Is it safe to delete Gradle project caches?
The hidden .gradle folder that Gradle creates at the root of each project for caches that make later builds faster.
Safe
Its owner recreates it by itself when it needs it, and nothing you made is lost.
~/
- Only next to settings.gradle or settings.gradle.kts or build.gradle or build.gradle.kts
- Never inside ~/
Library, ~/ .gradle
What it is
Gradle keeps project-specific caches in a hidden .gradle folder at the root of each project, to support features like incremental builds. It creates the folder again on the next build, and removes parts it hasn't used for 7 days on its own. It's separate from the .gradle folder in your home folder, which holds your Gradle settings and shared caches.
If it's removed
The next build of the project is slower while Gradle rebuilds its project caches.
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
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.