Clear Sims 4 Cache: Fix Lags, Errors & Slow Loading (Windows & macOS)
Sometimes The Sims 4 starts acting weird: little bugs pop up, thumbnails don't display right, and loading times get a bit longer than usual. These are all pretty normal signs that it's time to clear your game cache. Deleting temporary files is a good habit for any player – it helps keep things tidy and makes everything run a little smoother. Let's figure out together what cache is, why you need to clear it, and how to do it properly and safely.
What is cache and where does it come from?
In The Sims 4, cache means temporary files and folders that the game creates to speed up loading, store thumbnails, save mod info, log errors, and handle various in-game processes.
Every time you start or play the game, it generates or updates some of these files. Cache is there so the game “remembers” which thumbnails and objects you’ve used lately, finds things quickly, and saves certain settings and operational data.
The cache includes:
— Images (thumbnails) of Sims, lots, and objects;
— Temporary settings and launch data;
— Working data from mods and scripts;
— Logs about errors, crashes, memory limit overflows, etc.
Why do you need to clear the cache?
If you don’t clear the cache regularly, it builds up old or corrupted data – which can lead to all sorts of problems:
Lags and long loading times because of excess or broken files;
Errors and crashes, especially after removing or updating mods or the game itself;
Wrong thumbnails showing: for example, an item is deleted but its thumbnail is still there;
Mod and script bugs due to leftover data;
Endless loading screens, crashes, or even corrupted saves;
Overall drop in performance.
This happens especially often if you use a lot of custom content or actively add/remove mods.
How often should you clear your cache?
1. After every game update.
2. Whenever you make changes to the Mods folder (adding, deleting, or updating mods).
3. If you notice weird bugs, really long loads, crashes, or errors.
How to clear Sims 4 cache (Windows and macOS)
Step 1
Exit the game. Never clear cache while the application is running.
Step 2
Open The Sims 4 folder:
Documents — Electronic Arts — The Sims 4
Step 3
Delete the following files and folders (important – not all of the folders or files listed below will always be in your The Sims 4 folder, and that's totally normal):
General cache
— cache (folder): holds temporary data (mostly image previews from the Gallery); this folder gets filled only while the game is running, so you can safely clear it between sessions
— cachestr (folder): cache for script mods
— onlinethumbnailcache (folder): thumbnails of Gallery items
— avatarcache.package: used mainly to fix Gallery errors on Mac, but can grow quite large
— localsimtexturecache.package: cache of composite sim textures (max size – 100 MB); deleting helps solve character display issues
— localthumbcache.package: thumbnail file; it’s useful to delete this from time to time, and absolutely after adding, deleting or updating mods
— UserData.lock: auxiliary or temporary service files, may pile up
— ReticulatedSplinesView: auxiliary or temporary service files, may pile up
— notify.glob: auxiliary or temporary service files, may pile up
— ConnectionStatus.txt: auxiliary or temporary service files, may pile up
Error logs
— lastCrash.txt (all files)
— lastException.txt (all files)
— lastUIException.txt (all files)
These log crashes and game errors. Most players don’t need these, but if you’re having constant errors you can show them on forums for troubleshooting. Old ones (with numbers) can always be deleted.
Auxiliary folders (delete only if empty)
— ConfigOverride
— Recorded Videos
— Screenshots
Step 4 (optional)
You can take it a step further and clear cache files built up by certain mods:
— BE-ExceptionReport.html (all files)
— BE-UIExceptionReport.html (all files)
— WickedWhimsInfoLog.log / WonderfulWhimsInfoLog.log
Important: Don’t delete the Saves, Tray, or Mods folders – these are your games and custom content.
Step 5
Restart the game. Sims 4 will automatically recreate all the necessary files from scratch. You may need to re-enable mods and CC in the game settings after clearing the cache.
You can make it easier
For players who want to cut down on the routine, there’s an automated solution – a Cleanup Script for Windows by @andirz-mods. This is a special one-click utility that automatically deletes all recommended temporary files and error logs, without touching your mods or save files.
It automates the cleanup, but you’ll need a Patreon subscription to the author for access.
So, to make sure you can always tidy things up quickly on your own (without scripts or third-party programs), keep this guide handy:
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