The short answer
Usually, after a check. Might hold something you care about. Look inside before removing it.
What is it?
The openai-whisper Python package downloads its speech recognition models into ~/.cache/whisper as .pt files. They range from about 75 MB for tiny to about 3 GB for large models.
Speech recognition models downloaded by openai-whisper. They download again on next use.
What happens if you delete it?
A deleted model is downloaded again the next time you transcribe with it. Your transcripts are stored elsewhere and are not affected.
How to remove it properly
Move the model files you no longer use, or the whole folder, to the Trash in Finder (Go › Go to Folder… ~/.cache/whisper).
Quit the app that uses it, then move it to the Trash. Empty the Trash when you’re sure.
How MoreRoom helps
MoreRoom recognises this item and labels it “Review first”: it shows what’s inside, its size and last use, so you can decide. Nothing is removed without your say, and everything goes to the Trash first, with Undo.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to delete Whisper models in ~/.cache/whisper?
Usually, after a check. Might hold something you care about. Look inside before removing it. A deleted model is downloaded again the next time you transcribe with it. Your transcripts are stored elsewhere and are not affected.
Will Whisper models come back after I delete it?
Yes. A deleted model is downloaded again the next time you transcribe with it. Your transcripts are stored elsewhere and are not affected.
How do I remove Whisper models properly?
Move the model files you no longer use, or the whole folder, to the Trash in Finder (Go › Go to Folder… ~/.cache/whisper).