Clean Android Studio, Gradle and Old Android SDKs on Mac

Separate build cache from installed SDKs

Measure the usual locations

du -sh "$HOME/Library/Android/sdk" 2>/dev/null
du -sh "$HOME/.gradle/caches" "$HOME/.gradle/wrapper/dists" 2>/dev/null
du -sh "$HOME/.android/avd" 2>/dev/null

Use the SDK location shown in Android Studio → Tools → SDK Manager if yours differs. Check ANDROID_HOME and a project local.properties file rather than assuming the default path.

Remove one confirmed-unused SDK package

Check compileSdk, buildToolsVersion and ndkVersion in the projects you still build. In Tools → SDK Manager, show package details, deselect a version you no longer need, then Apply. Keep system images used by your AVDs and SDK components pinned by older projects. Newest does not mean sufficient for every project.

For command-line inspection, use the sdkmanager shipped with your SDK and consult its local help. This lists packages; it does not delete them:

sdkmanager --list_installed

Let Gradle manage routine cache retention

Gradle already manages retention of many caches. Inspect the layout before sweeping .gradle. Stop running builds and daemons with the wrapper in each active project when doing a manual cleanup:

./gradlew --stop

Remove only a confirmed-old wrapper distribution or rebuildable cache entry after reviewing it. Leave gradle.properties, credentials, signing keys and custom init scripts alone. Next builds can need network access to download the wrapper and dependencies; keep required versions when offline.

An emulator image is different from a device

An SDK system image supplies the operating system; an AVD directory contains a configured device and its state. Use Android Studio Device Manager for an intentional device deletion. Clearing an emulator snapshot removes saved state and is not equivalent to removing all AVDs.

Review older versions in DevCleaner

The Android scanner shows caches separately from old SDK/build-tools/NDK/system-image candidates and Gradle wrapper distributions. Keep-newest logic is a starting point for review, not proof that an older project no longer needs a version. See keep-current policies and category evidence.

FAQ

Can I delete the entire Android SDK?

That removes platforms and tools needed by projects. Use SDK Manager to remove specific versions after checking project requirements.

Is an old NDK safe to remove?

Only if no active project pins it. Check ndkVersion and your build configuration before removing the package.

References and scope

Reviewed against DevCleaner 1.14.5 and the references below on October 4, 2026. Locations can change with tool versions and custom settings. The examples are inspection steps and deliberate cleanup actions, not a measured claim about how much space your Mac will recover.

• Android SDK Manager and unused IDE directories
• sdkmanager command reference
• Gradle cache layout and retention