Is /Library/Developer Safe to Delete?
Do not delete the whole ~/Library/Developer folder. DerivedData, simulator caches, and old Device Support files are safe; simulators, archives, and active SDKs are not.
Side effects: Deleting everything removes iOS simulators, device symbols, archives, and forces Xcode to re-download large support files.
What is ~/Library/Developer?
~/Library/Developer is Xcode's home on disk. It holds build intermediates (DerivedData), iOS Simulator devices and caches, symbol files for physical devices (iOS DeviceSupport), and archived App Store builds. DerivedData and CoreSimulator/Caches are safe to clear and often reclaim tens of gigabytes. Deleting the parent folder is like uninstalling Xcode's working data — you will lose simulators and may wait hours while Device Support files copy again. Prefer MacMop's specific Xcode entries over wiping Developer wholesale.
Is it safe to delete?
Use caution — While parts of ~/Library/Developer may be safe to delete, you should carefully review the contents before proceeding.
Consider backing up important data before deleting, and only remove filesyou're certain aren't needed.
What happens after deletion?
Deleting everything removes iOS simulators, device symbols, archives, and forces Xcode to re-download large support files. The folder will be recreated automatically by the application when needed. This process is typically seamless but may take some time depending on the amount of data that needs to be regenerated.
How to delete it
Use MacMop
MacMop finds this folder automatically and lets you delete it safely with one click.
Download MacMopTerminal
rm -rf ~/Library/DeveloperWarning: This command permanently deletes the folder. Double-check the path before running.
Finder
- Open Finder
- Press ⌘ + Shift + G (Go to Folder)
- Paste:
~/Library/Developer - Move the folder to Trash
MacMop scans all your hidden caches and tells you exactly what's safe to delete.
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