Popular Games Sims 4 Error Code 122: How to Fix It

Medium 30-90 minutes High Severity Verified June 2026
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Error Code
122
Brand
Popular Games
Product Type
game
Severity
High
DIY Difficulty
Medium
Estimated Fix Time
30-90 minutes
Sims 4 Error Code 122 appears when the game fails to save your progress, usually due to a full or corrupted save file, disk write permissions, or damaged game data. This is a high-severity error because it can mean lost gameplay if not addressed quickly. Fortunately, most causes can be fixed at home with no special tools required.
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Tools You'll Need

How to Fix Error Code 122

  1. Check Your Available Disk Space

    Do not delete game files or saves while the game is running. Always close the game first before managing storage.

  2. Back Up Your Save Files Immediately

    Always back up saves before modifying or deleting any game files. Skipping this step could result in permanent loss of your Sim households and progress.

  3. Repair the Game Through EA App or Origin

  4. Remove or Disable Mods and Custom Content

    Do not delete your Mods folder — move it to another location so you can restore it later. Deleting it permanently removes your custom content.

  5. Delete or Rename the Corrupted Save File

    Renaming or removing saves will make that household unavailable until restored from backup. Never skip the backup step.

  6. Check and Fix Folder Permissions

  7. Update Your Graphics Drivers and Game

  8. Run a Disk Health Check

    Running chkdsk with the /r flag can take several hours on large drives. Do not interrupt the process or turn off your computer while it is running.
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When to Call a Professional

If your disk health check reveals bad sectors or your hard drive is flagged as failing, stop using that drive immediately and consult a data recovery specialist or IT technician. A failing drive can cause permanent data loss beyond just your Sims 4 saves. Similarly, if your operating system itself is showing signs of corruption — such as frequent crashes, slow performance, or other programs failing to save — a professional technician should assess your system. For persistent game-specific issues after all steps above, contact EA Support directly at help.ea.com for advanced save file recovery assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Sims 4 Error Code 122 mean?
Error Code 122 in Sims 4 means the game encountered a problem while trying to save your game. This is usually caused by a full hard drive, corrupted save files, broken mods or custom content, or a problem with folder write permissions. It is considered a high-severity error because it can result in lost progress if not fixed.
Will Error Code 122 delete my Sims saves?
Error Code 122 itself does not automatically delete your saves, but it does prevent new saves from being written. However, if the underlying cause is save file corruption, some data may already be damaged. This is why it is critical to back up your Saves folder immediately when you see this error, before attempting any repairs.
Can mods cause Sims 4 Error Code 122?
Yes, mods and custom content are one of the most common causes of Error Code 122. Outdated, conflicting, or broken mods can interfere with the game's save process. To test this, move your entire Mods folder out of the Sims 4 directory and launch the game without mods. If saving works normally, a mod is the culprit. Reintroduce mods in batches to find and remove the problematic file.
How do I find my Sims 4 save files?
On Windows, your Sims 4 save files are located at: Documents > Electronic Arts > The Sims 4 > Saves. On Mac, they are at: ~/Documents/Electronic Arts/The Sims 4/Saves. Save files have the .save extension. Files ending in .bad have been flagged as corrupted by the game automatically.
Does reinstalling Sims 4 fix Error Code 122?
Reinstalling the game should be a last resort. A full reinstall replaces game files but does not fix your save files, which are stored separately in your Documents folder. In most cases, using the Repair function in the EA App will fix game file issues without requiring a full reinstall. If you do reinstall, make sure to back up your Saves, Mods, and Tray folders first so you do not lose your households and custom content.

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