You can disable an Automation Workflow to pause it temporarily while keeping performance data, or delete it permanently. Both options let you decide what happens to contacts already in the workflow.
Use this guide to choose the right option and manage workflows after they're live.
Before You Begin
You can edit a live workflow without disabling it. When you publish changes, Omnisend asks what happens to contacts already in the sequence. Learn more about editing enabled automations.
Deleting is permanent after 90 days. Disabled workflows can be re-enabled anytime.
Disable vs. Delete: Which Should I Choose?
Action | Keeps Workflow Data? | Reversible? | Contacts in Progress | Use When |
Disable | ✅ Yes (all stats preserved) | ✅ Yes (re-enable anytime) | You choose: finish or exit | Pausing seasonally, testing, or temporary stop |
Delete | ❌ No (deleted after 90 days) | ⚠️ Yes (within 90 days only) | All exit immediately | Removing outdated workflows permanently |
Disable an Automation
Disabling pauses the workflow and preserves all performance data. You can re-enable it anytime.
Step 1. Open the workflow you want to disable. Click Disable (below the Close button in the top menu).
You can also disable the automation directly from the Automation list. Find the workflow you want to disable → Click the three-dot menu → Disable.
Step 2. Choose what happens to contacts already in the workflow:
Let them finish the workflow – Contacts already in the workflow finish it under the current version.
Exit from the workflow – Contacts exit immediately, regardless of their progress.
Step 3. Click Disable workflow.
The workflow stops sending to new contacts. Existing contacts follow the option you selected.
Delete an Automation
Deleting removes the automation, all performance reports, and contact progress. Deleted workflows are recoverable for 90 days, then permanently removed.
Delete a Workflow
Step 1. Go Automation → Find the automation you want to delete → Click the three-dot menu → Delete.
Step 2. Click Delete to confirm deletion.
View or Restore Deleted Workflows
Deleted workflows remain in the Deleted Automations list for 90 days. Go to Automation → Click the three dots (next to create workflow) → View deleted workflows.
To restore a deleted automation, click the three-dot menu → Restore.
⚠️ After 90 days, the workflow, reports, and all contact progress are permanently deleted and cannot be recovered.
FAQ
Can I recover a workflow after 90 days?
No. After 90 days, deleted workflows are permanently removed and cannot be restored.
Does disabling a workflow affect my reports?
No. Performance data is preserved when you disable a workflow. You can view stats anytime, even while disabled.
Can I edit a workflow without disabling it?
Yes. Open the workflow, make changes, and click Publish Changes. Omnisend will ask what happens to contacts already in the sequence. Learn more about editing enabled automations.
What happens when I re-enable a disabled workflow? Do contacts pick up where they left off?
When you re-enable a workflow, only new contacts who meet the trigger conditions will enter. Contacts who previously completed or exited the workflow won't automatically re-enter unless they trigger it again.
deleted a workflow by accident. Can I undo it immediately?
Yes. After you delete a workflow, an Undo button appears in the confirmation message. Click it to restore the workflow immediately. If you miss it, go to Automation → Click the three dots (next to create workflow) → View deleted workflows.
Can I pause a single email in an automation without disabling the whole workflow?
No, you can't pause a single email. You must either edit the workflow to remove the email, or add a conditional split to redirect contacts around it. Disabling stops the entire workflow.
If you didn't find the answer to your question, contact our Support Team through the in-app chat or at [email protected].