If you are seeing blank speech bubbles, weird numbers, or cryptic codes like *** or 0x... instead of actual words in The Sims 4, you are dealing with a language strings error. This happens when the game or a mod looks for a specific line of text but cannot find the corresponding entry in your current language's "String Table." Quick Fixes for Missing Text
Before diving into complex registry edits, try these standard troubleshooting steps:
Repair Your Game: This is the most common solution for official game content. In the EA App, go to Manage > Repair. This forces the app to verify and redownload any missing or corrupted language files.
Update Your Mods: If text is only missing on specific interactions (like those from Better Build Buy or WW), the mod is likely outdated. Modders often add new "strings" with updates; if you use an old version with a new game patch, the new text won't exist in your files.
Clear Your Cache: Delete the localthumbcache.package file found in Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 4. This file often stores old data that can conflict with new text strings. Advanced Repair: The Registry Fix
If your game is set to the wrong language or "Locale," it may fail to load text strings entirely. You can manually check and fix this using the Windows Registry Editor: Press Windows Key + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Maxis\The Sims 4 (on 64-bit systems, look under WOW6432Node first). Find the entry named Locale.
Right-click it, select Modify, and ensure the value matches your desired language (e.g., en_US for English, pt_BR for Brazilian Portuguese, fr_FR for French). Fixing Blank Mod Text (For Creators & Users) sims 4 language strings fix
If you have a mod that works but has "invisible" text, it's because the mod only contains text for one language (usually English). If you play in another language (like Spanish), the game sees the Spanish string table is empty and shows nothing. For Users: The "Copy-Paste" Fix
You can "trick" the game into showing the original text by copying the strings to your language's table: Re: Sims 4: repair changes language; missing text strings
Most string issues are caused by corrupted files after a patch.
EA App: Go to Library, click the three dots (…) on The Sims 4 tile, and select Repair.
Steam: Right-click The Sims 4 in your Library, select Properties > Installed Files > Verify integrity of game files. 🌍 How to Change/Reset Language
If your game is stuck in the wrong language or the strings aren't loading, try these steps:
Steam Users: Right-click the game in your Library > Properties > Language. Select your preferred language from the dropdown. If you are seeing blank speech bubbles, weird
EA App Users: The EA App currently requires a re-install to change the language. Uninstall the game, then click Download. A popup will appear allowing you to select a new language before the installation starts.
Mac Users: If using the older Origin client, right-click the game tile > Game Properties > Advanced Launch Options to change the language. 🖥️ Advanced: Windows Registry Fix
If the game refuses to switch, you can manually force the language string via the Registry Editor: Press Win + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Maxis\The Sims 4 (or WOW6432Node\Maxis\The Sims 4 on 64-bit systems).
Find the Locale string and change the value to your desired language code (e.g., en_US for English, fr_FR for French). 🧩 For Mod Users
If you use mods, "string" errors are often caused by outdated UI Cheats Extension or MC Command Center. Move your Mods folder to the desktop.
Delete localthumbcache.package in your Documents > Electronic Arts > The Sims 4 folder. Step 4: Manually Fix a Broken Mod Using
Restart the game. If the text returns, one of your mods is broken and needs an update. How To Change Language in Sims 4 on EA App
If you are a mod creator or the mod is abandoned, you can fix the strings yourself using Sims 4 Studio (free tool).
.package file.STBL-EN for English), right-click and "Add" a new one.Seeing broken code in The Sims 4 is jarring. It breaks the illusion of the simulation. However, the "sims 4 language strings fix" is almost always a mod management issue, not a permanent corruption.
Your Action Plan Summary:
localthumbcache.package before every single play session after changing your mod folder.The strings are there. The text exists. Your game isn't broken forever; it's just looking in the wrong place. With this guide, you now know exactly how to point it back in the right direction.
Happy Simming, and may your tooltips always be readable.
Mods often add new interactions (like "Go to School" or "Realistic Burglar"). If a mod adds an interaction but doesn't include a translation file for your current language, the game will display the raw code string.
The Fix:
Mods folder to your desktop.