# Delay

<figure><img src="/files/subr6M7XLtQS0hZSZQzy" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

The **Delay** block allows you to pause your TaskBot for a specified duration (in seconds) before moving to the next block.

By default, the pause time is **randomized** between the minimum and maximum values you set. This makes your TaskBot’s actions appear more natural to websites that might use anti-bot detection measures.

{% hint style="success" %}
Setting the **same value** for both minimum and maximum values allows you to use a **fixed delay** instead of a random one.
{% endhint %}

#### How To Use It

The Delay block has two fields:

1. **Minimum (seconds)**: The shortest possible pause duration.
2. **Maximum (seconds)**: The longest possible pause duration.

#### Things To Know

* The default value for both fields is **1 second**.
* You can enter **decimal values** (for example, `1.50` for 1.5 seconds.)
* Both fields accept [variable](/using-zerowork/using-variables.md) and [table](/using-zerowork/using-tables.md) references.

<figure><img src="/files/XS4VztHlHhqX1xtF4nzK" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="warning" %}
If a variable or table reference contains an invalid value for the Delay block (for example, text instead of a number), the Delay block will be skipped, and your TaskBot will move to the next block immediately without any delay.
{% endhint %}

#### Block Behavior

* If you enter the **same number** in both fields, the pause time will always be that exact duration. For example, when specifying 4 seconds for both minimum and maximum durations, your TaskBot will pause for exactly 4 seconds.
* If the **maximum is less than the minimum**, your TaskBot will pause for the **minimum** duration instead. For example, if maximum duration is 4 seconds but the minimum duration is 10 seconds, your TaskBot will pause for exactly 10 seconds.
* If you **leave either field empty**, the delay block will be skipped.
* Setting both values to **0** means your TaskBot will move to the next step **without pausing**.

#### Examples & Use Cases

<figure><img src="/files/xJEVFzWIsOJMzVVvCaZI" alt=""><figcaption><p>Throttling sequential API requests with a Delay block</p></figcaption></figure>


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