diff --git a/dev2/agents/README.md b/dev2/agents/README.md
index c1ec0bd..71f8ebc 100644
--- a/dev2/agents/README.md
+++ b/dev2/agents/README.md
@@ -5,9 +5,11 @@ mode; authenticated instructions from Anthony enter that user's `agent-llm <agen
 Task state stays in the agent's home and results return to the originating QryptChat conversation.
 
 Each agent has a separately scoped group.call worker key, private phone settings, and an email
-poller running under that agent's UID. Email actions require the trusted Anthony DMARC verdict;
-the shared claim directory prevents forwarded copies from triggering duplicate work. Mailbox
-credentials, QryptChat sessions, model logins, and task state stay in their owner's home.
+poller running under that agent's UID. Inbox pollers check every 30 seconds and baseline the
+current inbox on first run, so old mail is not queued. Email actions require the trusted Anthony
+DMARC verdict; the shared claim directory prevents forwarded copies from triggering duplicate
+work. Mailbox credentials, QryptChat sessions, model logins, and task state stay in their owner's
+home.
 
 On dev2, deploy the CLI package and its production dependencies to `/opt/riotcoder-cli`, give each
 ready agent a private `agent-llm.json`, QryptChat session, model login, and one-account
diff --git a/dev2/agents/install-agent-runners.sh b/dev2/agents/install-agent-runners.sh
index a8a5b69..9c58f41 100755
--- a/dev2/agents/install-agent-runners.sh
+++ b/dev2/agents/install-agent-runners.sh
@@ -113,12 +113,12 @@ EOF
 
   cat > "/etc/systemd/system/agent-mail-poll-$agent.timer" <<EOF
 [Unit]
-Description=Poll $agent's inbox every five minutes
+Description=Poll $agent's inbox every 30 seconds
 
 [Timer]
-OnCalendar=*-*-* *:0/5:00
-AccuracySec=30s
-Persistent=true
+OnBootSec=30s
+OnUnitActiveSec=30s
+AccuracySec=1s
 
 [Install]
 WantedBy=timers.target
@@ -130,6 +130,7 @@ done
 systemctl daemon-reload
 for agent in "${ready[@]}"; do
   systemctl enable --now "agent-mail-poll-$agent.timer" >/dev/null
+  systemctl restart "agent-mail-poll-$agent.timer" >/dev/null
 done
 printf 'Installed contact runners for: %s\n' "${ready[*]:-(none)}"
 if [ "${#skipped[@]}" -gt 0 ]; then