How to cancel an ongoing scan

Last updated: June 8, 2026

Introduction

Astra allows only one scan to run at a time per target. If you need to start a new scan but one is already in progress, you'll need to cancel the active scan first. This guide walks you through canceling a running scan quickly.

Prerequisites

  • Access to the Astra dashboard

  • An active scan in progress on your target

  • Workspace Full Member role or higher

Steps

  1. Log in to your Astra dashboard

  2. Navigate to Continuous Scans in the left sidebar

  3. Locate the scan showing a status of In Progress or Running

  4. Click on the scan name to open the Scan Details page

  5. Click the Cancel button on the scan details page

  6. Confirm the cancellation when prompted

The scan will stop and your quota slot will be freed, allowing you to start a new scan.

Expected Outcome

After canceling, the scan status updates to Canceled in the Continuous Scans list. You can immediately initiate a new scan from the same page.

Troubleshooting

Cannot find the Cancel button

  • Ensure you are on the Scan Details page and not the Continuous Scans list. The Cancel button is only available inside the individual scan view.

  • Confirm your role is Workspace Full Member or higher. Read-only roles cannot cancel scans.

Error message still appears after canceling

  • Refresh the page and wait 30 seconds for the system to fully register the cancellation.

  • Clear your application cache by pressing Ctrl+Shift+K on Windows or Cmd+K on Mac, searching for "Clear Cache", and clicking the option.

Scan shows as Canceled but new scan won't start

  • Wait a minute and try again. There may be a brief delay between cancellation and quota release.

  • If the issue persists, raise a support ticket from your dashboard.

Scan was canceled automatically without my input

  • This can happen when our system detects persistent connectivity issues with your target such as high response times, repeated server errors, or target unavailability. See Why did my automated scan get canceled for more details.

Next Steps