The short answer
Usually, after a check. Might hold something you care about. Look inside before removing it.
What is it?
System images are the Android versions emulators boot from, one per API level, variant (Google APIs, Google Play, and so on) and processor architecture, stored under ~/Library/Android/sdk/system-images. Each typically takes 1 to several gigabytes, and older API levels stay installed after you move on.
System images used to create emulators. The SDK Manager can download them again.
What happens if you delete it?
The SDK Manager can download a removed image again at any time. Emulators created from it will not start until it is reinstalled.
How to remove it properly
In Android Studio, open Settings › Languages & Frameworks › Android SDK › SDK Platforms, show package details and untick the images to remove; or run sdkmanager --list_installed and then sdkmanager --uninstall "system-images;android-34;google_apis;arm64-v8a" with the exact package path (permanent).
Use the tool’s official command: sdkmanager --uninstall "<package>"
Before you delete it
Delete the emulators that use an image first, or keep the image, so you do not end up with devices that cannot boot.
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 (sdkmanager --uninstall "<package>") instead of deleting files — and tells you that this step can’t be undone.
Frequently asked questions
Can I delete Android system images in the SDK folder?
Usually, after a check. Might hold something you care about. Look inside before removing it. The SDK Manager can download a removed image again at any time. Emulators created from it will not start until it is reinstalled.
Will Android system images come back after I delete it?
Yes. The SDK Manager can download a removed image again at any time. Emulators created from it will not start until it is reinstalled.
How do I remove Android system images properly?
In Android Studio, open Settings › Languages & Frameworks › Android SDK › SDK Platforms, show package details and untick the images to remove; or run sdkmanager --list_installed and then sdkmanager --uninstall "system-images;android-34;google_apis;arm64-v8a" with the exact package path (permanent).