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Is it safe to delete Xcode playground simulators?

Simulator devices that Xcode uses to run playgrounds for iOS and other device platforms.

Safe

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

~/Library/Developer/XCPGDevices

What it is

To run a playground for a device platform such as iOS, Xcode builds it as a small app and runs it on a simulator device kept in this folder. The devices keep the apps and data from earlier runs. Xcode creates the device again the next time you run a playground.

If it's removed

The next playground run takes a little longer while Xcode sets up the simulator device again.

How it's removed

Xcode's own cleanup command (xcrun simctl --set playgrounds delete all), run by the app. Quit Xcode first.

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

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.