Run WP-Cron From a Real Cron Job

Stops WordPress from checking for scheduled tasks on every page view; you trigger wp-cron.php from your server's cron instead, which is faster and more reliable.

WPIDE Team
Updated October 28, 2026

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Code

// After enabling, add a server cron job, for example every 5 minutes:
// */5 * * * * curl -s https://example.com/wp-cron.php?doing_wp_cron > /dev/null
if ( ! defined( 'DISABLE_WP_CRON' ) ) {
    define( 'DISABLE_WP_CRON', true );
}

Notes

Without the server cron job, scheduled posts, backups and emails stop running.

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Details

Code type: PHP
Category: Performance
Runs: Run everywhere
Requires: Nothing beyond WordPress
Version: 1
Updated: October 28, 2026

Run WP-Cron From a Real Cron Job

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Run WP-Cron From a Real Cron Job

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