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openclaw/docs/tools/steer.md
2026-05-03 23:16:37 +01:00

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---
summary: "Steer an active run without changing queue mode"
read_when:
- Using /steer or /tell while an agent is already running
- Comparing /steer with /queue steer
- Deciding whether to steer the current run, a sub-agent, or an ACP session
title: "Steer"
sidebarTitle: "Steer"
---
`/steer` sends guidance to an already-active run. It is for "adjust this
run while it is still working" moments, not for starting a new turn.
## Current session
Use top-level `/steer` to target the active run for the current session:
```text
/steer prefer the smaller patch and keep the tests focused
/tell summarize before making the next tool call
```
Behavior:
- Targets only the current session's active run.
- Works independently of the session's `/queue` mode.
- Does not start a new run when the session is idle.
- Replies with a warning when there is no active run to steer.
- Uses the active runtime's steering path, so the model sees the guidance at
the next supported runtime boundary.
## Steer vs queue
`/queue steer` changes how normal inbound messages behave when they arrive
while a run is active. `/steer <message>` is an explicit command that tries to
inject that command's message into the active run at the next supported runtime
boundary, regardless of the stored `/queue` setting.
Use:
- `/steer <message>` when you want to guide the active run right now.
- `/queue steer` when you want future normal messages to steer active runs by
default.
- `/queue collect` or `/queue followup` when new messages should wait for a
later turn instead of steering the active run.
For queue modes and fallback behavior, see [Command queue](/concepts/queue) and
[Steering queue](/concepts/queue-steering).
## Sub-agents
Use `/subagents steer` when the target is a child run:
```text
/subagents steer 2 focus only on the API surface
```
Top-level `/steer` does not select a sub-agent by id or list index. It always
targets the current session's active run. See [Sub-agents](/tools/subagents) for
sub-agent ids, labels, and control commands.
## ACP sessions
Use `/acp steer` when the target is an ACP harness session:
```text
/acp steer --session agent:main:acp:codex tighten the repro
```
See [ACP agents](/tools/acp-agents) for ACP session selection and runtime
behavior.
## Related
- [Slash commands](/tools/slash-commands)
- [Command queue](/concepts/queue)
- [Steering queue](/concepts/queue-steering)
- [Sub-agents](/tools/subagents)