Run Order Status Rules Automatically: Cron and Action Scheduler

Rules with a time delay need something to re-check orders in the background. Scheduled & Automatic Order Status Controller for WooCommerce can process rules with WordPress cron, with Action Scheduler, or through a URL you call from a real server cron job. All three options are available in the free version.

Where to configure it #

Go to WPFactory > Order Status Rules (also reachable at WooCommerce > Settings > Order Status Rules) and open the Advanced section, Periodical Processing Options.

Option 1: WP Cron #

1. Enable Use WP cron (alg_wc_order_status_rules_use_wp_cron, on by default).
2. Set the Interval (alg_wc_order_status_rules_wp_cron_schedule, default Once hourly). Choices range from once every minute to once weekly.

WP Cron only runs when your site receives a visit. On low-traffic stores the timing can drift, so a delayed rule may fire later than expected.

Option 2: Action Scheduler #

1. Enable Use Action Scheduler (alg_wc_order_status_rules_use_action_scheduler, default off).
2. Set the Interval (in seconds) (alg_wc_order_status_rules_action_scheduler_interval, default 3600, minimum 60).

Action Scheduler is bundled with WooCommerce and is generally more reliable for busy stores. It has its own admin screen at WooCommerce > Status > Scheduled Actions, where you can watch the alg_wc_order_status_rules_process_rules_as action.

Recommendation: enable only one of the two periodical options. Running both is unnecessary. If you disable both, use the URL method below with a real server cron.

Option 3: server cron via URL #

To bypass WP Cron entirely, enable Allow rules processing via URL in the Advanced section, then have your server’s cron call the endpoint:

https://example.com/?alg_wc_order_status_rules_process_rules

This runs all rules on each call. It is the most predictable option on stores that already use system cron.

If crons are disabled #

If your site defines DISABLE_WP_CRON, WordPress cron will not fire on its own. The Periodical Processing section shows a warning when this is the case. Use a real server cron with the URL method, or set up Action Scheduler through system cron.

Run it now #

To process orders immediately without waiting for the next scheduled run, use Run all rules now on the Tools section.

Scale up your automation #

Automatic processing drives your single free rule. To run several rules on the same schedule, Order Status Rules Pro removes the single-rule limit. See what Pro unlocks.