Where Are My Games on the EA App? A Comprehensive Guide
Having trouble locating your games within the EA App? You’re not alone. Many users have experienced this issue after transitioning from Origin or even after a fresh installation. The good news is, there are several reasons why your games might be missing and, more importantly, solutions to get them back.
The primary reason your games might not be showing up in the EA App is due to an account issue. You may be logged in with the wrong EA account. It’s easy to accidentally create multiple accounts over time, especially if you’ve used different email addresses or platforms (like Steam or Epic Games). Another common cause is a simple glitch in the app itself. Thankfully, a quick restart or re-login often resolves this. More complex reasons involve installation path issues or problems with the EA App’s cache. Let’s dive deeper into these possibilities and how to address them.
Troubleshooting Your Missing Games
Before panicking and assuming your games are lost forever, let’s systematically troubleshoot the problem. Follow these steps to try and get your games to reappear:
- Verify Your EA Account: This is the first and most crucial step. Ensure you’re logged in with the correct EA account, the one that you used to purchase or activate your games. If you have multiple email addresses, try logging in with each one to see if your games are associated with a different account.
- Restart the EA App: A simple restart often works wonders. Close the EA App completely (make sure it’s not running in the system tray) and then relaunch it. This can refresh the app and resolve minor glitches.
- Log Out and Back In: Similar to restarting, logging out and then logging back into your EA Account can refresh your game library. This forces the app to re-sync your entitlements.
- Clear the EA App Cache: Corrupted cache files can sometimes interfere with the app’s functionality. To clear the cache:
- Close the EA App completely.
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type %AppData% and press Enter.
- Locate and open the EA Desktop folder.
- Delete the Cache folder.
- Restart the EA App.
- Check for Hidden Games: Occasionally, games might be accidentally hidden in the EA App. While the EA App doesn’t offer an explicit “Hide Game” feature like the Epic Games Launcher, it’s worth considering other possibilities like incorrect filters being applied in your library view.
- Repair the EA App: The EA app has a repair functionality. This feature will scan the EA App for corrupted files and automatically replace them. To repair, follow the below steps.
- Close the EA app completely.
- Go to Control Panel and click on Uninstall a Program.
- Find and right-click on the EA App.
- Select Repair.
- Follow the on-screen instructions and then launch the EA App after the repair is completed.
- Reinstall the EA App: If none of the above steps work, a complete reinstall might be necessary. Uninstall the EA App through the Control Panel, then download and install the latest version from the EA website.
- Check Installation Locations: If the game appears to be installed, but the EA App isn’t recognizing it, the installation location might be the issue. When you initiate a download, the EA App should recognize existing files. Point the EA App to the existing game installation folder to verify game files.
Handling Games from Steam or Epic Games
If you acquired your games through Steam or Epic Games, you’ll need to ensure your accounts are properly linked to your EA Account.
- Linking Accounts: The first time you try to launch an EA game from Steam or Epic Games, the EA App should prompt you to link your accounts. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the linking process. If you skipped this step or are unsure if your accounts are linked, you can typically manage linked accounts within your EA Account settings online.
- Installing Through Steam/Epic: Make sure you’re initiating the game installation through the Steam or Epic Games launcher. This will trigger the EA App to recognize the game and add it to your library.
Contacting EA Support
If you’ve exhausted all the troubleshooting steps and your games are still missing, it’s time to contact EA Support. They can investigate your account and identify any underlying issues preventing your games from appearing. Be prepared to provide them with your account information, purchase history, and any relevant details about the missing games.
Transitioning from Origin
The EA App is intended to be the successor to Origin, and all your games purchased through Origin should automatically appear in the EA App. However, hiccups can occur during the transition. If you’re specifically having trouble with games purchased on Origin:
- Ensure Proper Migration: Double-check that your Origin account has been fully migrated to the EA App. This process should be automatic, but sometimes manual intervention is required.
- Contact EA Support: If the migration didn’t complete correctly, EA Support can help resolve any account conflicts or missing entitlements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions regarding missing games in the EA App:
1. Are my Origin games on EA app?
Yes, the games you’ve downloaded through Origin should be ready to launch through the EA app. If any games, DLC, or other content are missing, contact EA Support.
2. Why can’t I find my games in the EA app?
Possible reasons include being logged into the wrong EA account, a glitch in the app, or a problem with the installation path. Try restarting the app, logging out and back in, clearing the cache, or reinstalling the EA App.
3. My purchase processed but I still don’t see my game. What do I do?
Restart the app. If that doesn’t work, log out and back in.
4. How do I link my Epic Games to EA app?
When you try to install an EA game from your Epic Games library, the EA app will launch and ask you to link your Epic Games account to your EA Account. Follow the on-screen instructions.
5. How do I add games from Steam to EA app?
Install the EA app. When you launch an EA game from Steam for the first time, the EA app will prompt you to link your Steam account and your EA Account.
6. What happened to Origin?
EA plans to retire Origin in favor of the new EA App. All Origin content will carry over to the EA App once the transition is complete.
7. Can I still use Origin instead of EA app?
In many cases, yes, you can still install and use Origin. However, EA is actively pushing users towards the EA App, and eventually, Origin will likely be phased out entirely.
8. How do I buy games on EA app?
Click “Browse” in the EA app, find the game you want, and click “Buy the game.”
9. Where does EA save games?
Your saves are kept in your user files in your ‘my documents’ folder, not your program files.
10. How do I change the location of games on EA app?
When you click the download button for a game, a pop-up will appear. Select the download location to the folder where the game is already installed. It will download some files and then appear as downloaded.
11. How do I change my save location for games?
You can change the location for your user folder to a new location. Open File Explorer, Click Quick Access, Click the user folder that you want to change, Click the Home tab on the Ribbon, In the Open section, click Properties, In the Folder Properties window, click the Location tab, Click Move.
12. Why won’t my library load on EA?
Try ending the “EA Background Service” task in Task Manager and then re-opening the EA App.
13. How do I fix my EA app?
Try reinstalling the EA app. Uninstall it through the Control Panel, then download and reinstall the latest version from the EA website.
14. I’m missing a game that I’ve had for a while. What do I do?
Double-check that you’re signed into the right account. If you have multiple accounts, try logging in with each one to see if your game is there.
15. How do I restore saves on EA app?
Go to your Game Library, right-click on your game, click “Game Properties,” click “Cloud Saves,” and click “Restore Save.”
Games, Learning, and EA
The ability to access and manage our digital game libraries seamlessly is crucial for a positive gaming experience. This in turn provides opportunities for deeper engagement with games and their potential for learning. Organizations like the Games Learning Society, found at GamesLearningSociety.org, are dedicated to exploring and promoting the educational aspects of gaming. If you’re interested in learning more about how games can be used for educational purposes, consider checking them out.
By following these steps and FAQs, you should be able to locate your missing games within the EA App. Remember to double-check your account information, clear the cache, and if all else fails, contact EA Support for assistance. Happy gaming!