Recover Your Sims Registration Key

How to get you serial number back if you've lost your game case

Security key on white laptop close up
Michael Bodmann / Getty Images

Can't find your registration code for The Sims 3 or Sims 4? There are a few different ways to obtain the product key you need to install the game.

Information in this article applies to all The Sims games and expansion packs for Windows and Mac.

How to Find Your Sims Registration Code

A registration key comes packaged with every copy of The Sims for PC. If you've lost your game case, you have a few options if you have previously installed the game:

  1. If you registered your game on The Sims website, you can check your profile for the keys you have registered.

    EA product code redemption page
  2. Download a free product key finder, or use a commercial key finder if the free ones don't work. Most of these programs let you copy or export the key so that you can save it elsewhere if you ever need it again in the future.

    Abelssoft's MyKeyFinder

    While you can find Sims 3 registration code generators and other keygen programs online, using product keys from such websites is illegal.

  3. Windows users can open the Windows Registry to find the code. For The Sims, look in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Electronic Arts\Maxis\The Sims\ergc\. For other titles, replace the registry key "The Sims" with another title, such as "The Sims Livin' Large" or "The Sims House Party." On the right side, look for a value called Default and double-click it to see the registration key.

    The Windows Registry

    Do not make any unnecessary changes to the Windows Registry as it could damage your computer.

  4. Mac users can find their registration key using the Mac Terminal (accessible through Finder > Utilities > Terminal). For example, to find the key for The Sim 3, you would enter the following command:

    cat Library/Preferences/The\ Sims\ 3\ Preferences/system.reg |grep -A1 ergc
    
  5. If you're using the Origin game platform, go into My Game Library and right-click the Sims game icon. Choose Show Game Details to find the code under the Product Code section.

    Right-click a game in Origin and select Game Properties to find the product key.
  6. If all else fails, contact Electronic Arts or the retailer who sold you the game about a product key replacement.

    Electronic Arts support page

Tips for Storing Product Keys and Serial Numbers

After you find the product key, it's highly recommended to store it somewhere safe in case you ever need it again. Here are some tips:

  • Send an email to yourself with the key.
  • Write the key directly on the CD.
  • Write it in the manual.
  • Store it in a password manager.
  • Save it in a text file on your computer or a flash drive.
  • Save it in a note taking app on your phone or computer.
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