Is it safe to delete Gradle build folders?

Build output that Gradle creates for each project and module, such as compiled classes, packaged apps and test reports.

Safe

Its owner recreates it by itself when it needs it, and nothing you made is lost.

~/**/build

Only next to build.gradle or build.gradle.kts
Never inside ~/Library

What it is

Gradle writes everything it produces for a project or module, such as compiled code, APKs, JAR files and test reports, into a build folder next to its build script. It creates the folder again the next time you build, and your source code isn't affected. In Android projects, these folders often reach several gigabytes.

If it's removed

The next build of each project is a full, slower build. Apps and packages you built, including release builds and the mapping files needed to read crash reports from release builds, are removed until you build them again.

How it's removed

Moved to the Trash, where you can restore it.

PRO

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

docs.gradle.org/current/userguide/directory_layout.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.