Can you play The Sims 4 on an iPad or a Chromebook?
Can you play The Sims 4 on an iPad or Chromebook?
No, not directly. EA makes The Sims 4 only for PC, Mac, PlayStation and Xbox. There is no iPad or ChromeOS version. If you own the game on Steam and have a computer that runs it, you can stream it to an iPad with Valve's free Steam Link app on the same home network.
Pack: Base game.
Steps
- Install The Sims 4 through Steam on a Windows PC or Mac that can run it.
- Install the free Steam Link app on your iPad from the App Store.
- Connect the iPad and the computer to the same home network. A 5 GHz Wi-Fi band or a wired computer works best.
- Open Steam on the computer, then open Steam Link on the iPad and pair it with the computer.
- Start The Sims 4 from Steam Link. Pair a controller if the touch controls feel hard to use.
iPad
There is no App Store version of The Sims 4. The Sims FreePlay is a different, free Sims game for iPhone and iPad. The Sims Mobile shut down on January 20, 2026.
Streaming with Steam Link only works if your own computer runs the game. Steam lists The Sims 4 with Remote Play on Tablet support.
Chromebook
The Sims 4 needs Windows or macOS. It does not run on ChromeOS, and EA has not announced a Chromebook version.
Google ended the Steam for Chromebook Beta on January 1, 2026. Games installed through that beta no longer play. Chromebooks that run Android apps can install The Sims FreePlay instead.
A browser option
LifeSim is a free life sim that runs in any browser, including on iPad and Chromebook, at play.lifesim.com, with an iPhone and iPad app too. It is a different game, not The Sims 4.
Common problems
Steam Link lags or drops out
Connect the computer by Ethernet to your router, use the 5 GHz Wi-Fi band on the iPad, and keep the iPad close to the router.
Steam Link cannot find my computer
The iPad and the computer must be on the same local network, and Steam must be running on the computer.
A website offers a Sims 4 download for iPad or Chromebook
EA does not make one. Get The Sims 4 only from the EA app, Steam, Epic Games, the PlayStation Store or the Microsoft Store.
My Chromebook games from Steam stopped working
Google ended the Steam for Chromebook Beta on January 1, 2026. Games installed as part of the beta are no longer playable.
In the Sims 4 database
More how-to guides
Play your Sims somewhere new
LifeSim is a free life sim in your browser, set in real cities. It can bring in a household from your Sims 4 Tray files or a save: import a Sims 4 household. It doesn't change your Sims 4 game.
Sources
- EA Forums: [FAQ] The Sims 4 and Chromebooks
- Steam: The Sims 4 store page
- App Store: Steam Link (Valve)
- Engadget: Steam for Chromebooks is reportedly being discontinued
- Pocket Tactics: The Sims Mobile is shutting down
Checked on November 5, 2026.
Questions
How do I get The Sims 4 on an iPad?
You can't install it. You can only stream it from a PC or Mac that runs the Steam version, using the Steam Link app.
Can you download The Sims 4 on a Chromebook?
No. The Sims 4 needs Windows, macOS, PlayStation or Xbox. ChromeOS is not supported.
Is there a Sims game for iPad?
Yes. The Sims FreePlay is free on the App Store for iPhone and iPad. It is a separate game from The Sims 4.
Is The Sims Mobile still available?
No. EA shut down The Sims Mobile on January 20, 2026.