Overview
On DreamPress plans, DreamHost disables WordPress's default WP-Cron and replaces it with a system-level cron that runs every 15 minutes, so your scheduled WordPress tasks (publishing posts, plugin-update checks, backups, email digests) run reliably even when your site has little or no traffic. This article explains how it works and how to adjust the frequency.
Background
DreamPress utilizes a system-level cron to ensure all of your WordPress scheduled tasks (known as crons) run reliably, even when your site has little or no traffic.
How does it work?
WordPress typically uses a feature called WP-Cron to handle scheduled events such as publishing posts, checking for plugin updates, and running backups.
However, WP-Cron only triggers when a page is loaded on your site, which can lead to missed or delayed tasks on low-traffic sites.
To ensure better reliability and performance, DreamPress disables WP-Cron by default and replaces it with a system cron that runs automatically on the server.
System cron schedule
The DreamPress system cron runs every 15 minutes to execute any pending WordPress-scheduled tasks.
This ensures that your site’s automated actions, such as publishing scheduled posts and sending email digests, occur on time without relying on visitor traffic.
How do I adjust the cron frequency?
If your site requires more frequent cron execution (for example, every 5 minutes instead of every 15 minutes), please contact support.
The DreamHost support team can review your use case and help increase the cron frequency if needed.