To stop a PhantomBuster automation that's currently running, open its console page from your Dashboard and click Stop. To prevent future scheduled launches, toggle the ON/OFF switch on the Phantom or Workflow card to OFF (grey). Note that stopping or deleting an automation doesn't cancel LinkedIn messages tied to pending connection requests, those are delivered by LinkedIn when the recipient accepts, which can happen days or weeks later.
The steps below use a Phantom example, but they apply the same way to Workflows
Stop a running automation
If an automation is currently running, you can stop it immediately.
- Go to your PhantomBuster Dashboard.
- Locate your Phantom or Workflow and click on it to open its console page.
- Click the Stop button to halt the execution.
This only stops the current launch. If the automation is scheduled to run again, it will continue unless paused or unscheduled.
Pause a scheduled automation
To prevent an automation from launching automatically in the future:
- Go to your PhantomBuster Dashboard.
- Locate your Phantom or Workflow.
- Click the ON/OFF toggle below its name to turn off the schedule.
Blue = ON → scheduled launches are active.
Grey = OFF → the automation is paused.
Pausing stops recurring launches, but the automation remains available for manual runs later.
This applies to all Phantoms and Workflows, including those that perform multiple actions (for example, outreach sequences with connection requests and follow-ups).
Why LinkedIn messages may still send after stopping
If you’ve stopped or deleted an automation but still see LinkedIn messages being sent later, this is expected behavior, and it applies to Workflows as well as individual Phantoms.
That’s because LinkedIn sends invitation messages only when the recipient accepts your connection request, not when it was first sent.
This means:
- The automation (Phantom or Workflow) isn't running again.
You’re seeing delayed messages from earlier connection requests that are only now being accepted.
- Messages may be delivered days or even weeks later, depending on when people accept.
Example:
You used the LinkedIn Outreach (or LinkedIn Auto Connect) two weeks ago:
A recipient accepts your connection request today.
The invitation message you included is now sent, even though the automation has been paused or deleted.
This behavior is fully controlled by LinkedIn and cannot be stopped from PhantomBuster once the request is sent.
Frequently asked questions
How do I stop a Phantom that's currently running?
Go to your Dashboard, click on the Phantom to open its console page, and click the Stop button. This halts the current launch immediately, but if the Phantom is scheduled, it will run again at the next scheduled time unless you also pause it.
How do I pause a scheduled Phantom or Workflow?
On your Dashboard, toggle the ON/OFF switch on the Phantom or Workflow card. Grey (OFF) pauses all scheduled launches. The automation stays in your Workspace and can still be launched manually or rescheduled later.
Why am I still seeing LinkedIn messages after I stopped my automation?
LinkedIn delivers invitation messages only when the recipient accepts your connection request, not when it was originally sent. If you used a Phantom or Workflow that sent connection requests with messages, those messages may appear days or weeks later as people accept, even if the automation has been stopped or deleted. This is controlled by LinkedIn and can't be prevented from PhantomBuster.
Does stopping an automation delete my results or settings?
No. Stopping or pausing an automation only affects its execution. Your settings, input data, and previously collected results are preserved. You can relaunch or reschedule the automation at any time.