Sims Mobile Is Shutting Down: What Does it Mean and What Next?
After seven years of life-simulating fun on mobile devices, Electronic Arts (EA) has announced that The Sims Mobile is shutting down for good. On October 20, 2025, the final update went live, and the game was delisted from iOS and Android stores on October 21, 2025. The ultimate server shutdown is scheduled for January 20, 2026, after which the game will no longer be accessible.
With no new purchases allowed after the update, this marks a poignant ending for the game’s community and opens the door for new experiences within the Sims universe. So, what does this mean for players, and what’s next?
A Brief History of The Sims Mobile
The Sims Mobile was released on March 6, 2018, as EA’s second mobile entry in The Sims franchise. Developed by Maxis and Firemonkeys Studios, it brought the life-simulation experience to smartphones and tablets with enhanced graphics and social gameplay.
Unlike FreePlay, which focused on real-time progression and town-building, The Sims Mobile centered on stories, relationships, and career development within individual households. Over the years, updates like Build/Buy Mode, Sweet Treat Showdowns, and Sim Festivals kept the community engaged.
Despite its popularity, maintaining live service support and shifting player expectations led EA to announce the shutdown in October 2025, marking the end of an era for mobile Simmers.
Now, let’s take a look at the official timeline of events leading to the shutdown.
Events of The Sims Mobile Shutdown
EA has confirmed that the servers for The Sims Mobile will shut down on January 20, 2026, at 1:59 PM UTC. In their official statement on EA’s website, the team expressed gratitude to players and shared a detailed roadmap leading up to the final closure.
While this marks the end of an era for many mobile Simmers, EA announced several final updates and unlocks to ensure players can enjoy the game’s last few months. Below is the complete timeline of what’s happening next.
Important Dates and What’s Happening
October 20, 2025 – New Update
Sims Mobile rolled out a farewell update, bringing quality-of-life fixes, updated loading screens, and access to rerun events. This update was the final chance for players to enjoy limited-time rewards before the delisting.
October 21, 2025 – App Store Delistings
The Sims Mobile was removed from both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, meaning new players can no longer download it. However, existing players can still access the game if it’s already installed on their devices. They can also continue using their existing in-game currency until January 20, 2026.
January 6, 2026 – Content Unlocked
All Build Mode and Create A Sim items will be unlocked for every player on January 6, 2026. This includes exclusive event items, hairstyles, outfits, and furniture. This allows players to enjoy the game freely before its online servers close.
January 20, 2026 – Final Server Closure
On this date, The Sims Mobile servers officially shut down. All online features and gameplay data will become inaccessible, permanently ending all live gameplay.
After January 20, 2026, players will not receive any refunds for leftover currency.
Note: All purchases made before October 20, 2025, will still work in-game until January 20, 2026.
Final Rerun Events
Before the servers close, the Sims Mobile team will host several rerun events, giving players a chance to complete past collections. These events will continue to run as usual until the game is shut down, allowing players to earn Simoleons and items.
Below is a summary of the confirmed final reruns.
Event Title | Type / Category | Running Period |
|---|---|---|
Sweet Treat Showdown: Café Life | Sweet Treat Event | Oct 20 – Oct 28, 2025 |
Treasure Hunt: Modern Manor | Treasure Hunt Collection | Nov 1 – Nov 10, 2025 |
Sim Festival: Season of Style | Festival Pass Event | Nov 15 – Dec 15, 2025 |
Wumples’ Wishlist Finale | Task Challenge | Dec 20 – Jan 6, 2026 |
Holiday Celebration Event | Limited-Time Seasonal | Jan 6 – Jan 20, 2026 |
Sims Mobile is Shutting Down: What Next?
If you’ve been a long-time Sims Mobile player, now’s the perfect time to explore similar gameplay experiences, especially on desktop or console. These alternatives provide deeper storytelling, more creative control, and endless customization through mods and CC.
1. The Sims 4 (PC & Console)
The Sims 4 is the natural next step for any Sims Mobile fan. The game offers vast creative freedom with its Build/Buy mode, CAS customization, and storytelling tools. You can create themed looks in CAS or add reality to your worlds through mods.
If you’re transitioning, start with our guides on Must-Have Sims 4 CC for 2025 and Best Sims 4 Mods for 2025.
2. The Sims FreePlay
Another excellent option for mobile players is The Sims FreePlay, EA’s other long-running mobile entry in the franchise. It offers a familiar life-simulation experience with town-building, family progression, and home design mechanics.
This makes it an easy choice for those who want to continue playing on their phones. Regular seasonal updates, quests, and special events keep the game engaging even after years of release.
3. Project Rene (Upcoming)
EA’s upcoming Project Rene is the future of The Sims franchise. The cross-platform evolution aims to blend mobile and PC gameplay, and promises more creative tools, multiplayer features, and shared worlds.
Project Rene will deliver a next-generation Sims experience for both casual and advanced players. While it’s still in development, Project Rene is shaping up to be the spiritual successor to The Sims Mobile once it officially launches.
2. Paralives
Paralives is an indie life-simulation game currently in development, built with a strong focus on player creativity and open-ended storytelling. It promises a flexible building system and emotional depth similar to what long-time Simmers love. It’s a great option to watch as it approaches early access.
3. BitLife: Life Simulator (Mobile)
If you prefer to stay on mobile, BitLife provides an entirely text-based simulation with career paths, relationships, and random life events. It’s less visual but equally addictive and frequently updated.
5. Avakin Life
For players who love the social and fashion aspects of The Sims Mobile, Avakin Life offers avatar customization, home design, and live multiplayer environments. It’s still accessible across mobile platforms.
FAQs: The Sims Mobile Shutdown
Is Sims Mobile shutting down?
Yes. EA confirmed that The Sims Mobile will officially shut down on January 20, 2026. After this date, servers will go offline and the game will no longer be playable.
Can I play after the game is delisted?
You can continue playing if you already have the app installed, but downloads are no longer available after October 21, 2025.
Why is Sims Mobile shutting down?
The Sims Online (later renamed EA-Land) shut down in 2008 due to low player engagement and the high cost of maintaining the game’s servers, which is why EA is now sunsetting The Sims Mobile.
Why is Sims Mobile not working?
If the app fails to load or connect, it’s likely due to ongoing shutdown preparations, limited server activity, or the delisting process. Check the official EA blog for the latest updates.
Can I re-download TSM later?
No. Once delisted from app stores, The Sims Mobile won’t be available for re-download, even if you had The Sims Mobile installed before.
What happens to my purchases?
According to EA, all in-game purchases and progress will remain accessible until the shutdown date. After January 20, 2026, servers will close, and purchased content will no longer be usable.
Summary: What Next?
While it’s sad to see The Sims Mobile go, the Sims community spirit lives on through creativity and storytelling. If you’re ready to continue your journey, The Sims 4 is your best option to keep building, designing, and simming in your own style.
In the meantime, enjoy these final months you have with The Sims mobile. Don’t forget to share your thoughts about the Sims Mobile shutdown below. b
