An automation sends emails based on an event – either immediately or with a delay. This can mean that some emails are sent in the middle of the night. With a lockout time, you can ensure that emails are only sent at times you consider appropriate. This guide shows you how to set up a lockout time on your flow.
Step 1: Go to Restrictions
Create a flow. On the trigger page, you have the option to access Restrictions, which you can find here:
If you have already created the flow, click on the name of the flow in the overview. This will take you to the flow builder. To access Restrictions, click Change settings:
Then go to Restrictions, as shown in the first image in step 1.
Step 2: Enable lockout time
Find the Broadcast lockout time? field and select Yes.
Enter the time period during which emails should not be sent:
- Start time – The time when the lockout begins
- End time – The time when the lockout ends
If an automation is triggered during this interval, the email will be held back and will not be sent until the lockout time ends.
Note: A lockout time can also fall within the same day, for example 01:00-06:00.
Examples of use
- Lockout time 23:00-07:00 – Avoids emails at night
- Lockout time 11:00-10:00 – Ensures all emails are sent between 10:00 and 11:00
You are now ready
You have now set up a lockout time on your flow and can control when your emails are sent. This prevents recipients from receiving emails at inappropriate times and lets you time your sends to when your emails have the greatest impact. Try adjusting the lockout time to suit the habits of your target audience.