> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.metacopier.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.metacopier.io/features/pro-features/delayed-execution.md).

# Delayed execution

The delayed execution feature in MetaCopier provides users with greater control over trade execution timing by introducing a random delay before opening and closing trades.

## How It Works

When enabled, trades on the copier (slave account) will not be copied immediately after execution on the master account. Instead, a delay is introduced based on user-defined settings. Users can specify a **minimum** and **maximum** delay in seconds (with millisecond resolution), and the system will randomly select a delay within this range before executing the trade.

## Key Benefits

* **Greater Control**: Users can introduce variability in trade execution timing.
* **More Flexibility**: Ensures that trade execution is spread out rather than instant.
* **Customizable Per Symbol**: Different delay settings can be configured for different trading pairs.

## Technical Details

### Delay Settings

| Parameter           | Description                                                    | Range (Seconds) |
| ------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------- |
| **Min Delay Open**  | Minimum delay before opening a trade. (millisecond resolution) | 0 - 3600        |
| **Max Delay Open**  | Maximum delay before opening a trade (millisecond resolution)  | 0 - 3600        |
| **Min Delay Close** | Minimum delay before closing a trade (millisecond resolution)  | 0 - 3600        |
| **Max Delay Close** | Maximum delay before closing a trade (millisecond resolution)  | 0 - 3600        |

If a fixed delay is needed, users can set the same value for both **Min** and **Max**. Otherwise, the system will randomly select a value between them.