All Guides

Is ~/.nvm Safe to Delete?

Developer ToolsTypical size: 1-20GB
Use Caution

You can delete unused Node versions. Deleting all of ~/.nvm removes every nvm-managed Node install.

Side effects: You will need nvm install before Node projects run again.

What is ~/.nvm?

~/.nvm/versions/node keeps each Node.js version you installed. Old versions are safe to remove. The nvm tool itself is small scripts in ~/.nvm — if you still use nvm, keep the folder and delete unused versions instead of the root. For just the download cache, see ~/.nvm/.cache instead.

Is it safe to delete?

Use caution — While parts of ~/.nvm 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?

You will need nvm install before Node projects run again. 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

Recommended

Use MacMop

MacMop finds this folder automatically and lets you delete it safely with one click.

Download MacMop

Terminal

rm -rf ~/.nvm

Warning: This command permanently deletes the folder. Double-check the path before running.

Finder

  1. Open Finder
  2. Press ⌘ + Shift + G (Go to Folder)
  3. Paste: ~/.nvm
  4. Move the folder to Trash

MacMop scans all your hidden caches and tells you exactly what's safe to delete.

Download MacMop Free