---
title: Passive agent
description: >-
  Learn how a Passive agent monitors health and metrics without running active
  tests, ideal for continuous backend and network observation.
sidebarTitle: Passive
lastUpdated: "2026-09-09"
---

> **For AI agents:** the complete documentation index is at [llms.txt](/llms.txt). Append `.md` to any page URL for its markdown version.

A **Passive agent** is a lightweight monitoring endpoint that collects metrics and health data without running active tests. Unlike the Web, Smartphone, and Cellular agents, it drives no device: it observes.

**What it does:**
- Polls service health and collects metrics
- Monitors logs and system performance
- Requires no hostname or active test execution

**Common use case:** continuous monitoring of backend services or network endpoints that don't need interactive test steps. See [Realtime status](/monitoring/realtime-status) for how this data feeds health tracking.