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Redownloading Your EA Games: A Comprehensive Guide

So, you want to dive back into an old favorite or reinstall a game you accidentally deleted from the EA app? No problem! Redownloading your purchased games on the EA app is a straightforward process. Simply log in to your EA Account, navigate to My Library, find the game you wish to reinstall, and click the download arrow (usually located in the bottom right corner of the game tile). Confirm your install location and language preferences, and then click Next to begin the download. Easy peasy! Let’s explore this process and other related topics in greater detail.

Reinstalling Your Games: A Step-by-Step Guide

The EA app has replaced Origin as the primary platform for downloading and launching PC games. This guide assumes you’re using the EA app and not the older Origin client. The process is similar, but slight variations might exist.

Launch the EA App and Log In: First things first, open the EA app on your computer. If you’re not already logged in, enter your EA account credentials (email address and password). Ensure you’re using the correct account; if you have multiple accounts, you might have purchased the game on a different one.
Navigate to My Library: Once logged in, look for the “My Library” or “Game Library” section. This is where all your purchased and activated games reside.
Locate the Game: Scroll through your library or use the search bar to find the game you want to redownload.
Initiate the Download: Hover over the game tile. You should see a “Download” button, a cloud icon with a download arrow, or a similar visual cue, generally located in the bottom-right corner of the game’s tile. Click this button to begin the download process.
Installation Settings: A pop-up window will appear, allowing you to customize your installation settings.
- Install Location: Choose where you want the game files to be stored on your computer. You can select the default location or browse for a different folder. Make sure you have enough free space on the chosen drive.
- Language: Select your preferred language for the game.
- Other Options: Some games might offer additional installation options, such as creating a desktop shortcut.
Start the Download: After confirming your settings, click the “Next” or “Download” button (the exact wording may vary) to start the download.
Monitor the Download: The EA app will display a progress bar showing the download status. You can pause, resume, or cancel the download at any time.
Install the Game: Once the download is complete, the EA app will automatically begin installing the game. Follow any on-screen prompts to complete the installation process.
Launch and Play: After installation, the “Download” button will change to a “Play” button. Click it to launch your game and start playing!

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Game Not Showing in Library: If the game isn’t appearing in your library, ensure you’re logged into the correct EA account. It’s also possible the game is hidden. Look for a “Hidden Games” section in your library settings. If your order is not showing, then you may have bought the game on another account. Try logging in to the EA Account Settings portal with other email addresses you may have used instead.
Download Stuck or Slow: A slow or stuck download can be caused by a poor internet connection. Try restarting your router or switching to a wired connection. You can also pause and resume the download within the EA app.
Insufficient Disk Space: Make sure you have enough free space on the drive you’re installing the game to. The EA app will usually display the required disk space before you start the download.
EA App Issues: Sometimes, the EA app itself can have problems. Try restarting the app, clearing its cache (Help -> App Recovery -> Clear Cache), or reinstalling the app entirely. Go to Task Manager, find “EA Background Service” and end the service then re-launch the EA App.

Preserving Your Game Saves

Before uninstalling a game, it’s wise to consider backing up your game saves. Here’s how:

Locate the Save Files: Your saves are typically kept in your user files in your ‘my documents‘ folder, not your program files. The exact location varies depending on the game. Check the game’s documentation or online forums for the specific save file location.
Copy the Save Files: Copy the entire save file folder to a safe location, such as an external hard drive or a cloud storage service.
Restore the Save Files: After reinstalling the game, copy the save files back to their original location.

The EA app also supports cloud saves for some games. To restore EA cloud saves, Right-click on your game, Click Game Properties, Click Cloud Saves, and Click Restore Save. We should also consider how video games have the potential to enhance education. For example, you can explore the resources available at the Games Learning Society on their website at GamesLearningSociety.org.

EA Play and Game Availability

Keep in mind that if you’re accessing a game through an EA Play subscription, your access is contingent on the game remaining in the EA Play library. Games are added to The Play List at EA’s discretion, such as making a title available on Access a set number of days after its retail launch. When a title is removed from EA Play, you will no longer have access to the titles, game upgrades, or in-game purchases made in that Play List title, unless you separately have access to that Play List title for the applicable Platform. Although the Terms of Service allow EA to remove titles with 30 days’ notice, EA initially pledged that games will not be removed at a later date.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I uninstall games from the EA app?

To uninstall a game, open the EA app and log in. Choose the game you want to uninstall from the left side of the screen. Click on “Manage“. Choose “Uninstall” from the dropdown. Click “Yes” to confirm that you want to uninstall the game.

2. Can I redownload purchased games on EA after they’ve been removed?

Yes, you can usually redownload purchased games even after uninstalling them. The game should remain in your “My Library” section in the EA app. Log in to your EA Account. Go to My Library. Find the game that you want to download and click the arrow in the bottom right corner. Confirm your Install location and Language preferences, then click Next.

3. How do I back up and restore EA games?

Find the game you want to move in your Game Library. Right-click the game tile and select “Move game“. Find the new folder where you want to move the game to. Click “Select Folder“. This allows you to back up the game files. However, you may also have to back up the save game files separately.

4. Where is my game library on the EA app?

Once you sign in to the EA app, the “My Library” section should be easily accessible, usually located on the left-hand side or at the top of the app interface.

5. Why are my games missing from the EA app?

Couple of reasons why your games are missing: You are logged in on the wrong account. Your games can be found under the “Hidden Games” section in the “My Games” tab. If your order is not showing, then you may have bought the game on another account. Your account has been hacked which made your create a new account with the email address that you previously used.

6. How do I add games to the EA app without redownloading them?

The EA app does not allow you to add a game without redownloading if it’s not already installed and recognized by the app. You can only “move” a game that’s already installed on your computer. The EA app does not have an option to add the games without redownloading them.

7. Where are EA game saves stored?

Your saves are typically kept in your user files in your ‘my documents‘ folder, not your program files. The exact location varies depending on the game.

8. Can I reinstall a game after uninstalling it? Will my progress be saved?

Yes, you can reinstall a game after uninstalling it. Regarding the game saves, you should get a prompt when uninstalling the game whether you wish to remove or keep game saves. If you have cloud saves enabled, your progress will likely be restored automatically.

9. What happens when a game is removed from EA Play?

When a title is removed from EA Play, you will no longer have access to the titles, game upgrades, or in-game purchases made in that Play List title, unless you separately have access to that Play List title for the applicable Platform.

10. How do I clear the EA app cache?

In the EA app, go to the top left corner and select Help -> App Recovery -> Clear Cache.

11. How do I fix EA app download problems?

Check your tech, and double-check that your computer meets the requirements. Make sure you’re connected to the internet, either hardwired with an ethernet cable or over WiFi. Restart or reset your download.

12. Is the EA app and Origin the same?

No. The EA app has replaced Origin on PC. The EA app is now the primary platform for downloading and launching PC games.

13. What does clearing the EA app cache do?

Sometimes things don’t work quite right with the EA app, Origin for Mac, or your games. Clearing your cache can help fix common issues. Those issues include, but aren’t limited to: The EA app being stuck in offline mode or not updating itself.

14. Why won’t my Library load on EA?

Open Task Manager on your PC. Search the list of Background Processes and look for EA Background Service – End that task. Now re-open your EA APP. Your library should show itself loaded.

15. Does EA save progress automatically?

Some games autosave your progress when you’re signed in with Google Play Games Mobile App. If your game autosaves, you can sync your game data and pick up where you left off. If you get a new Android phone, to restore game progress, sign in to the same account you used before. We highly recommend that you link your game to one of your accounts so that you can save and recover your content and game if something happens. You can link your game even after you’ve been playing for a while, and you won’t have to start over or lose any progress.

How do I redownload a game on EA?