The short answer
Usually, after a check. Might hold something you care about. Look inside before removing it.
What is it?
Each .avd folder is one Android Virtual Device created in Android Studio’s Device Manager: its writable disk image with installed apps and user data, its SD card image and saved snapshots for quick boot. A matching .ini file sits next to each folder. Emulators typically take 3 to 15 GB each, mostly from user data and snapshots.
Each emulator disk image (3-15 GB). Unused ones can be recreated from Android Studio.
What happens if you delete it?
You can create a new emulator from the same system image in a minute, but it starts empty: apps installed on the old one, their data, accounts and snapshots are gone.
How to remove it properly
In Android Studio, open the Device Manager, open a device’s menu and choose Delete; or run avdmanager delete avd -n <name> in Terminal (avdmanager list avd shows the names). Both delete permanently and also remove the matching .ini file, so prefer them to dragging the folder to the Trash.
Use the tool’s official command: avdmanager delete avd -n <name>
Before you delete it
If you only want space back but plan to keep using an emulator, use Wipe Data in the Device Manager instead, which empties it without deleting the device.
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.
When the tool is installed, MoreRoom runs its official command for you (avdmanager delete avd -n <name>) instead of deleting files — and tells you that this step can’t be undone.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to delete Android emulators in ~/.android/avd?
Usually, after a check. Might hold something you care about. Look inside before removing it. You can create a new emulator from the same system image in a minute, but it starts empty: apps installed on the old one, their data, accounts and snapshots are gone.
Will Android emulators come back after I delete it?
Yes. You can create a new emulator from the same system image in a minute, but it starts empty: apps installed on the old one, their data, accounts and snapshots are gone.
How do I remove Android emulators properly?
In Android Studio, open the Device Manager, open a device’s menu and choose Delete; or run avdmanager delete avd -n <name> in Terminal (avdmanager list avd shows the names). Both delete permanently and also remove the matching .ini file, so prefer them to dragging the folder to the Trash.