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Cron HTTP Access Denied Errors

Problem

This information only applies to self-hosted WHMCS installations. WHMCS Cloud handles automation and system cron configuration for you automatically.

When you send a direct HTTP request to the crons/cron.php file (or its legacy admin/cron.php alias), you see the following error:

403 Access Denied

When WHMCS blocks a direct HTTP request, you will also see:

  • A log entry in the Activity Log at Configuration () > System Logs.
  • A Cron HTTP Access Blocked notice at Configuration () > System Health.

Cause

By default, WHMCS blocks direct HTTP requests to the crons/cron.php file.

Solution

To resolve this error, use one of the following options:

  • If possible, invoke the system cron using the CLI. For more information, see System Cron.
  • Add the system that made the request to the HTTP access allowlist. To do this, add the IP address or CIDR range to the Cron HTTP Access Restriction setting in the Security tab at Configuration () > System Settings > General Settings.
For more information, see Invoke the Cron with an HTTP Request.
system-cron security troubleshooting troubleshooting-article

Last modified: 2026 August 25