---
id: mac-storage-basics.can-i-delete-old-xcode-versions
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/can-i-delete-old-xcode-versions
category: "Mac storage basics"
subcategory: "Developer tools"
question: "Can I delete old copies of Xcode or install just the command line tools?"
alt_questions:
  - "delete old xcode version mac"
  - "xcode-select install command line tools only"
  - "do I need full xcode"
  - "multiple xcode versions space"
  - "remove xcode beta"
short_answer: "Yes — extra Xcode copies are ordinary apps you can delete (check xcode-select -p first). If you only need compilers and git, install just the Command Line Tools with xcode-select --install."
tags: ["xcode", "command line tools", "developer"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/how-do-i-free-up-space-used-by-xcode"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# Can I delete old copies of Xcode or install just the command line tools?

Yes. Extra Xcode copies (betas, older versions) are just apps — delete the ones you don't use after checking which one `xcode-select -p` points to.

If you only need compilers and git for Homebrew or scripting, you don't need Xcode at all: `xcode-select --install` installs the much smaller **Command Line Tools**.