The short answer
Usually, after a check. Might hold something you care about. Look inside before removing it.
What is it?
Python libraries such as transformers, diffusers and sentence-transformers, and many local AI apps, download models from the Hugging Face Hub into ~/.cache/huggingface/hub, one models--<owner>--<name> folder per model. Old revisions are kept when a model is updated. Each model ranges from a few MB to tens of GB.
Models downloaded by Python tools and apps. They download again the next time a script needs them.
What happens if you delete it?
A removed model is downloaded again the next time a script or app loads it. That costs time and bandwidth, and gated models need you to be signed in.
How to remove it properly
Run hf cache ls to see what is cached and hf cache rm model/<owner>/<name> to delete a model, or hf cache prune to remove unused revisions and interrupted downloads. These delete permanently. Older installs use huggingface-cli delete-cache instead.
Quit the app that uses it, then move it to the Trash. Empty the Trash when you’re sure.
Before you delete it
Apps that load models fully offline will fail until the model is downloaded again.
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 Hugging Face models in ~/.cache/huggingface?
Usually, after a check. Might hold something you care about. Look inside before removing it. A removed model is downloaded again the next time a script or app loads it. That costs time and bandwidth, and gated models need you to be signed in.
Will Hugging Face models come back after I delete it?
Yes. A removed model is downloaded again the next time a script or app loads it. That costs time and bandwidth, and gated models need you to be signed in.
How do I remove Hugging Face models properly?
Run hf cache ls to see what is cached and hf cache rm model/<owner>/<name> to delete a model, or hf cache prune to remove unused revisions and interrupted downloads. These delete permanently. Older installs use huggingface-cli delete-cache instead.