Create a time-based Upkeep

Trigger your existing contract functions based on a time schedule without needing to create Automation-compatible contracts. This guide explains how to register time-based Upkeeps.

Register a new Upkeep using the Chainlink Automation app

In the Chainlink Automation App, click the blue Register new Upkeep button.

Connecting your Wallet

If you do not already have a wallet connected with the Chainlink Automation network, the interface will prompt you to do so. Click the Connect Wallet button and follow the remaining prompts to connect your wallet to the network.

Trigger Selection

After you have successfully connected your wallet, please select time-based trigger.

Using Time-Based Triggers

When you select the time-based trigger, you are prompted to enter a contract address. Provide the address of the contract you want to automate. If you did not verify the contract on chain, you will need to paste the Application Binary Interface (ABI) of the deployed contract into the corresponding text box. Select the function name that you want to execute and provide any static inputs. If you want to use dynamic inputs please see Custom logic Upkeeps

Specifying the Time Schedule

After you successfully entered your contract address and ABI, specify your time schedule in the form of a CRON expression. CRON expressions are a shorthand way to create a time schedule. Use the provided example buttons to experiment with different schedules and then create your own.

Cron jobs are interpreted according to this format:

  ┌───────────── minute (0 - 59)
  │ ┌───────────── hour (0 - 23)
  │ │ ┌───────────── day of the month (1 - 31)
  │ │ │ ┌───────────── month (1 - 12)
  │ │ │ │ ┌───────────── day of the week (0 - 6) (Sunday to Saturday)
  │ │ │ │ │
  │ │ │ │ │
  │ │ │ │ │
  * * * * *

All times are in UTC

- can be used for range e.g. "0 8-16 * * *"
/ can be used for interval e.g. "0 */2 * * *"
, can be used for list e.g. "0 17 * * 0,2,4"

  Special limitations:
    * there is no year field
    * no special characters: ? L W #
    * lists can have a max length of 26
    * no words like JAN / FEB or MON / TUES

After you enter your CRON expression, click Next.

Entering Upkeep Details

To complete the upkeep registration process, you must enter some information about your upkeep including its name, gas limit, starting balance LINK, and contact information.