docs/cli/agent.md

metadata

summary: CLI reference for `openclaw agent` (send one agent turn via the Gateway)
read_when:
  - You want to run one agent turn from scripts (optionally deliver reply)
title: agent

openclaw agent

Run an agent turn via the Gateway (use --local for embedded). Use --agent <id> to target a configured agent directly.

Related:

• Agent send tool: Agent send

Examples

openclaw agent --to +15555550123 --message "status update" --deliver
openclaw agent --agent ops --message "Summarize logs"
openclaw agent --session-id 1234 --message "Summarize inbox" --thinking medium
openclaw agent --agent ops --message "Generate report" --deliver --reply-channel slack --reply-to "#reports"

Notes

• When this command triggers models.json regeneration, SecretRef-managed provider credentials are persisted as non-secret markers (for example env var names, secretref-env:ENV_VAR_NAME, or secretref-managed), not resolved secret plaintext.
• Marker writes are source-authoritative: OpenClaw persists markers from the active source config snapshot, not from resolved runtime secret values.