app and connect The Sims 4
3. Browse mods by category (Gameplay, Build & Buy, CAS)
4. Click Install on any mod
5. CurseForge automatically places files in the correct folders
6. Use My Mods to update individual mods or update all at once

CurseForge also disables incompatible mods after game updates, reducing crashes.

Step 6: Mods Folder vs Tray Folder (Very Important)

Many players confuse these two folders, which causes mods not to appear in-game.

Folder	Used For
Mods	Mods, scripts, custom content
Tray	Lots, Rooms, Households

Only .package and .ts4script files belong in the Mods folder.
Tray files use formats like .trayitem, .bpi, .hhi, and .sgi.

Step 7: Organize Your Mods Correctly

Organizing mods makes troubleshooting much easier.

Recommended folder structure

Mods
 ┣━ Hair
 ┣━ Clothing
 ┣━ Furniture
 ┣━ Gameplay
 ┣━ ScriptMods

Important rules

• Script mods (.ts4script) must be one folder deep
• .package files can be up to five folders deep
• Never place ZIP files directly in the Mods folder

Step 8: Test Mods In-Game Safely

After installing mods:

1. Restart The Sims 4
2. Confirm the mod list pop-up appears
3. Load a test save
4. Check CAS, Build Mode, or gameplay features

If the game crashes or behaves oddly, remove the most recent mod and test again.

Why Sims 4 Mods Don’t Show Up (Quick Fixes)

If mods aren’t working, check these common causes:

• Mods were disabled after a game update
• Files were not extracted from ZIP archives
• Script mods are placed too deep in folders
• Mods are incompatible with your game version
• Mods are installed on console (not supported)

Re-enable mods in settings and restart the game after every update.

Keep Mods Updated After Game Patches

Sims 4 updates frequently break mods.

Best practices

• Check for mod updates after every patch
• Use CurseForge auto-updates when possible
• Remove outdated mods immediately
• Back up saves regularly:
  Documents → Electronic Arts → The Sims 4 → Saves

Beginner-Friendly Sims 4 Mods to Try

If you’re new to modding, these mods are widely trusted and actively maintained:

Mod Name	What It Does
MC Command Center	Full control over Sims and neighborhoods
UI Cheats Extension	Click-based cheats
Meaningful Stories	Realistic emotion system
Have Some Personality Please	Better autonomy
Life’s Drama	Random drama events

FAQs

Can you install mods in The Sims 4 on console?

No. Mods are only supported on the PC and Mac versions of The Sims 4. Console editions on PlayStation and Xbox do not allow mods or custom content.

Why are my Sims 4 mods not showing up in the game?

This usually happens because mods were disabled after a game update, files were not extracted from ZIP folders, or script mods were placed too deep inside subfolders. Re-enable mods in settings and restart the game.

Where is the Sims 4 Mods folder located?

The Mods folder is located at Documents → Electronic Arts → The Sims 4 → Mods on both Windows and Mac. Mods placed outside this folder will not load.

How deep can script mods be placed in the Mods folder?

Script mods (.ts4script) can only be placed one folder deep inside the Mods folder. If placed deeper, The Sims 4 will not detect them.

Are CurseForge Sims 4 mods safe to use?

Yes. CurseForge hosts a curated collection of Sims 4 mods and is officially supported for mod distribution. It also helps manage updates after game patches.

Do mods break after Sims 4 updates?

Yes, some mods can break after updates. The game automatically disables mods after patches, so you must update compatible mods before re-enabling them.

What is the difference between the Mods folder and the Tray folder?

The Mods folder is for mods and custom content, while the Tray folder is used for saved Sims, lots, and rooms. Placing files in the wrong folder will prevent them from working.

How do I know if a Sims 4 mod is compatible with my game version?

Check the mod’s download page for patch compatibility and compare it with your game version listed in the GameVersion.txt file inside the Sims 4 folder.

Installing mods in The Sims 4 is easier than ever. Whether you prefer manual installs for full control or CurseForge for convenience, following the correct steps ensures a stable, crash-free experience. With proper organization and regular updates, mods can transform your Sims world into something far more creative and personal.