How to Set Up Cron Jobs in cPanel

Cron Jobs is a cPanel automation tool. It allows you to automate specific commands or scripts on your site. You could set a command or script to run at a particular time every day, week, etc. (for example, set a cron job to delete temporary files weekly to free up disk space).

This guide will provide instructions on how to create, edit, or delete a Cron Job in cPanel.

• How to Create a Cron Job in cPanel
• How to View Existing Cron Jobs in cPanel
  • How to Edit a Cron Job in cPanel
  • How to Delete a Cron Job in cPanel
• Summary

How to Create a Cron Job in cPanel

1. Log in to your Bluehost Account Manager.
2. Once logged in to your account, click the Hosting tab on the left menu.
3. Look for Quick Links, then click the CPANEL button.
   
4. Scroll down to the Advanced section, then select Cron Jobs.
5. Enter a valid email address in the current email address field and click the Update Email button.
   
6. You will then see your cron job scheduling options:
   • Common Settings– You can use this drop-down list to populate all but the last fields.
   • Minute – The minute setting for the cron job.
   • Hour – The hour setting for the cron job.
   • Day – The day setting for the cron job.
   • Month – The month setting for the cron job.
   • Weekday – The weekday setting for the cron job.
   • Command – The cron job command to execute. If you want to execute a script, it would look similar to the command below.

   /usr/local/bin/php -c /home/username/public_html/myscript.php

7. Set the frequency of your Cron Job using the drop-down box for each setting, or use the Common Settings to choose from a list of regularly used intervals. Common Settings include every 15 minutes to once a year.
   
8. Enter the desired command and click the Add New Cron Job button.
   

You have successfully created a Cron Job to execute a file at a specific time and date with the desired repetition.

How to View Existing Cron Jobs in cPanel

The Current Cron Jobs table displays your existing cron jobs.

How to Edit a Cron Job in cPanel

To edit a cron job, perform the following steps:

1. Locate the cron job you wish to edit and click the Edit icon.
2. Edit the settings you want to change and click Edit Line.

How to Delete a Cron Job in cPanel

To delete a cron job, perform the following steps:

1. Click the Delete button next to the cron job that you wish to delete.
2. Click the Delete button again to delete it successfully.

The edit panel has fewer common settings, so if you are having trouble getting the correct interval, copy the command, delete the Cron Job, and recreate it using the Add New Cron Job section.

Summary

Learn how to use Cron Jobs in cPanel to automate specific scripts or commands on your website. With Cron Jobs, you can easily schedule a command or script to run at a particular time, day, or week, saving you time and effort. Our guide has step-by-step instructions on how to create, edit, or delete a Cron Job. Also, know the steps to view existing Cron Jobs and edit them if needed. However, it's crucial to learn Linux commands well before using Cron Jobs effectively, and it's always a good idea to check the script with your hosting administrator before using Cron Jobs.