cycles-management

Manage Internet Computer canister cycles, balances, top-ups, and lifecycle.

28|11|Updated Feb 25, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/dfinity/icskills --skill cycles-management
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: cycles-management
Source: https://github.com/dfinity/icskills/tree/main/skills/cycles-management
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/dfinity/icskills --skill cycles-management

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes scripts (resource) and references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This Skill helps developers manage the essential resource of cycles for their Internet Computer canisters, preventing unexpected freezes and ensuring smooth operation.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Monitor Cycle Balances: Check the current cycle balance of any canister.
  • Top-up Canisters: Add cycles to a canister to prevent it from freezing.
  • Create Canisters: Programmatically create new canisters with specified settings.
  • Manage Lifecycle: Stop and delete canisters when no longer needed.
  • Use Case: Ensure your production canisters always have enough cycles by setting up automated top-ups based on balance checks and freezing thresholds.

Quick Start

Use the cycles-management skill to top up the 'my-canister-id' canister with 1 trillion cycles.

Frequently Asked Questions about cycles-management

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I top up canister cycles on the Internet Computer to prevent freezing?

To top up canister cycles on the Internet Computer, you add cycles to the target canister address. This prevents the canister from freezing by ensuring its balance remains above the freezing threshold.

How do I programmatically create canisters with specified settings on ICP?

You can programmatically create canisters on ICP using the management canister and CMC. This allows you to define specific settings and allocate initial cycles during the canister creation process.

Can I check the current cycle balance of any canister?

Yes, you can monitor the cycle balance of any canister. Checking the balance allows you to track resource consumption and trigger automated top-ups before the canister freezes.

Does cycle management work with both Motoko and Rust implementations?

Cycle management supports both Motoko and Rust implementations for canister operations. This allows developers to programmatically control canister resources and lifecycle across either language environment.

What is the best way to manage the lifecycle of an Internet Computer canister?

Managing the lifecycle of an Internet Computer canister involves using the management canister to stop and delete canisters when no longer needed. This ensures efficient resource cleanup and cycle recovery.

Why does my canister freeze due to insufficient cycles?

A canister freezes due to insufficient cycles when its balance drops below the freezing threshold. You must monitor balances and perform top-ups to ensure continuous operation and avoid unexpected freezes.