Cron jobs

This guide covers how a cron job runs a task on a schedule, how to create one safely, and how to check that it runs.

Before you begin

• A signed-in Hosting and Reseller Panel, and the Cron Jobs section, if your plan includes it.
• The exact command or script the task should run. Know what it does before you schedule it.
• A test plan. Try the command by hand first, if you can.

Schedule only commands you understand

A cron job runs without you watching it. Do not schedule a command copied from an unknown source. A wrong command can delete files or send mail repeatedly.

Steps

1. Open the Cron Jobs section in the panel.
2. Choose the option to add a job.
3. Set the schedule, such as every hour or once a day. Choose times that do not overload the server.
4. Enter the command. Use full paths to files, for example the full path to the PHP program if the task needs it.
5. Save the job, then wait for its first run, or run the command by hand to test it.
6. Check the result, such as an updated file or a log entry.

Expected result

The job runs at the times you set, and the task completes without errors.

If something goes wrong

• The job does not run. Check the schedule and the command syntax. Make sure the job is enabled.
• The job runs but the task fails. Run the same command by hand and read the error. Check the error log in Resource usage and logs.
• The job slows the site. Move it to a quieter time, or reduce how often it runs.

Related articles

• PHP and applications
• Resource usage and logs
• Resource limit reached
• File manager

Last reviewed

2026-10-27