---
id: icloud.is-it-safe-to-delete-the-mobile-documents-folder
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/icloud/is-it-safe-to-delete-the-mobile-documents-folder
category: "iCloud & iCloud Photos"
subcategory: "iCloud Drive basics"
question: "Is it safe to delete the Mobile Documents folder in my Library?"
alt_questions:
  - "Delete Library Mobile Documents to free space"
  - "Mobile Documents folder huge"
  - "Can I clear iCloud cache folder?"
  - "Remove iCloud local folder Library"
  - "Delete iCloud Drive local data manually"
short_answer: "No. Mobile Documents is your iCloud Drive's local folder; deleting from it can delete files from iCloud and every device. Free space safely with Remove Download, Run Tuhi, or Optimize Mac Storage instead."
tags: ["icloud drive", "library", "safety"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/icloud/how-do-i-remove-the-download-of-an-icloud-file-in-finder", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/icloud/where-is-icloud-drive-stored-on-my-mac"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# Is it safe to delete the Mobile Documents folder in my Library?

No. **Mobile Documents** is where macOS keeps your iCloud Drive on this Mac. Deleting things there by hand can delete them from iCloud and all your devices, or leave iCloud in a confused state.

To get the space back safely, make files online-only instead:

- Right-click folders in **iCloud Drive** in Finder and choose **Remove Download**.
- Tap **Run Tuhi** in Storage Studio to free large downloaded cloud files.
- Turn on **Optimize Mac Storage** in iCloud Drive's settings.

Storage Studio never deletes from your iCloud folders to free space — only online-only, which keeps every file in iCloud.