Hello everyone,
If you’re using HestiaCP, you may have noticed a common and frustrating issue:
even if you configure backups in the Control Panel, the system continues to run daily backups automatically.
This happens because HestiaCP has background cron jobs that override the panel settings, especially the v-backup-users cron task.
Fixing HestiaCP Daily Backup Issue and Editing
In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to:
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Stop HestiaCP from taking backups every day
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Identify the real cron job responsible
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Set backups to monthly, on the first Tuesday, at 04:00
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Keep the behavior where the backup file overwrites the previous one
This solution applies to all Debian/Ubuntu servers running HestiaCP.
1. The Real Cause: hestiaweb Cron Tasks
The daily backup is triggered not by the panel but by this cron file:
/var/spool/cron/crontabs/hestiaweb
Inside, you’ll find the real daily backup job:
10 05 * * * sudo /usr/local/hestia/bin/v-backup-users
This runs every day at 05:10, no matter what you set in the panel.
That’s why HestiaCP continues creating backups daily.
2. Disable the Daily Backup Cron
Open the cron job for the hestiaweb system user:
sudo crontab -u hestiaweb -e
Locate the line:
10 05 * * * sudo /usr/local/hestia/bin/v-backup-users
Comment it out:
#10 05 * * * sudo /usr/local/hestia/bin/v-backup-users
Save and exit.
Daily backups are now disabled.
3. Schedule Monthly Backups (First Tuesday at 04:00)
We want:
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Monthly backups
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On the first Tuesday of the month
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At 04:00
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With the same behavior (overwriting the previous backup)
Add this line to the same cron file:
0 04 1-7 * 2 sudo /usr/local/hestia/bin/v-backup-users
Cron Explanation
| Field | Value | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Minute | 0 |
On the hour |
| Hour | 04 |
04:00 AM |
| Day of month | 1-7 |
Only days 1 through 7 |
| Month | * |
Every month |
| Day of week | 2 |
Tuesday |
| Command | v-backup-users | Run backup for all Hestia users |
This pattern ensures:
The job runs only on the first Tuesday
Overwrites the previous backup tar (Hestia’s default behavior)
Consistent monthly backup schedule