n8n-nodes-random-delay

An n8n community node that pauses a workflow for a random duration within a range you choose.

Fixed delays are predictable – which is exactly what you don't want when spacing out API calls or scraping politely. Random jitter avoids sending requests in a detectable, evenly-spaced burst.

Installation

In n8n, go to Settings → Community nodes → Install and enter n8n-nodes-random-delay.

Parameters

| Parameter | Description | | ----------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | Minimum | Shortest possible wait | | Maximum | Longest possible wait | | Unit | Milliseconds or seconds | | Wait Once for All Items | On: one wait for the whole batch. Off: a separate wait before each item. |

Each item passes through unchanged, with a waitedMs field added showing the actual delay used.

Minimum and Maximum accept expressions, so you can drive the range from incoming data – for example {{ $json.delay }}.

Note on long waits

This node blocks the workflow while it waits, unlike n8n's built-in Wait node, which parks the execution and resumes later. Keep ranges to seconds. For longer pauses, use the built-in Wait node.

License

MIT