> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.mainwp.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Update Frequency Settings

> Configure how often MainWP automatically synchronizes data and runs updates on your child sites. Adjust the daily update frequency and set your preferred sync time.

MainWP automatically synchronizes data from your child sites and can run automatic updates on a schedule you define. Adjusting the update frequency determines how often MainWP checks for and applies trusted updates.

## What You'll Learn

* Configure the automatic daily sync time
* Set how many times per day MainWP runs automatic updates
* Understand how sync timing works

## Prerequisites

* MainWP Dashboard installed and activated
* Access to Dashboard settings

***

## Configure Update Frequency

<Steps>
  <Step title="Navigate to Settings">
    Go to **MainWP > Settings**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Find General Settings">
    Locate the **General Settings** section.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set daily sync time">
    Find **Automatic daily sync time** and set your preferred start time.

    This determines when MainWP begins the first automatic sync of the day.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set update frequency">
    Find **Daily update frequency** and select how many times per day MainWP should run automatic syncs and updates.

    | Option            | Sync Times                          |
    | ----------------- | ----------------------------------- |
    | Once daily        | At the configured sync time         |
    | Twice daily       | Sync time + 12 hours later          |
    | Three times daily | Every 8 hours starting at sync time |
  </Step>

  <Step title="Save">
    Click **Save Settings**.
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## How Timing Works

If you set:

* **Automatic daily sync time**: 7:00 AM
* **Daily update frequency**: 3 times per day

MainWP will sync and check for updates at:

* 7:00 AM
* 3:00 PM (8 hours later)
* 11:00 PM (8 hours later)

***

## Important Notes

* Automatic updates only apply to items marked as **Trusted**
* Updates may take up to 24 hours after MainWP detects a new version
* MainWP uses WP Cron for scheduling; ensure cron runs reliably
* Consider using Uptime Robot to ping your Dashboard for consistent cron execution

***

## Self-Check Checklist

* [ ] Daily sync time is configured
* [ ] Update frequency matches your needs
* [ ] Settings are saved
* [ ] WP Cron runs reliably on your Dashboard

***

## Related Resources

* [Manage Updates](/sites/updates/manage-updates) - Full update management documentation
* [MainWP Dashboard Settings](/sites/management/mainwp-dashboard-settings) - All Dashboard settings
* [Disable WP Cron](/customization/disable-wp-cron) - Set up server-side cron