Is it safe to delete Carthage cache?
Dependency repositories, downloaded frameworks and build data that Carthage keeps to reuse across projects.
Safe
Its owner recreates it by itself when it needs it, and nothing you made is lost.
~/
What it is
Carthage keeps a copy of each dependency's repository, the prebuilt frameworks it has downloaded, and its own Xcode build data in this folder. It downloads or builds them again the next time a project needs them. The Carthage folders inside your projects aren't affected.
If it's removed
The next time Carthage fetches or builds dependencies, it takes longer and needs a network connection.
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 starts checked in the Cleanup checklist, except inside Documents or Desktop.
Sources
- github.com/Carthage/Carthage/blob/master/Source/CarthageKit/Constants.swift
- developer.apple.com/library/archive/documentation/FileManagement/Conceptual/FileSystemProgrammingGuide/MacOSXDirectories/MacOSXDirectories.html
Last checked on 26 Sep 2026. Every entry is written and checked by hand; the app and the command-line tool use the same words.