How to Schedule Scenarios in Make.com

Scheduling scenarios in make.com lets you run automations at fixed times or intervals without manual effort. This step-by-step guide explains how to configure scenario schedules, choose the right timing strategy, and manage your automation runtime effectively.

Understanding scheduling in Make.com

Before you set up a scenario schedule in make.com, it helps to understand the basics of how the scheduler works.

Key characteristics of scheduling:

• Scenarios run based on the time zone defined in your profile.
• Schedules can be interval-based or CRON-based for advanced timing.
• Any change to the schedule takes effect only after you save and run or enable the scenario again.

Scheduling supports a wide range of use cases, from running a task every few minutes to executing complex weekly or monthly jobs.

Prepare your Make.com scenario for scheduling

Before configuring the schedule in make.com, make sure your scenario itself is ready to run automatically.

1. Design the scenario: Add all modules, set up connections, and map data as needed.

2. Test manually: Run the scenario manually at least once to ensure it finishes without errors.

3. Save your work: Click Save so that the latest configuration is stored before you enable scheduling.

When the scenario behaves as expected, you can safely switch it to a scheduled execution model.

How to set a schedule in Make.com

Follow these steps to define when your scenario should run in make.com.

1. Open the scenario: Go to your scenario list and click the scenario you want to schedule.

2. Locate the scheduling panel: In the scenario editor, find the Scheduling section, usually in the bottom bar or right sidebar, depending on your interface.

3. Choose the scheduling type: Select from the available scheduling options, such as recurring interval or CRON expression.

4. Configure the timing: Enter the required time details, such as every 15 minutes, every hour, or a custom CRON schedule.

5. Save and enable: Save the scenario, then switch it ON or click Run once as needed.

The scenario will now execute automatically according to the configuration you set.

Scheduling options in Make.com

Make.com gives you flexible scheduling modes to match many automation needs.

Interval-based schedules in Make.com

Use an interval-based schedule in make.com when you want a scenario to run repeatedly at fixed time gaps.

Typical interval options include:

• Every 5, 10, 15, 30, or 60 minutes
• Every few hours
• Every day at a specific time

To configure an interval schedule:

1. Select the Interval or Regularly option in the scheduling panel.

2. Set the interval value, such as 15 minutes or 2 hours.

3. Optionally, define the starting time so runs align with your preferred clock times.

Interval-based schedules are ideal for frequent checks, such as polling an API or syncing data between systems.

Advanced CRON scheduling in Make.com

CRON scheduling in make.com is designed for advanced timing rules that go beyond regular intervals.

With CRON, you can specify:

• Exact minutes, hours, days, and months
• Days of the week, such as weekdays only
• Complex patterns, like the first Monday of every month

To configure a CRON schedule:

1. In the scheduling section, choose the CRON or advanced scheduling option.

2. Enter a valid CRON expression matching your desired timing.

3. Verify the next execution times shown in the interface, if available, to confirm the expression is correct.

CRON scheduling is useful when you need precise control, such as running a scenario at 09:00 every weekday or at midnight on the first day of each quarter.

Setting time zones for Make.com schedules

Make.com executes schedules according to the time zone configured in your user profile or organization settings.

To review or adjust the time zone:

1. Open your account or organization settings.

2. Locate the Time zone option.

3. Choose the time zone that matches your operational or reporting requirements.

Whenever you schedule scenarios, review the time zone to ensure runs happen at the expected local times, especially if your team is distributed globally.

Managing and modifying schedules in Make.com

After you set up scheduling in make.com, you may need to pause, adjust, or remove schedules as your automation strategy evolves.

Enable or disable a scheduled scenario

To temporarily pause scheduled execution:

1. Open the scenario in the editor.

2. Switch the scenario OFF using the on/off toggle.

3. Save your changes.

While the scenario is off, the schedule is ignored. To resume execution, simply switch it back on.

Edit an existing Make.com schedule

To change how often or when a scenario runs in make.com:

1. Open the scenario.

2. Go to the scheduling panel.

3. Adjust the interval or CRON expression as needed.

4. Save the scenario so the new schedule takes effect.

Make sure to double-check any downstream systems that depend on the existing schedule before changing it.

Best practices for Make.com scenario scheduling

Efficient scheduling in make.com helps you avoid unnecessary runs, reduce API calls, and keep resource usage under control.

• Match frequency to business needs: Do not schedule scenarios more often than needed; align intervals with how often data actually changes.
• Avoid overlapping runs: Ensure that the expected runtime of a scenario is shorter than the interval to prevent concurrent executions.
• Monitor first runs: After enabling a new schedule, keep an eye on the first executions to verify volume, performance, and data correctness.
• Document schedules: Maintain a simple list or document of critical scenario schedules so your team can understand when key automations run.

Where to learn more about Make.com scheduling

To explore the official reference for scenario scheduling behavior, review the source documentation on the Make help center. For strategic automation planning, implementation guidance, and broader workflow optimization beyond make.com, you can also consult experienced automation partners such as Consultevo.

By combining the built-in scheduling capabilities of make.com with clear timing rules and best practices, you can run your automations reliably, reduce manual work, and support consistent business operations.

Need Help With Make.com?

If you want expert help building, automating, or scaling your Make scenarios, work with ConsultEvo — certified workflow and automation specialists.

Get Help