How do I pause and resume workflows with wait steps?

Last updated: November 5, 2026

Use Wait steps when a workflow needs time to pass before continuing, or when it needs to pause until an external service returns a result.

Before you start

  • Decide whether the workflow should wait for a fixed time or wait for an external event or result.

  • Confirm any downstream steps still make sense after the wait period.

  • Use clear workflow descriptions so teammates understand intentional delays.

Steps

  1. Open the workflow draft.

  2. Add a step where the workflow should pause.

  3. Select the appropriate wait option.

  4. Configure the wait duration or wait condition.

  5. Add the steps that should run after the wait completes.

  6. Test the workflow path with safe data when possible.

  7. Review the run details to confirm the workflow pauses and resumes as intended.

  8. Publish the workflow when validation passes.

Tips

  • Use Wait when time should pass before continuing.

  • Use Wait For when an external process must complete before later steps run.

  • Keep wait logic easy to understand by naming the step after the reason for the delay.

  • Review active runs before changing workflows with long waits.

Troubleshooting

  • If a workflow resumes too early or too late, review the wait duration, timezone, and condition.

  • If a workflow never resumes, inspect Run Details and confirm the awaited event or response occurred.

  • If downstream data is stale after a wait, refresh or re-fetch the needed record before acting.

  • If publishing fails, complete all required wait configuration fields.