How to Clean Xcode DerivedData & Caches
Xcode is one of the biggest storage hogs on a developer's Mac. DerivedData, simulator runtimes, and build archives can grow to tens of gigabytes. OptiClear lists them by size and safely clears what you select.
What is DerivedData and why is it so large?
DerivedData stores compiled intermediate build products, index data, and code completion caches for every project you've opened. It grows without bound and can safely be deleted — Xcode rebuilds it on next build.
Simulator runtimes: the hidden storage hog
Each iOS, watchOS, or tvOS simulator runtime you download takes up several gigabytes. You likely have runtimes for versions you no longer test. OptiClear's Developer Tools section lists them by size so you can remove outdated ones.
Other Xcode caches worth clearing
Xcode also stores Previews data, SwiftPM caches, and old device support files. OptiClear's Developer Tools mode removes all of these at once, showing the total space recovered before you confirm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to delete DerivedData?
Yes. Deleting DerivedData only means your next build will take slightly longer to re-index. No source code or project settings are affected.
How often should I clean Xcode caches?
Many developers clean after major Xcode updates or whenever disk space runs low. Run OptiClear's scan to see how much DerivedData and simulator data has built up.