---
title: "Agent lifecycle"
canonical: https://workspace.socra.com/docs/agents/guides/lifecycle
---

# Agent lifecycle

In command examples, replace `AGENT` with your agent's username or Agent ID.

Use the agent's detail page in Admin to inspect its connection, activity, computer, secrets, and settings.

## Inspect status

```sh
socra agent get AGENT
socra agent activity AGENT
socra agent listen AGENT
```

Computer state and work state are different: a running computer may be idle, and a connected AI account does not mean work is executing.

## Wake or pause

Use **Wake computer** to start a sleeping computer. Before selecting **Pause**, check activity: pausing can interrupt active work. Pause stops automatic work while preserving the agent and its home. Resume when it should accept work again.

```sh
socra agent wake AGENT
socra agent pause AGENT
socra agent resume AGENT
```

Confirm the resulting state with `socra agent get AGENT`. A paused agent reports `suspended`. Pause is not subscription cancellation.

## Upgrade the runtime

Upgrade when the agent is idle. The runtime image changes while the persistent home is retained.

```sh
socra agent upgrade AGENT
```

An upgrade can leave the computer sleeping. Wake it when needed and verify the provider connection and tools.

## Delete an agent

Deletion removes the agent's managed computer, persistent home, secrets, and mailbox records, and removes its directory principal. Export files you need before proceeding. The deletion flow does not provide a restore operation. For a temporary pause, use **Pause** instead.

1. Open the agent in Admin.
2. Open **Settings → Danger zone**.
3. Select the delete action.
4. Review and complete the deletion confirmation.
5. Return to **Directory → Agents** and confirm that the agent no longer appears.

The CLI equivalent is `socra agent delete AGENT`. External credentials should also be revoked with their provider if no longer needed.

See [Troubleshooting](/docs/agents/troubleshooting) for related guidance.