Delay

Delay is an in-built viaSocket tool that lets you put your workflow into a controlled pause before the next step executes.

Think of it as timing with intention — your automation waits, then fires exactly when it should.

It’s perfect for scheduling follow-up emails, spacing out notifications, setting reminders, or triggering any action at the exact right moment. With Delay, your workflows stay organized, predictable, and aligned with your goals.

Delay Limits

• Minimum: 1 minute

• Maximum: 30 days

How to get started with Delay?

Step 1: Open the workflow editor and select your trigger app. Connect your account, configure the trigger, and test it.

Step 2: Add an action step and choose the Delay feature from the built-in tools.

Step 3: Enter the delay time in seconds, minutes, hours, or days as per the placeholder format.

Step 4: Add the actions to execute after the delay, then test and publish the workflow.

How to map data in a delay

You can map dynamic values into the delay action by using data from previous steps. If you want to set the delay time based on data from a previous step, you can easily achieve this by mapping the value using a chip.

Can I track the delay times in my workflow logs?

Yes, you can track the delay times in your workflow logs. The logs will include detailed information about the duration of each delay, offering full transparency regarding the time spent in waiting periods. 

This allows you to monitor the workflow’s progress, understand any pauses, and ensure everything is running as expected.

You can easily review the timeline to see how long each step takes, including delays, and identify any areas that may need optimization for better efficiency.

Limitations You Should Know

1. Zero or Negative Time Is Not Supported (Only Integer)

2. Delay time must be greater than 0.

3. You Can’t Modify a Workflow During an Active Delay

4. If you change the structure while a delay is running, the flow breaks.

“Change” means:

• Adding steps

• Removing steps

• Pausing steps

• Enabling steps

Once a delay is active, consider the workflow locked until it resumes.

Once you make changes and publish the updated version, the new workflow version will run for all future executions.

Any logs generated  after the change will remain unchanged and won’t be affected.

Pause Behavior During a Delay
If your workflow gets paused while a delay is running, viaSocket lets you choose how to proceed:

• Continue the flow which are already in delay even during pause.

• Stop the flow entirely, even they are in delay.