{"id":31780,"date":"2021-09-29T07:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-09-29T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dhblog.dream.press\/blog\/?p=31780"},"modified":"2025-05-21T22:31:13","modified_gmt":"2025-05-22T05:31:13","slug":"how-to-fix-wordpress-missed-scheduled-post-error","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/how-to-fix-wordpress-missed-scheduled-post-error\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Fix the Missed Scheduled Post Error in WordPress (2 Methods)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Scheduling your posts in advance on your WordPress<\/a><\/span> site can be a lifesaver. Writing multiple blog posts and scheduling them out should give you peace of mind knowing they\u2019ll be published on time. However, sometimes this feature doesn\u2019t work as expected, and you might end up with the missed scheduled post error.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fortunately, there are a few ways to troubleshoot this common issue. Whether you prefer to use a plugin or get under the hood yourself, you should be able to fix the missed scheduled post error and get back to business in no time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, we\u2019ll explain what the missed scheduled post error is and look at a few possible causes. Then we\u2019ll share three easy ways to troubleshoot the error and two simple methods for fixing it. Let\u2019s get started!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What the Missed Scheduled Post Error Is (And What Causes It)<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When you schedule a post in advance, WordPress uses a \u201ccron job\u201d to publish it. \u201cCron\u201d is a software utility that schedules tasks, while a cron job is the task itself. Typically, you\u2019ll see cron used to handle repetitive tasks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since WordPress is expected to run in a variety of environments, it can\u2019t rely on traditional cron, which is intended to work in Unix-like operating systems. Instead, WordPress has WP-cron, which can simulate a system cron. When something goes wrong with the cron job publishing your scheduled posts, you\u2019ll see the missed schedule error.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are a few potential causes of this error. One possible scenario is that your server or a plugin could be affecting your cron jobs. Common culprits include caching plugins. While these plugins are valuable for improving your site\u2019s performance, they can also interfere with WP-cron.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another cause stems from the fact that WordPress uses simulated cron jobs. These simulations require someone to visit your website at the same time that the task is supposed to be run. If no one lands on your website at the right time, your post won\u2019t be published.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Obviously, if your site has experienced some downtime<\/a><\/span>, then no one can visit it. This could prevent a cron job from running as expected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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How to Troubleshoot the Missed Scheduled Post Error (3 Ways)<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve encountered the missed scheduled post error, there are a few simple ways to go about troubleshooting it. Let\u2019s take a closer look at them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Check Your Timezone Settings<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If the timezone you\u2019ve set in WordPress doesn\u2019t match the timezone you use for publishing posts, it\u2019s unlikely that these posts will go live as expected. Fortunately, there is a simple fix for this timezone issue, so it\u2019s a good place to start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To check your timezone settings, go to your admin dashboard<\/a> and navigate to Settings > General<\/span>. Scroll down, and you should see a dropdown menu where you can select your timezone.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Adjusting<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Using the dropdown, select the timezone you want to use for your WordPress website. Then, click on the Save Changes<\/span> button, and you\u2019re all set!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\n\t\t\tHow To Build a Website This Weekend: Complete Beginner\u2019s Guide\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRead More\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

2. Clear the WordPress Cache<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As we mentioned earlier, occasionally a WordPress plugin can interfere with the cache being cleared. So while caching can help<\/a><\/span> to speed up your website, sometimes it can make it difficult for changes to take effect the way they should. Fortunately, clearing the WordPress cache manually is a simple process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first step is to clear your browser\u2019s cache. The steps you\u2019ll need to follow will differ depending on which browser you use<\/a><\/span>. If you\u2019re still not seeing your scheduled posts, try clearing the WordPress cache as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re using a caching plugin, you\u2019ll need to clear your cache through it. For example, if you\u2019re using the WP Super Cache<\/a><\/span>, go to Settings > WP Super Cache<\/span> and select the Easy<\/span> tab. Next, click on the Delete Cache<\/span> button.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"How<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Even if you use a different caching plugin, chances are the steps will be similar. Most of these plugins feature one-click cache deletion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Managed hosting plans tend to work a little differently. If you\u2019re a DreamPress customer<\/a><\/span>, you should already have the Proxy Cache Purge plugin<\/a><\/span> installed to handle this for you. However, you can also purge the cache manually.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To clear the entire cache, you just need to hover over the Cache<\/span> icon in your dashboard menu and select Purge Cache (All Pages)<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Purging<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

You can also purge the cache for an individual post or page. To do this, you\u2019ll need to navigate to the desired post either by entering the URL or by locating it in your dashboard and clicking on the View<\/span> option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once again, you\u2019ll need to hover over the Cache<\/span> icon in your dashboard menu, but this time you\u2019ll have the option to Purge Cache (This Page)<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Purging<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Don\u2019t worry if your scheduled posts still aren\u2019t showing up. There is one more troubleshooting method to try.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\tRelated Article<\/span>\n\t
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\n\t\t\tHow to Schedule Posts in WordPress (3 Easy Methods)\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRead More\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

3. Increase the WordPress Memory Limit<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Finally, it\u2019s possible that your WordPress site needs more memory<\/a><\/span> than what is currently allocated. An easy way to increase the memory limit is by editing the wp-config.php<\/a><\/span> file<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To access this file, you\u2019ll need to use a Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) client<\/a><\/span>, such as FileZilla<\/a><\/span>. Alternatively, you can use the file manager in your hosting account.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have a DreamHost account, start by navigating to Websites<\/span> > Files<\/span> in the sidebar. Next, locate your domain and click on the Manage Files <\/span>button.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Accessing<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

This will take you to the file manager. To access your site\u2019s directory, you\u2019ll need to open the folder labeled with your domain name. Inside it, you should find the wp-config.php <\/span>file.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re using FileZilla, the first step is to connect to your website. You may need to obtain your credentials from your web host if this is your first time using it. Once connected, locate the wp-config.php<\/span> file.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Locating<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Next, right-click on this file to download it. Now you can use a text editor to open and edit the file. Add the following line of code<\/a><\/span> anywhere before the line that reads \/* That’s all, stop editing! Happy blogging. *\/<\/span>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

define( 'WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', 'XXXM' );<\/pre>\n\n\n\n
You\u2019ll want to replace the \u201cXXX\u201d<\/span> with the amount of memory you\u2019d like allocated to PHP, such as \u201c96MB\u201d<\/span>. Remember to save your file before closing it. You can then use FileZilla to re-upload your updated wp-config.php<\/span> file.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to Fix the WordPress Missed Scheduled Post Error in WordPress (2 Methods)<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If none of the above troubleshooting methods worked or if the error keeps happening, you might want to try a more advanced fix. Let\u2019s look at two effective ways to resolve the missed scheduled post issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Use a Plugin<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Scheduled Post Trigger<\/a><\/span> is a free plugin that you can use to ensure that your cron job runs properly. It works by checking if any scheduled posts have been missed each time a visitor lands on your website.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n
\"The<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
When it comes to plugins, setup doesn\u2019t get much easier than this. Simply install and activate the plugin<\/a><\/span>, and you\u2019re ready to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, it\u2019s best not to rely on this plugin for a permanent solution. Like with WP-cron, caching plugins can interfere with the Scheduled Post Trigger. If you experience any compatibility issues with this plugin, you might want to troubleshoot by disabling your other plugins one at a time to find the culprit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Manage Cron Jobs Directly Through Your Server<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Another option is to manage cron jobs directly through your server. This takes a couple of steps, but we\u2019ll walk you through them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 1: Disable WordPress\u2019 Crons<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
The first step is to disable WordPress\u2019 default crons. Otherwise, any new cron jobs you create may not function properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To do this, you\u2019ll once again need to access your wp-config.php<\/span> file via SFTP or the file manager in your hosting account. This time, you can add this line of code<\/a><\/span> to stop WordPress\u2019 crons. You can add it anywhere above the \/* That’s all, stop editing! Happy blogging. *\/<\/span> comment:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
define(\u2018DISABLE_WP_CRON\u2019,true);<\/pre>\n\n\n\n
Finally, save your changes. You can then re-upload your wp-config.php<\/span> file and move on to adding your own cron job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 2: Add a New Cron Job<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Start at the DreamHost panel. Log in to your hosting account, then go to More > Cron Jobs<\/span>. Click on the Add New Cron Job<\/span> button.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n
\"Adding<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
From here, you can fill in the required fields to set up your custom cron job. Having some knowledge of UNIX commands<\/a><\/span> will be helpful to do this, but we\u2019ll show you the basics that should get the job done.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n
\"Adding<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
First, choose a User<\/span>. It\u2019ll need to be a shell user<\/a><\/span> since they\u2019re the only ones that can run cron jobs. You can also add a title to help you remember this job, such as Scheduled Post Trigger<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Next, you can add an email to send the output to. If you don\u2019t need an alert every time your site checks for scheduled posts \u2013 which you probably don\u2019t \u2013 simply leave it blank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Now you\u2019ll need to enter the command. First, take a look at this sample command from Zero Point Development<\/a><\/span>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\/usr\/bin\/php -q \/home\/zpd\/public_html\/wp-cron.php<\/pre>\n\n\n\n
You can copy and paste the first part (\/usr\/bin\/php -q) as is. However, the second part will take some customizing. You\u2019ll need to write your own unique path <\/span>to the wp-cron.php <\/span>file. For example, the following code represents DreamHost\u2019s server standard:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\/usr\/bin\/php -q \/home\/username\/domainname\/wp-cron.php<\/pre>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re not sure what that looks like, check out our support article on creating cron jobs<\/a><\/span>. You can also reach out to our support team<\/a><\/span> if you need further assistance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once you\u2019ve set up your cron job, you can schedule when it\u2019ll run. We recommend somewhere around five minutes. Then, click on the Add<\/span> button. That\u2019s it! You can always return to the Crontab if you need to troubleshoot your cron job<\/a><\/span> in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Have Another Error? We’ve Got a WordPress Tutorial for That<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Do you want to learn how to resolve other technical problems on your site? We\u2019ve put together a number of guides to help you troubleshoot every <\/a>common WordPress error:<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n