---
title: "Wait for delay in a smartphone test"
sidebarTitle: "Wait for delay"
description: "Pause a smartphone test for a fixed duration, when nothing observable signals readiness: a backend job, a rate limit, an animation."
lastUpdated: "2026-09-23"
---

> **For AI agents:** the complete documentation index is at [llms.txt](/llms.txt). Append `.md` to any page URL for its markdown version.

Pause the test for a fixed time. Reach for it when nothing observable signals readiness: a backend job, a rate limit, an animation you can't hook into.

<Tip>
  If you are waiting for something to appear on the screen, use [Verify element](/tests/actions/smartphone/verifyelement) instead. It continues as soon as the condition is met instead of always burning the full delay.
</Tip>

## Parameters

| Parameter | Required | Description |
| ----------- | ---------- | ------------- |
| Duration | Yes | How long to pause. A number followed by a unit: `ms`, `s`, or `m`. Default: `10s`. |

## Results and metrics

- **Timing**: start, end, and duration (in seconds) recorded in the step result. The duration matches the configured pause.
- **Status**: success, unless the run is interrupted during the pause.

## What's next?

<Columns cols={2}>
  <Card title="Verify element" icon="eye" href="/tests/actions/smartphone/verifyelement">

    Wait on a real condition instead of a fixed time

</Card>
  <Card title="Test builder" icon="hammer" href="/tests/builder">

    Where steps are added and configured

</Card>
</Columns>