Is it safe to delete SwiftUI Previews simulators?
Simulator devices that Xcode creates to show SwiftUI previews in the canvas.
Safe
Its owner recreates it by itself when it needs it, and nothing you made is lost.
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What it is
Xcode runs SwiftUI previews on a separate set of simulator devices, apart from the simulators you use to run apps. Each device holds builds of the apps you've previewed and their data, so the folder grows as you preview more projects and platforms. Xcode creates the devices again the next time it shows a preview.
If it's removed
The next preview in each project takes longer to appear while Xcode sets up a new preview device. Data your app created while previewing is removed.
How it's removed
Xcode's own cleanup command (xcrun simctl --set previews delete all), run by the app. Quit Xcode first.
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
- developer.apple.com/forums/thread/682439
- github.com/AvdLee/Xcode-Disk-Cleanup-Agent-Skill/blob/main/xcode-disk-cleanup/references/simulators.md
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.