How to clean Xcode cache and stop the app from crashing

There are a number of reasons why, when you’re building or testing in Xcode, you might want to clear the cache. Let’s say, for example, that you’re using the iOS simulator to test a website in order to see how it works on an iPhone or iPad. If you make changes to, say, the JavaScript on the site after testing, chances are that the site will load JavaScript from cache rather than from the server, and you won’t see the changes you’ve made. Deleting the cache allows you to force the simulator to reload the code from the server. Another reason for clearing your Xcode cache is that it can help resolve issues with Xcode crashing.

Tip: There are several solutions to clearing the cache, and we’ll cover the best of them here. We’ll also show you how to unearth your Xcode junk with CleanMyMac X. This app was originally made by developers for developers, so it conveniently has a built-in cache detector for Xcode.


clear-xcode-cache-manually

How to clear Xcode cache 

1. Clean the build

Tip: If you’re trying to fix a problem with Xcode crashing, it’s worth cleaning the project build first. This will get rid of the current build and create a new one next time you run the code.

  1. With the project open in code, go to the menu bar, choose Product, and select Clean or:
  2. With the project open, press Command + Shift + K.

2. How to clear the Xcode cache with CleanMyMac 

Remember we said that there was an easier way to delete cache in Xcode? Well, a new feature in CleanMyMac X allows you to clean your iOS Simulator at the click of a couple of buttons. Like everything else, it’s quick and easy to use and won’t risk running into problems with the file system. We’ll be using the free version of this program:

  1. Download the free edition of the app and launch it.
  2. Go to the System Junk tab on the left.
  3. Click Scan.
  4. Click Review Details and navigate to the Xcode junk tab.
  5. Click Remove.
CleanMyMac X - Xcode junk in System Junk module

That’s it!

3. Clean out the build folder

To clean out the build folder, and get rid of cache files, do the following:

  1. In the Code project, click on the Product menu while holding down the Option (Alt) key and choose Clean build folder, or:
  2. Press Command + Shift + Option + K. 

4. Reset Simulator content and settings

If neither of the steps above resolves your problem, try resetting the simulator content and settings:

Go to the menu and choose iOS Simulator, then click Reset Content and Settings.

5. Delete Xcode’s derived data

Derived Data is the place for all temporary build info and project indexes. If something’s not working right, it is okay to delete this folder.

So if you’re still having problems or things are working slowly, try deleting derived data, which will force Xcode to recreate it when you next run it. 

  1. In the menu, choose Window, then Organizer.
  2. Now select Projects, and then click Select your project.
  3. Choose the project whose derived data you want to delete.
  4. In the window that opens, you’ll see the Derived Data folder listed, along with its Finder path.
  5. To the right of the folder, there’s a Delete button. Press it.

Now, delete the module cache.

  1. Go to: ~/Library/Developer/Xcode/DerivedData/ModuleCache.
  2. Drag the files from the ModuleCache folder to the Trash and empty it.

6. Delete iOS device support files

There’s another folder inside DerivedData, called iOS device support. For every iOS version you test using the simulator, a new folder is created inside this folder. That can build up over time. You can delete all these subfolders (though not the iOS device support folder itself), and Xcode will create a new one the next time you run the simulator. If you’re uncomfortable deleting them completely, you can move them to a temporary folder until you’re sure that moving them hasn’t caused any problems and then delete them afterward. 

7. Use Terminal

If none of the above helps, you can use Terminal to reset Xcode’s preferences.

  1. Launch Terminal from Applications > Utilities
  2. Type: defaults delete com.apple.dt.Xcode 

When you next launch Xcode, it will create new preferences. 

There is also a method of cleaning cache files that involves navigating to ‘private/var/folders’ (use the Go menu in the Finder and choose Go to Folder, then type that path), digging through folders until you find an Xcode cache file and deleting it. However, we wouldn’t recommend this route unless you are absolutely certain you know what you’re doing. Removing the wrong file can create lots of problems, not just in Xcode but in the OS as a whole. In some instances, users who have done that have had to reinstall macOS from scratch. 


If you’re having problems with Xcode and need to clean the project build or clear out the cache, following the steps above will help them. It’s a good idea to follow the manual steps in order, checking each time whether the problem has been resolved. Using the method of navigating to “private/var/folders” is not recommended because while it might fix the issues you’re having, it carries the risk of messing up the macOS’ file directory, and you may end up having to reinstall the operating system. The easiest way of all to fix problems associated with the iOS Simulator in Xcode is to use CleanMyMac X and delete the cache from there.

Thanks for reading, and stay tuned!

Laptop with CleanMyMac
CleanMyMac X

Your Mac. As good as new.