Clear The Sims 4 Cache ⇒ Follow These Easy Steps Now

How do you clear The Sims 4 cache? It’s simpler than you might think: you just need to delete a few specific files in your Sims 4 folder to keep your game running smoothly. Whether it’s the latest Game Pack or just another day in Oasis Springs, knowing how to clear your cache can resolve common issues like lag, errors, or stubborn glitches. Still, it’s not always obvious which files are safe to toss out, and with so many unofficial tutorials floating around, even veteran Simmers can second-guess themselves. If you’re looking for a straightforward, up-to-date, and reliable walkthrough, you’re in the right place. This guide will show you, step by step, how to clear The Sims 4 cache—safely and efficiently—across both PC/Mac and console.

The Value of Clearing Your Sims 4 Cache

Let’s be real—Sims 4 is a sandbox, and like most sandboxes, it gets messy. Every time you play, the game stores temporary data, like images of Sims from the Gallery, mod leftovers, and more. These little snippets speed up loading in the short term, but given enough play sessions (and maybe a few thousand Gallery downloads), the cache can snarl. Clearing it helps you sidestep random crashes, sluggish load times, or that weird bug where all the thumbnails stop showing up.

Think of it this way: your cache is like your fridge. If you don’t throw out expired leftovers, things might start to stink. Similarly, an overloaded cache can bog down The Sims 4, especially if you’re active in the modding scene or love grabbing new Sims each week.

Step-by-Step: Clearing The Sims 4 Cache on PC & Mac

Ready to declutter? Here’s how you clear The Sims 4 cache on a PC or Mac in just a few steps:

1. Exit The Sims 4 Completely

First things first—always close the game. Attempting to delete files while The Sims 4 is running can lead to errors or data not clearing properly.

2. Find Your Sims 4 Folder

Navigate to your Sims 4 user folder. Usually, it’s right here:

PC/Mac: Documents > Electronic Arts > The Sims 4

This is your HQ for all Sims 4 saved games, mods, screenshots, and (you guessed it) cache files.

3. Identify the Cache Files

There are a handful of files and folders related to the cache. These are the primary ones:

localthumbcache.package (most important – stores in-game thumbnails and images)
avatarcache.package (caches avatar data)
localsimtexturecache.package (if you have the Businesses & Hobbies expansion or newer content)

It’s safe to delete all of these. The Sims 4 will recreate them as needed the next time you play.

For anyone who likes to “see it in action,” this YouTube walkthrough offers a visual step-by-step.

4. Dive Into Cache Folders

Beyond individual files, there are entire folders that safely hold “garbage” data. Explore these inside your Sims 4 folder:

cache – You can usually delete everything inside, but some users may see a file called FileCache. If so, leave that specific file—it’s best to play it safe.
cachestr – Delete the contents, such as spotlight_en-us.package, if present.
onlinethumbnailcache – Clear this out; it holds online Gallery image data.

If you don’t have these folders, don’t worry—Sims 4 creates or omits them as needed. The absence means less work for you!

5. Empty the Trash/Recycle Bin

Once you’ve deleted the files and emptied your PC or Mac’s trash, you’re done! The Sims 4 will regenerate any needed cache files automatically the next time you launch.

How to Clear The Sims 4 Cache on Console

Let’s shift gears. For Xbox and PlayStation, you can’t dig into folders, but you can force the console to wipe its own cache, which covers Sims 4 and other games alike.

Fully power off your Xbox or PlayStation (not just standby!)
Unplug the power cord from your console (wait about 60 seconds)
Plug back in and restart

That’s it—the system cache is wiped, which includes anything The Sims 4 might be storing in memory or in its temp folders. Easy, right?

An Ounce of Prevention: Why (and When) Cache Clearing Matters

Think of cache clearing as digital hygiene. It’s usually most helpful if you:

Download lots of Sims or houses from the Gallery
Regularly update or install mods
Notice Sims behaving oddly, freezing, or failing to load their images
Experience persistent lag or crashes, especially after a recent update or mod change

For most players, clearing the cache once every few weeks works wonders—more often if you tweak mods or go on Gallery download sprees. If you’ve never done it before, you might be shocked by the improvement the first time!

Back Up Before You Delete (Just in Case)

Even though clear cache is totally safe, it’s always wise to back up your Sims 4 folder before making changes—especially if you have irreplaceable saves or rare custom content. Just copy your entire Documents > Electronic Arts > The Sims 4 folder to an external drive or another spot on your computer. If karma strikes, you’ll be grateful you have it.

And if clearing cache doesn’t help? Consider repairing The Sims 4 installation using the EA App—click “Manage,” then “Repair.” This checks for missing or damaged game files and restores them automatically, building on the fresh cache you just set up.

The Files and Folders You Should Never Touch

The step-by-step above is safe as long as you stick to designated cache files and folders. But there are some files you should leave alone:

Your “saves” folder—deleting this erases your worlds and progress!
Anything inside the “Mods” folder, unless you know exactly what you’re doing

If you stick to only the cache-related package files and folders listed above, you’re golden.

FAQ: Sims 4 Cache Clearing, Mods, and Performance

Is it safe to delete the Sims 4 cache files?

Absolutely. Sims 4 cache files are designed to be temporary holding bins for images and data. Deleting them won’t remove your saves, mods, or gallery items—they’ll simply be recreated the next time you run the game. If anything, you’ll notice a performance boost or resolve persistent quirks.

How often should I clear my Sims 4 cache?

There’s no hard rule, but most players benefit from clearing the cache every few weeks, or anytime you notice lag, UI glitches, or errors. Heavy mod users or avid Gallery shoppers might want to do it even more frequently, especially after major updates or mod changes.

Do I need to clear the cache after every mod or update?

You don’t have to, but it can help. New mods often overwrite old data, and game updates sometimes render cached content obsolete. If you ever update a mod and start seeing unexpected behavior, cache clearing should be your first troubleshooting step.

What do I do if clearing the cache doesn’t fix my problem?

If deleting the cache files hasn’t resolved your Sims 4 woes, try the built-in “Repair” option in the EA App or Origin. Also, double-check for conflicting mods, outdated custom content, or corrupted game saves. Sometimes, deeper troubleshooting is needed, but cache clearing is always a safe starter.

Can I clear my Sims 4 cache on a console?

You can’t directly delete Sims 4 cache files on consoles like you do on PC, but you can clear the entire console cache by turning the system off, unplugging for 60 seconds, and then rebooting. This clears out any temporary Sims 4 data stored by your console.

Will I lose my Sims or lots by clearing the cache?

Nope! Your Sims, families, lots, and mods are untouched by cache clearing. The cache only contains temporary thumbnails and system data that the game can regenerate. As long as you don’t delete your “saves” or “Tray” folders, all your creations and progress are perfectly safe.

Your Simming, Your Way: Keep It Smooth

Cache clearing is one of those simple habits that keeps The Sims 4 running like new, whether it’s vanilla or heavily modded. Next time your Sim starts walking through walls or the Gallery acts up, you know what to do. Keep the practice in your toolbox, back up your saves just in case, and you’ll be set for endless Glimmerbrook drama or Strangerville shenanigans. Happy simming!