System reminder
adds to the conversation for . See what it is, how it works, how it is used and what to watch for, with pictures and examples.
What it is
A system reminder is a message that , as the , adds to the conversation to give . You never send one yourself. Claude Code inserts them while a session runs, for example when the session starts, when a hook returns text, or when a file changes on . Claude reads them next to your messages, and Claude Code tells Claude they come from the application, not from you.
How it works
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Something happens in the session
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Claude Code writes a short note
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The note joins the conversation
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Claude reads it with your message
How to use it
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CLAUDE.mdyour project instructions reach Claude as a reminder, introduced with a line saying they override default behavior.
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additionalContexttext a hook returns arrives as a reminder.
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and — the list of names and descriptions Claude can call comes this way.
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File-changed notes — Claude learns that a file it read earlier was changed on disk.
Watch out
Reminders are not part of the , so most of them still arrive even when you replace the system prompt. You cannot see them in the message stream; to check them, log the requests Claude Code sends. In a logged request a reminder appears inside <system-reminder> tags in a user message, or on some as a separate message with the system role.
Related terms
Original and official docs
This page explains the term in plain words. The original is the authority: if they differ, follow the original.