So, you downloaded some amazing custom content for The Sims 4… but something’s not working right. I’ve been there. Whether it’s a missing hairstyle, a broken sofa, or your game straight-up crashing — this troubleshooting guide for common CC issues is here to help. I’ll walk you through the exact steps I use when something goes wrong with my mods or custom content.
Don’t worry — you don’t need to be tech-savvy. With a little patience and the right tools, you can fix most CC problems in minutes.
What Are Common Custom Content Issues?
Custom content (CC) makes the game more fun and personal — but it doesn’t always play nice after an update or when files are outdated. Here are the most frequent issues I see:
- CC is not showing up in the game
- Broken meshes or invisible Sims
- Outdated or incompatible mods
- Long loading times or crashes
- Missing textures (like shiny blue outfits or glitchy objects)
Sound familiar? Let’s fix that.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide
1. Make Sure Mods Are Enabled
Before anything else, double-check that you’ve enabled CC in your game settings:
- Open The Sims 4
- Go to Options > Game Options > Other
- Tick both “Enable Custom Content and Mods” and “Script Mods Allowed”
- Click Apply Changes and restart the game
2. Check Your File Structure
Your .package files should be placed in the Documents > Electronic Arts > The Sims 4 > Mods folder. If you downloaded a .zip or .rar file, make sure you’ve extracted it first. CC doesn’t work while it’s still zipped.
3. Remove Broken or Outdated CC
When a new game patch comes out, some CC might break. I use these tools to find and clean up bad files:
- Sims 4 Tray Importer – Helps identify which CC is attached to your builds or Sims
- Mod Conflict Detector – Helps find duplicate, outdated, or conflicting mods
If something is broken, just delete it from your Mods folder and re-download a fresh copy from the creator’s site.
4. Test With a Clean Mods Folder
When all else fails, this method always helps me:
- Move your entire Mods folder to your desktop
- Start the game with no mods — this helps check if CC is the cause
- Add back your mods and CC in small batches
- Restart the game after each batch until you find the one causing trouble
It’s a bit of trial and error, but it works.
5. Clear Cache Files
Sometimes, weird CC behavior is just a cache issue. Here’s what I delete:
localthumbcache.package– Found in your Sims 4 folder. Delete it before restarting the game.- Optionally, delete the
cacheandonlinethumbnailcachefolders
Pros & Cons of Using CC (Especially After Updates)
Pros
- Endless customization and creativity
- Fresh content without spending money
- Easy to install and use
Cons
- Game patches can break CC
- Can slow down load times or cause crashes
- Needs regular maintenance and cleaning
Tips to Avoid Future CC Problems
- Download from trusted sources (like CurseForge, ModTheSims, or Patreon)
- Always check the last update date before installing
- Keep your Mods folder organized — I use folders like “CAS”, “Furniture”, “Script Mods”
- Back up your Sims 4 folder before a patch or big CC install
And if you’re new to CC, don’t miss my Sims 4 Mod Guide. It walks you through installing, organizing, and using CC from scratch.
Conclusion
Custom content is one of my favorite parts of The Sims 4 — but I know how frustrating it can be when things break. Hopefully, this troubleshooting guide for common CC issues helps you fix the problems quickly and get back to building, creating, and playing without headaches.
💬 Still stuck? Drop a comment below, and I’ll try to help out. Or share your own fix if you’ve solved a CC problem I missed!
FAQs: Troubleshooting Guide for Common CC Issues
Why is my custom content not showing up?
Most of the time, mods are disabled in game settings, or the files are in the wrong folder. Make sure they’re enabled and not zipped.
How do I know which CC is broken?
I use Sims 4 Tray Importer or Mod Conflict Detector to scan for broken or outdated content.
Can CC break after a Sims 4 update?
Yes. Game patches often break older mods or CC. You may need to update or replace affected files.
Should I delete my localthumbcache file?
Yes! It stores cached data about CC. Deleting it often fixes weird glitches or lag.
Can I use CC on Mac?
Yes. Installing and troubleshooting CC works the same on Mac as on PC.