Question: How do I set up cron for WordPress? Print

This article explains how to properly set up a real server-side cron job for WordPress on GHFS Hosting using Plesk. WordPress normally uses a built-in system called WP-Cron, but it is not always reliable. Setting up a real cron job ensures scheduled tasks run correctly.

1. What Is WP-Cron?

By default, WordPress uses WP-Cron, which runs only when someone visits your website.
This can cause issues such as:

• Scheduled posts not publishing

• Backups not running

• Plugins not updating

• High traffic triggering too many cron runs

A real server cron job is more stable and efficient.

2. Step 1: Disable WP-Cron in WordPress

To use a real cron job, first disable the internal WP-Cron.

Steps:

1. Open your website files through Plesk File Manager

2. Edit the file wp-config.php

3. Add the following line above “/* That’s all, stop editing! */”

Save the file.

3. Step 2: Create a Real Cron Job in Plesk

Steps:

1. Log in to your Plesk panel

2. Go to Scheduled Tasks

3. Click Add Task

4. Set Task Type to Run a command

5. In the command field, enter:

Replace yourdomain.com with your actual WordPress site URL.

6. Set Run frequency to:

• Once per 5 minutes (recommended)

Example schedule:

• Minute: */5

• Hour: *

• Day: *

• Month: *

• Weekday: *

7. Save the task.

This command executes WordPress cron automatically every few minutes.

4. Alternative Command (If wget is not available)

Use curl instead:

5. Verifying Cron Is Working

After setting up:

• Scheduled posts should publish on time

• Plugins using cron should run correctly

• Backup plugins work more reliably

You can check logs in Plesk under Scheduled Tasks → Log.

6. Troubleshooting

Cron does not run:

• Wrong domain added in cron command

• SSL issue if using https

• WP-Cron not disabled in wp-config.php

“Permission denied” errors:

• The cron job path is incorrect

• Verify hosting permissions

Backup plugins still not running:

• Plugin may require special configuration

• Contact support for assistance

7. When to Contact GHFS Hosting Support

Contact support if:

• The cron job is not running

• You cannot access or edit wp-config.php

• You receive persistent errors in the cron log

• WordPress scheduled tasks still do not run correctly

GHFS Hosting can verify file permissions and cron settings for you.