Can I Delete Xcode Simulator Runtimes?
Yes, old simulator runtimes can often be removed, but you should first check which iOS versions your active projects still need.
Free Mac scan
Run the free Mac scan before deleting.
The Mac scan reads storage metadata locally, then shows the largest visible buckets and the files that need an AI delete / confirm / protect judgment.
Usually Safe To Remove
- Simulator runtimes for iOS versions you no longer test.
- Unavailable simulator devices that Xcode can no longer boot.
- Old devices created for experiments or completed projects.
Review First
- Runtimes required by clients, QA, App Store review reproduction, or older supported iOS versions.
- Simulator devices that contain app state you still need for debugging.
- Archives and DeviceSupport folders, which are separate from simulator runtimes.
Read-Only Checks
du -sh ~/Library/Developer/CoreSimulator
xcrun simctl list devices
xcrun simctl list runtimes
Safer Cleanup Order
- Close Xcode and Simulator.
- Delete obviously unused simulator devices from Xcode settings.
- Remove old runtimes only after confirming active project targets.
- Keep a note of what changed so you can reinstall a runtime if needed.
Not sure what Xcode storage is safe?
Start with the free SafeDisk Mac scan. If deletion risk is still unclear, send one request for the free SafeDisk AI deletion trial next step.
Free AI deletion trial
Still full after the SafeDisk Lite scan?
Start with the SafeDisk Lite scan. If the scan still leaves unclear delete / confirm / protect decisions, send one request for the free SafeDisk AI deletion trial next step.