diff --git a/project.py b/project.py
index d90a53415..a61c43ed5 100644
--- a/project.py
+++ b/project.py
@@ -2572,6 +2572,16 @@ class Project:
             if os.path.exists(os.path.join(self.gitdir, "shallow")):
                 cmd.append("--depth=2147483647")
 
+        # Use clone-depth="1" as a heuristic for repositories containing
+        # large binaries and disable auto GC to prevent potential hangs.
+        # Check the configured depth because the `depth` argument might be None
+        # if REPO_ALLOW_SHALLOW=0 converted it to a partial clone.
+        effective_depth = (
+            self.clone_depth or self.manifest.manifestProject.depth
+        )
+        if effective_depth == 1:
+            cmd.append("--no-auto-gc")
+
         if not verbose:
             cmd.append("--quiet")
         if not quiet and sys.stdout.isatty():