Source: https://guides.edgible.com/guides/n8n-on-edgible/04-n8n-cron.md
Last updated: 2026-08-30

# 4. A cron workflow

**Your first working automation, with no public endpoint to trigger it.**

## 4.0 Why

Before you publish a public endpoint in the next chapter, prove that n8n itself runs. A workflow nothing outside can reach is the cleanest way to do that. A schedule needs no inbound URL: you edit it over the `org` hostname, and n8n fires it on the box on its own clock. If this run fails, the problem is n8n or your workflow, not an Edgible hostname or auth mode.

Not every workflow needs a public endpoint. The `n8n-hooks` app exists only for calls that arrive from outside, and this chapter works the same if you never created it. A public hostname or a forwarded port to make a timer fire only widens your attack surface.

**Where you run this:** the **n8n editor in a browser** on the `org` hostname, phone or host browser, either is fine. No shell, no Edgible console.

## 4.1 The job

You add a **Schedule** workflow that writes one **Executions** row. Nothing on the internet calls you. If this fails, the problem is n8n, not Edgible hooks.

**Done when**

- The workflow is **Active**.
- After the next tick (or **Execute workflow** once), **Executions** shows at least one success.
- You then set the schedule to something sane (or deactivated the workflow) so it does not fire every minute forever.
- You did not open a port or change Edgible auth.

**Need first:** [2. n8n editor through Edgible](02-n8n-editor-through-edgible.md) (canvas on the phone or host browser). [Chapter 3](03-n8n-public-webhook-hostname.md) can wait, but you will want it before [5](05-n8n-public-webhook.md).

**Not this chapter:** Webhook nodes, GitHub, Telegram, OpenClaw.

## 4.2 Build it

In the n8n editor (`org` URL):

1. **Add workflow**.
2. Delete the start stub if n8n added a manual trigger you do not want. Add **Schedule Trigger** (or **Schedule**).
3. Interval: every 1 minute for the smoke test (you will change this).
4. Add **Edit Fields** / **Set**. One field, e.g. `at` = `{{ $now }}` (or n8n’s current “current date” expression).
5. **Save**. **Active** (toggle on).

**Smoke test.** Wait up to a minute, or click **Execute workflow** once to force a run.

Open **Executions**. You want a green row, not a red error.

Then edit the trigger: every hour, or deactivate it, so a trial VM is not ticking all day.

### Verify

- [ ] The workflow is **Active**.
- [ ] After the next tick (or **Execute workflow** once), **Executions** shows at least one success.
- [ ] You then set the schedule to something sane (or deactivated the workflow) so it does not fire every minute forever.
- [ ] You did not open a port or change Edgible auth.

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## Next

[5. A webhook a stranger can hit](05-n8n-public-webhook.md). Series: [README](README.md).