---
title: "Kernel"
description: "Browser automation CLI for AI agents"
canonical_url: "https://agent-browser.dev/providers/kernel"
---

# Kernel

[Kernel](https://www.kernel.sh) provides cloud browser infrastructure for AI agents with features like stealth mode and persistent profiles.

## Setup

```bash
export KERNEL_API_KEY="your-api-key"
agent-browser -p kernel open https://example.com
```

Or use environment variables for CI/scripts:

```bash
export AGENT_BROWSER_PROVIDER=kernel
export KERNEL_API_KEY="your-api-key"
agent-browser open https://example.com
```

The `-p` flag takes precedence over `AGENT_BROWSER_PROVIDER`.

## Configuration

<table>
  <thead>
    <tr><th>Variable</th><th>Description</th><th>Default</th></tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
    <tr><td><code>KERNEL_API_KEY</code></td><td>API key (required)</td><td></td></tr>
    <tr><td><code>KERNEL_HEADLESS</code></td><td>Run browser in headless mode</td><td><code>true</code></td></tr>
    <tr><td><code>KERNEL_STEALTH</code></td><td>Enable stealth mode to avoid bot detection</td><td><code>false</code></td></tr>
    <tr><td><code>KERNEL_TIMEOUT_SECONDS</code></td><td>Session timeout in seconds</td><td><code>300</code></td></tr>
    <tr><td><code>KERNEL_PROFILE_NAME</code></td><td>Name of an existing browser profile to load</td><td>(none)</td></tr>
    <tr><td><code>KERNEL_PROFILE_SAVE_CHANGES</code></td><td>Save session changes back to the profile</td><td><code>false</code></td></tr>
  </tbody>
</table>

**Profile persistence:** `KERNEL_PROFILE_NAME` loads an existing Kernel profile (create it first in Kernel). Set `KERNEL_PROFILE_SAVE_CHANGES=true` to save cookies, logins, and session data back to the profile when the session ends.

When enabled, agent-browser connects to a Kernel cloud session instead of launching a local browser. All commands work identically.

Get your API key from the [Kernel Dashboard](https://dashboard.onkernel.com).