Schedule Zaps to run at specific intervals

Schedule by Zapier is a built-in tool that lets you set up a Zap to run on a specific interval. Typically, Zaps only run when a trigger event occurs in an app. With schedule triggers, you can choose to run your Zap every month, week, day, or hour. You can even set up custom intervals for things like quarterly or annual tasks.

Using this tool does not count towards your task usage.

Example

You need to add a new task to your task management app at the start of every week to set your weekly goals. Use Schedule to trigger your Zap every Monday at 11 AM, then add an action step to add new tasks in your task management app.

Working with Schedule by Zapier

While the UI in this video is outdated, the core functionality remains similar in most current versions.

Set up your schedule trigger

• In the Zap editor, click the Trigger step. A dialog box will open.
• In the App & event tab, search for and select Schedule.
• The right sidebar will open.
• Click the Event dropdown menu and select the frequency at which you want the Zap to run:

Custom Frequency

Set up the Zap to trigger on your own defined schedule.

• In the Event dropdown menu, select Custom frequency.
• Click Continue.
• In the Trigger tab, enter values in the following fields:
  • Frequency Type: set how often should the Zap trigger.
  • Interval: add a number that corresponds with the frequency type.
  • Start date: add a date for when you want the trigger to run for the first time.
  • Time of day: what time the Zap should trigger. By default, the timezone will default to your account settings.
• Click Continue.
• Click Test trigger.
• Click Continue to set up your Zap action(s).

Example

You can set your custom frequency to:

• Every 3 months to trigger quarterly.
• Every 2 weeks to trigger biweekly.
• Every 12 months to trigger annually.

Every day

Set up the Zap to trigger daily.

• In the Event dropdown menu, select Every Day.
• Click Continue.
• In the Trigger tab, enter values in the following fields:
  • Time of Day: select a time of day for the Zap to run.
  • (optional) Trigger on weekends?: set if the Zap should trigger on Saturdays and Sundays.
• Click Continue.
• Click Test trigger.
• Click Continue to set up your Zap action(s).

Every hour

Set up the Zap to trigger hourly.

• In the Event dropdown menu, select Every Hour.
• Click Continue.
• In the Trigger tab, enter values in the following fields:
  • (optional) Time offset: select an offset past the hour for the Zap to run .
  • (optional) Trigger on weekends?: set if the Zap should trigger on Saturdays and Sundays.
• Click Continue.
• Click Test trigger.
• Click Continue to set up your Zap action(s).

Every month

Set up the Zap to trigger monthly.

• In the Event dropdown menu, select Every Month.
• Click Continue.
• In the Trigger tab, enter values in the following fields:
  • Day of the Month: select a date of the month for the Zap to run.
  • Time of Day: select a time of day for the Zap to run.
• Click Continue.
• Click Test trigger.
• Click Continue to set up your Zap action(s).

Every week

Set up the Zap to trigger weekly.

• In the Event dropdown menu, select Every Week.
• Click Continue.
• In the Trigger tab, enter values in the following fields:
  • Day of the Week: select a day of the week for the Zap to run.
  • Time of Day: select a time of day for the Zap to run.
• Click Continue.
• Click Test trigger.
• Click Continue to set up your Zap action(s).

Limitations

• Zapier does not guarantee your Zap will trigger at the precise minute you set up. It should run within a few minutes of your schedule.
• Schedule triggers use the timezone set in your account, not the timezone set in your Zap.

Tip

• If you want more granular control over when your schedule trigger runs, you can pair it with filters and delays. For example, if you want to run your Zap on a specific day of the week with some exceptions, you can add a filter so your Zap only runs then.
• If you want to base your Zap on a recurring event that doesn't occur at regular intervals, you can use Google Calendar's Event Start trigger to run your Zap when the recurring event starts.