Is ~/.local/share Safe to Delete?
Not as a whole. It mixes caches with app data (including some AI CLI tools).
Side effects: CLI apps may lose local data or need to re-download files.
What is ~/.local/share?
~/.local/share is the XDG data directory. Some contents are regenerable caches; others are application state. Inspect large children before deleting the parent.
Is it safe to delete?
Use caution — While parts of ~/.local/share may be safe to delete, you should carefully review the contents before proceeding.
Consider backing up important data before deleting, and only remove filesyou're certain aren't needed.
What happens after deletion?
CLI apps may lose local data or need to re-download files. The folder will be recreated automatically by the application when needed. This process is typically seamless but may take some time depending on the amount of data that needs to be regenerated.
How to delete it
Use MacMop
MacMop finds this folder automatically and lets you delete it safely with one click.
Download MacMopTerminal
rm -rf ~/.local/shareWarning: This command permanently deletes the folder. Double-check the path before running.
Finder
- Open Finder
- Press ⌘ + Shift + G (Go to Folder)
- Paste:
~/.local/share - Move the folder to Trash
MacMop scans all your hidden caches and tells you exactly what's safe to delete.
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