How to Reset Origin: A Comprehensive Guide
Resetting Origin, now largely superseded by the EA app, can mean different things depending on what issue you’re trying to resolve. You might want to clear its cache to fix glitches, perform a full factory reset on an Origin PC, or perhaps you are looking to troubleshoot connection problems. This guide breaks down the various methods to “reset” Origin and provides solutions to common problems.
Understanding Different Types of “Reset” for Origin
Before diving in, it’s important to understand that “resetting Origin” isn’t always a single, straightforward process. The term can refer to several distinct actions, each with its own purpose:
- Clearing the Cache: This is the most common type of reset, used to fix minor glitches and performance issues.
- Reinstalling Origin: This is a more drastic step that removes the program entirely and reinstalls it fresh.
- Factory Reset on an Origin PC: This applies specifically to Origin-branded gaming PCs and wipes all data, restoring the system to its original factory state.
- Troubleshooting Network Issues: This involves resetting your router/modem and ensuring Origin has the necessary permissions to connect to the internet.
Let’s explore each of these in detail.
Clearing the Origin Cache
Clearing the cache removes temporary files that can sometimes become corrupted and cause problems. Here’s how to do it on both Windows and Mac:
Windows
- Completely log out and close down Origin. Ensure the program is not running in the system tray.
- Hold down the Windows key and press R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type “%ProgramData%” (without the quotes) and click OK.
- Open the Origin folder.
- Delete all the files and folders inside the Origin folder, except for the LocalContent folder. It is extremely important not to delete the LocalContent folder.
- Restart Origin.
Mac
- Go to Finder.
- From the menu bar, select Go ➙ Computer.
- Navigate to Macintosh HD ➙ Library ➙ Application Support.
- Find the Origin folder.
- Move the DownloadCache folder to the Trash.
- Empty your Trash.
- Restart Origin.
Reinstalling Origin
Reinstalling Origin gives you a clean slate, removing any potentially corrupted files or settings.
Uninstalling Origin
- Windows: Use the Control Panel to uninstall Origin, just like any other program.
- Mac: Find the Origin client launcher in your Applications folder. Drag the Origin client launcher to the Trash. Empty your Trash.
Installing Origin
After uninstalling, download the latest version of Origin from the EA website and follow the installation instructions.
Factory Reset on an Origin PC
This action will permanently erase all your data, so back up anything important before proceeding. This only applies to those who own a gaming computer produced by the company Origin.
- Unplug the Origin PC.
- Holding down the green handle button, plug in Origin.
- Origin will boot into the Recovery Mode menu.
- Select Full Factory Reset.
- Select OK.
Troubleshooting Network Issues
If Origin is having trouble connecting to the internet, try these steps:
- Restart your router/modem.
- Make sure that User Account Control (UAC) is enabled in Windows and set to notify.
- Add firewall/antivirus exceptions for Origin.
- Ensure the necessary ports are open for Origin. The specific ports may vary, but generally involve TCP ports 80, 443, 9960-9969, 1024-1124, 3216, 18000, 18120, 18060, 27900, 28910, 29900 and UDP ports 1024-1124, 18000, 29900. Check the EA Help website for the most current information on ports.
Origin’s Transition to the EA App
It’s important to note that EA is actively phasing out Origin in favor of the new EA app. While these instructions are still relevant for users who haven’t yet migrated, the long-term solution is likely to be using and troubleshooting the EA app instead of Origin.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Will uninstalling Origin affect my games like Sims 4?
No, uninstalling the Origin client will not remove your local save game files and will not delete online saves. Your game files are safe. However, you will need to reinstall Origin or the EA App to play them again.
2. How do I repair Sims 4 through Origin on Mac?
Open Origin, click on your games library, right-click on The Sims 4, and select Repair Game. If you have Origin open but your game won’t load, quit Origin then try launching the game again from the Sims 4 icon in your Applications folder. Log out of and quit Origin. Restart your Mac then open and log back in to Origin.
3. How do I run Origin as administrator?
Close the Origin client. Right-click the Origin client icon on your desktop (or in the Origin directory if not on your desktop) and click Run As Administrator.
4. What is a hard reset from Origin?
“Hard reset” when referring to Origin is more likely to pertain to managing code repositories and versions using “git”. Use the git reset –hard command followed by the name of your remote repository (usually ‘origin’) and your branch name. This command resets your local branch to match the remote branch exactly, discarding any commits on your local branch that aren’t on the remote branch. This is relevant for developers working on games.
5. Why is my Origin not opening on my Mac?
If that doesn’t work please trash the Origin app from your Applications folder then run the reset tool again (this should properly uninstall Origin). Empty the Trash and restart your Mac. Then create a new administrator account on your Mac and download and install Origin in that account.
6. What happens if I delete the Origin cache?
Clearing your cache can help fix common issues. Those issues include, but aren’t limited to: Origin being stuck in offline mode or not updating itself. It removes temporary files that can cause these issues.
7. Can clearing the cache free up space?
Yes, clearing your Android app cache can help fix speed issues and free up storage space. If you need more storage, clear the cache of the apps that take up the most space. Clearing your app cache every few months will help streamline your phone and keep it from getting too full.
8. Do Origin accounts expire?
According to their terms, ‘If you have not used your Entitlements or Account for twenty-four (24) months or more and your Account has associated Entitlements, your Entitlements will expire and your Account may be cancelled for non-use,’
9. Why can’t I go online on Origin?
If your computer is not attacked by a virus or malware, you may need to try temporarily disabling your antivirus software, because some antivirus apps might cause interference to Origin, which leads to “Origin won’t go online”. Ensure that your network connection is stable.
10. How do I fix my Origin account?
Right-click the Origin icon in the notification area of the taskbar and select Quit Origin. Then open Origin again and try logging in your account. You can also try reinstalling Origin as an alternative way.
11. How do I update Origin?
Tap Settings > Update Available. Tap Update Now. Once the Update is downloaded and installed, Origin will reboot automatically and run an onboarding tutorial to introduce you to your new software.
12. Why is Origin not working?
Restart your router/modem and do a Clean Boot. Make sure that your UAC is enabled and set to notify. Download the latest version of Origin and install the client – make sure to run the setup file with administrator rights. Add firewall/antivirus exceptions for Origin and open the needed ports.
13. What is going on with Origin?
EA has retired Origin in favor of a new desktop client, the EA app. All Origin content will carry over to the new EA Desktop client once it is fully released.
14. Why can’t I start Sims 4 on Origin?
Try repairing your game. Open Origin, click on your games library, right-click on The Sims 4 and select Repair Game. If you have Origin open but your game won’t load, quit Origin then try launching the game again from the Sims 4 icon in your Applications folder. Log out of and quit Origin.
15. Where can I learn more about the intersection of games and learning?
The Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) is a great resource for information about educational games and how games can be used for learning. It provides access to resources and a community that supports learning through gaming.
Conclusion
While Origin is transitioning to the EA app, understanding how to troubleshoot and “reset” the client remains relevant for many users. Whether you’re clearing the cache, reinstalling the program, or tackling network issues, this guide provides the necessary steps to keep your gaming experience running smoothly. Remember to consider the EA app as a longer-term solution for accessing and playing your EA games.