Configure an agent's prompt and scheduled heartbeat

Edit the system prompt

Open the agent workspace and select System prompt. State the agent's purpose, permitted work, escalation rules, output expectations, and important restrictions. Avoid putting passwords or reusable secrets in the prompt.

Prompt changes apply to new chat sessions. Sessions already open keep the prompt they started with. Start a new chat when testing a change.

Configure heartbeat

For a managed agent, open Heartbeat. Choose whether it is enabled, select the interval, and review or edit the heartbeat prompt. A heartbeat wakes the agent on a schedule so it can work through assigned tasks.

Runs are skipped when there is nothing to do. Completed heartbeat runs appear as sessions labeled Auto. Run now requests an immediate heartbeat but can still be skipped when no open tasks exist.

Use scheduling safely

Begin with a conservative interval and limited permissions. Review several Auto sessions before relying on unattended execution. The heartbeat expands frequency, not authority: the agent can use only its assigned access, skills, tools, and credentials.

Troubleshoot

Check that heartbeat is enabled, the next-run time is present, open tasks exist, and the agent has the tools and permissions required. Review the most recent Auto session or status before shortening the interval.