Play The Sims 4 on iPad and Chromebook, with your mods

The Sims 4 doesn't exist on iPad or Chromebook. Shadow PC runs the PC version on a real Windows PC in the cloud, with your mods, your CC and your packs, and streams it to your screen.

The Sims 4 on an iPad and a phone with Shadow PC

Powered by: NVIDIA RTX DLSS

Also available on:

Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Android TV, Apple TV

Xbox Cloud Gaming streams the console version, without mods. Shadow PC streams the PC version, with all of them.

The Sims 4 isn't on iPad or Chromebook.
The PC version can be.

Can you play The Sims 4 on an iPad or a Chromebook? Not with an app: EA releases the game on PC, Mac, PlayStation and Xbox, and The Sims FreePlay on mobile is a different game. Xbox Cloud Gaming can stream the Xbox version in a browser, but console Sims don't take mods or custom content. Shadow PC takes another route: a full Windows PC in the cloud, with an NVIDIA RTX graphics card, that you open from the Shadow app on your iPad, the Android app on your Chromebook, or Chrome. You install the PC version of The Sims 4 on it, with your mods, your CC and the packs on your EA account.

What you need on each device

Every device connects to the same Shadow PC, so your game, your mods and your saves are already there.

iPad

iPadOS 15 or later

AppShadow, on the App Store
ControlsTouch, or a Bluetooth mouse and keyboard
Tip5 GHz Wi-Fi, close to your router

Chromebook

With Google Play

AppShadow, on Google Play, or pc.shadow.tech in Chrome
ControlsThe touchpad, or a USB or Bluetooth mouse
TipAn Ethernet cable if your Chromebook has a port

Android tablet

Android app

AppShadow, on Google Play
ControlsTouch, or a Bluetooth mouse and keyboard
Tip15 Mbit/s at least

The game downloads on your Shadow PC at up to 1 Gb/s. Your own connection only carries the picture.

The mods simmers use most, on your iPad

Your tablet only shows the game. The mods run on your Shadow PC, like on any Windows PC.

MC Command Center

Deaderpool

What it doesStory progression, population, careers and pregnancy settings, all from one menu
NeedsScript mods turned on

UI Cheats Extension

weerbesu

What it doesRight-click to change needs, skills, money and relationships
NeedsScript mods turned on

Better BuildBuy

TwistedMexi

What it doesUnlocks hidden objects and lets you place items freely in Build mode
NeedsScript mods turned on

Meaningful Stories

roBurky

What it doesMoods and emotions shift gradually, so happiness has to be earned
NeedsScript mods turned on, and an up-to-date game

Better Pie Menu

Andirz

What it doesReorganizes interaction menus with icons, so you find the right action faster
NeedsLot51 Core Library, script mods turned on

New Emotional Traits

kuttoe

What it does10 new traits, like Arrogant, Daydreamer or Stoic, with their own moods and interactions
NeedsThe base game only

Among the most popular Sims 4 mods, on CurseForge and their creators' sites (October 2026). None of them works on the Xbox version streamed by Xbox Cloud Gaming. Your CC hair, clothes and furniture work the same way as on a PC.

Install your Sims 4 mods from a tablet

Everything happens on the Windows desktop of your Shadow PC. Touch or a mouse does the rest.

The Sims 4 game options with custom content enabled

Turn mods on

On your Shadow PC, launch The Sims 4, open Game Options, then Other, and tick the custom content and script mods options. Restart the game.

Download them on your Shadow PC

Open a browser on your Shadow PC, not on your tablet, and download your mods there. Unzip them with the Windows file explorer.

Drop them in the Mods folder

Move .package and .ts4script files to Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 4\Mods, and lots and rooms to Tray. Relaunch and check the mod list on the start screen.

Touch to get going, a mouse to build

The PC version of The Sims 4 is designed for a mouse and keyboard. The Shadow app lets you control your Shadow PC by touch, which is handy to check on your Sims. For long sessions, and for Build mode above all, pair a Bluetooth mouse and keyboard with your iPad, Chromebook or Android tablet: your Shadow PC uses them like any PC would.

Shadow PC on iPad

Shadow PC, Xbox Cloud Gaming or The Sims FreePlay on a tablet

	Shadow PC	Xbox Cloud Gaming	The Sims FreePlay
The Sims 4	Shadow PC	Xbox Cloud Gaming	The Sims FreePlay A different game
Mods and custom content	Shadow PC	Xbox Cloud Gaming Not possible	The Sims FreePlay Not possible
Packs from your EA account	Shadow PC	Xbox Cloud Gaming Xbox packs only	The Sims FreePlay Not possible
Saves shared with your PC or Mac	Shadow PC	Xbox Cloud Gaming Not possible	The Sims FreePlay Not possible
On iPad and Chromebook	Shadow PC	Xbox Cloud Gaming	The Sims FreePlay

As many hours as your households need

A few evenings a week? Shadow PC Lite gives you 120 hours a month, in sessions of up to 4 hours. Long build sessions every day? Shadow PC gives you 210 hours a month, 6-hour sessions and 512 GB of SSD for a big CC folder. Both come with an NVIDIA RTX graphics card and no commitment.

From your tablet to The Sims 4 in 3 steps

No new computer, no console. Your iPad, Chromebook or Android tablet is enough.

Sign up on Shadow.tech

Go to shadow.tech and pick the Shadow PC that fits how much you play.

Get the app

Install the Shadow app from the App Store on iPad or from Google Play on Chromebook, or open pc.shadow.tech in Chrome.

Step 3: start your Shadow PC and launch your game

Start playing

Start your Shadow PC, install the EA app or Steam and download The Sims 4, which is free. Then add your mods.

On a Chromebook? Read the full guide

Shadow PC turns a Chromebook into a Windows PC for much more than The Sims 4, with Steam, the EA app or Epic Games. Our guide to Windows games on Chromebook covers the Android app and the browser, step by step. New to The Sims 4 on Shadow PC? Start with The Sims 4 on Shadow PC.

Windows games on a Chromebook with Shadow PC

More about The Sims 4 on Shadow PC

The full picture on one page, and the guide for Mac players.

Overview

The Sims 4 on Shadow PC

Why Shadow PC is a good PC for The Sims 4: what works, your device compared, the 21 expansion packs and the system requirements.

What works
Your device compared
System requirements

Read the overview

Mac

The Sims 4 on Mac

The Mac version runs the game, but not ReShade, and every pack fills your drive. How to play the Windows version from your Mac, with your packs and your CC.

ReShade on Mac
Your Mac saves and packs
Xbox Cloud Gaming or Shadow PC

Read the Mac guide

FAQ

Can you play The Sims 4 on an iPad?

Not with an app: there's no iPadOS version of The Sims 4, and The Sims FreePlay is a different game. You can play the PC version on iPad with Shadow PC. The game runs on a Windows PC in the cloud, and the Shadow app (iPadOS 15 or later) streams it to your iPad.

Can you play The Sims 4 on a Chromebook?

Not natively: ChromeOS can't run the Windows or Mac version. With Shadow PC, you open your cloud PC from the Shadow app on Google Play or from pc.shadow.tech in Chrome, and play the PC version of The Sims 4 there, like on a Windows laptop.

Can I use Sims 4 mods and CC on iPad or Chromebook?

Yes, with Shadow PC, because the game runs on Windows. Mods and CC go in Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 4\Mods on your Shadow PC, like on any PC, and script mods work the same way. The Xbox version streamed by Xbox Cloud Gaming and The Sims FreePlay don't take mods or custom content.

Where do I download Sims 4 mods when I play on iPad?

On your Shadow PC, not on the iPad. Open a browser on the Windows desktop of your Shadow PC, download your mods there and unzip them with the file explorer. Then move them into the game's Mods folder. Your iPad never stores them.

Can I play The Sims 4 on iPad with Xbox Cloud Gaming?

Yes. With an Xbox Game Pass plan that includes cloud gaming, you can stream the Xbox version in a browser on an iPad or a Chromebook. That version doesn't support custom content or script mods, and packs bought on PC or Mac don't carry over to it.

Is The Sims FreePlay the same game as The Sims 4?

No. The Sims FreePlay is a separate free-to-play mobile game from EA, with its own content and no mods. The Sims 4 only exists on PC, Mac and consoles. With Shadow PC, you play the PC version on your tablet.

Do I need a mouse to play The Sims 4 on iPad?

Not always, but it helps. The PC version of The Sims 4 is designed for a mouse and keyboard. The Shadow app lets you control your Shadow PC by touch, and a Bluetooth mouse and keyboard paired with your iPad make long sessions, and Build mode above all, more precise.

Can I play The Sims 4 on an Android tablet?

Yes. Install the Shadow app from Google Play, sign in, and play the PC version of The Sims 4 like on a Chromebook. A Bluetooth mouse and keyboard make Build mode easier.

What internet connection do I need to play The Sims 4 on a tablet?

Shadow recommends at least 15 Mbit/s, on Ethernet or 5 GHz Wi-Fi. The game itself downloads on your Shadow PC at up to 1 Gb/s, so your tablet's connection only carries the picture.

Can I use my EA account and my packs on iPad with Shadow PC?

Yes. Sign in to the EA app on your Shadow PC with your usual EA account: the packs you bought on PC or Mac are there, ready to download. Packs bought on Xbox or PlayStation stay on those consoles.