Plesk scheduled tasks
Use Plesk Scheduled Tasks to run a PHP script, fetch a URL or execute an advanced command automatically
Choose the safest task type for the job. Run a PHP script when the file is in your hosting space, Fetch a URL when the application provides a protected web endpoint, and use Run a command only when its documentation requires one. Test once with Run Now before trusting the schedule.
Which scheduled-task type should I choose?
| Type | Use it for | You provide |
|---|---|---|
| Run a PHP script | A PHP maintenance, import or application task stored in the subscription | The script path and PHP version or handler offered by Plesk |
| Fetch a URL | A documented web endpoint designed to be called on a schedule | The complete HTTPS URL, ideally protected against public abuse |
| Run a command | An application command that genuinely requires shell execution | The full executable path and correctly quoted arguments |
How do I create the task?
- 1Open Scheduled Tasks
Open Plesk from your hosting service, select the appropriate domain or subscription and open Scheduled Tasks.
- 2Choose Add Task
Select PHP script, URL or command based on the application instructions. Do not translate one type into another without a reason.
- 3Set timing and notifications
Choose a realistic interval and an email notification option. Avoid running a long task again before its earlier run can finish.
- 4Use Run Now
Save, run a single test and examine the result. Confirm the intended database, file or application change occurred.
Make scheduled work predictable
Use full paths
A scheduled task may not have the same working directory or environment as a script you run manually.
Protect secrets
Do not place passwords or API keys directly in a command where they may appear in logs or account screens.
Log useful output
Record completion time and errors without writing customer data or credentials into a public file.
Start less frequently
Test with a conservative schedule. Increase frequency only when the task finishes reliably and the application needs it.
Scheduled-task questions
What time zone does the schedule use?
It normally uses the server time zone shown by Plesk. Check the scheduled-task screen when an exact local time matters.
Why does the task work in my browser but fail on schedule?
The scheduled environment may use a different PHP version, path, user context or working directory. Compare those details and review its error output.
How often should a task run?
Follow the application’s documentation. More frequent is not automatically better and can cause overlaps or unnecessary load.
Automate safely
Create the task, run it once and confirm the result
A successful Run Now test and useful error notifications are more important than an aggressive schedule.