How to Set Up cron_events.php for Bitrix

Table of Contents: Introduction Check File Existence Manual Test Set Up Cron Job Verify Execution Troubleshooting cPanel Alternative

In Bitrix CMS (now known as Bitrix24), cron_events.php is a crucial script used to automate scheduled tasks such as:

• Sending email newsletters and notifications
• Clearing system and application cache
• Running scheduled PHP scripts and agents
• Processing background tasks and queues
• Generating reports and statistics

If cron_events.php is not running correctly, it can lead to delayed system tasks, unsent emails, and performance issues. Below is a step-by-step guide to properly configure it.

1. Check if cron_events.php Exists

The cron job script is typically located in the Bitrix modules directory. The exact path depends on your installation.

/home/USER/public_html/bitrix/modules/main/tools/cron_events.php

Replace USER with your actual cPanel/VPS username. Verify the file exists:

ls -lah /home/USER/public_html/bitrix/modules/main/tools/cron_events.php

If the File is Missing

If the file doesn't exist:

1. Check if you have a different Bitrix installation path
2. Restore from your Bitrix backup
3. Download a fresh copy from the official Bitrix24 website (requires account access)
4. Check if it's in an alternative location:

   find /home/USER -name "cron_events.php" 2>/dev/null

2. Manually Run cron_events.php

Before setting up an automated cron job, test the script manually to ensure it works without errors.

php -f /home/USER/public_html/bitrix/modules/main/tools/cron_events.php

Replace USER with your actual username. You should see output indicating execution (or no output if configured for silent operation).

Expected Results

• No output or minimal status messages: Script executed successfully
• PHP errors displayed: Configuration or permission issues
• "Nothing to do" message: No scheduled tasks pending (normal)

If there are no errors, proceed to set up the cron job. If errors appear, address them before automation (see Troubleshooting section).

3. Set Up the Cron Job

Open the Crontab File

Edit your user's crontab (scheduled tasks):

crontab -e

This opens the crontab in your default editor (usually vi or nano).

Add the Cron Job Entry

*/15 * * * * /usr/bin/php -f /home/USER/public_html/bitrix/modules/main/tools/cron_events.php > /dev/null 2>&1

*/5 * * * * /usr/bin/php -f /home/USER/public_html/bitrix/modules/main/tools/cron_events.php > /dev/null 2>&1

0 * * * * /usr/bin/php -f /home/USER/public_html/bitrix/modules/main/tools/cron_events.php > /dev/null 2>&1

Important: Replace USER with your actual username and /usr/bin/php with your PHP path if different.

4. Check if Cron is Running

Verify Cron Job is Added

crontab -l

You should see your cron_events.php entry in the list.

Check Cron Execution Logs

# Ubuntu/Debian
grep CRON /var/log/syslog | tail -20

# CentOS/RHEL
grep CRON /var/log/cron | tail -20

# Check for your specific job
grep "cron_events" /var/log/syslog | tail -10

Alternative: Add Logging for Debugging

For troubleshooting, modify your cron job to log output:

*/15 * * * * /usr/bin/php -f /home/USER/public_html/bitrix/modules/main/tools/cron_events.php >> /home/USER/cron_log.txt 2>&1

Check the log file after cron should have run:

tail -f /home/USER/cron_log.txt

5. Troubleshooting Common Issues

6. Alternative: Set Up Cron in cPanel

If using cPanel with a shared hosting environment:

1. Log into cPanel
2. Navigate to Advanced > Cron Jobs
3. Under "Add New Cron Job":

Command: /usr/local/bin/php -f /home/USER/public_html/bitrix/modules/main/tools/cron_events.php

Common Settings: Every 15 Minutes (*/15 * * * *)

With cron_events.php properly configured, your Bitrix site will automatically handle scheduled tasks, ensuring emails are sent, cache is cleared, and background processes run smoothly!