What Is localthumbcache.package in Sims 4 and When Should You Delete It?

localthumbcache.package is a cache file used by The Sims 4. If your game is still showing old mod behavior after you updated or removed files, deleting this cache is one of the safest and most common troubleshooting steps.

Short answer

You should usually delete localthumbcache.package when:

• you updated mods
• you removed mods
• the game still behaves like an old mod is installed
• UI or interaction glitches started after a patch

The game will create a fresh version of the file the next time it launches.

Where is localthumbcache.package?

It is usually in the main Sims 4 user folder, next to Mods, saves, and Tray:

• Windows: Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 4\localthumbcache.package
• Mac: Documents/Electronic Arts/The Sims 4/localthumbcache.package

If you are not sure you are in the right directory, check Where Is the Sims 4 Mods Folder?.

What does this file actually do?

At a simple level, it stores cached local game data. For mod users, the important part is that stale cached information can sometimes make it look like:

• an old mod is still active
• a removed mod is still affecting the game
• an updated file did not really update

That is why so many troubleshooting guides tell you to delete it after mod changes.

Is it safe to delete localthumbcache.package?

Yes, in normal troubleshooting it is considered safe. The Sims 4 rebuilds it automatically.

You are not deleting your saves or your installed mods. You are just removing cached data so the game can generate a fresh copy.

When should you delete it?

The best moments are:

After updating mods

If you replaced an old file with a new version, deleting the cache helps reduce the chance of stale data confusing the result.

After removing broken mods

If a removed mod still seems to affect the game, clear the cache and relaunch.

After a Sims 4 patch

Game updates are one of the most common moments for cached weirdness. That is why deleting this file belongs in any solid post-patch update workflow.

When strange behavior does not make sense

If the game still behaves incorrectly even though your folder looks right, this is one of the first low-risk things to try.

When should you not expect it to solve everything?

Deleting localthumbcache.package helps with stale cached behavior. It does not magically fix:

• incompatible script mods
• duplicate files
• missing dependencies
• a badly installed mod

If the file does not help, move on to a fuller guide like Why Sims 4 Mods Are Not Showing Up.

How to delete it properly

1. Close The Sims 4.
2. Open your main Documents/Electronic Arts/The Sims 4/ folder.
3. Find localthumbcache.package.
4. Delete it.
5. Launch the game again.

That is it.

Should you delete it every time?

Not necessarily every single play session. But it is a good habit after:

• major mod updates
• major Sims 4 patches
• troubleshooting sessions

Does this affect Chatelain map replacements?

It can help when you updated or swapped a visual replacement and the game still looks like the old version is active. It is not a guarantee, but it is an easy cleanup step worth doing.

FAQ

Will deleting localthumbcache.package delete my saves?

No. Your saves are separate files.

Will the file come back?

Yes. The Sims 4 recreates it automatically after launch.

Should I delete it before or after updating mods?

Usually after you change the files and before you relaunch the game.

Is localthumbcache.package the same as a mod?

No. It is a cache file created by the game itself.

Why do players keep recommending this fix?

Because it is quick, safe, and often helps when stale mod behavior keeps showing up after changes.