Is it safe to delete Android emulator system images?
Copies of Android that the emulator starts from, one for each Android version and device type you've downloaded.
Usually safe
It can be recreated, but it takes a download, a reinstall or the tool's own command.
~/
/
/
What it is
Every Android Virtual Device starts from a system image: a copy of Android for a specific version, device type and processor. Android Studio downloads one when you create a virtual device that needs it. Images are large, and images for Android versions you no longer test on stay until you uninstall them.
If it's removed
Virtual devices that use a removed image won't start until you download it again.
How it's removed
Moved to the Trash, where you can restore it.
The free analyzer finds it and explains it. Removing it is Pro, after a review sheet that lists every move and command. It's never checked for you: it waits for your choice.
Sources
Last checked on 27 Sep 2026. Every entry is written and checked by hand; the app and the command-line tool use the same words.