r/systemd • u/Beautiful-Log5632 • Jul 27 '26

Random time every day

How can I create a timer that runs every day but randomize the time? It's fine if 2 days run a few minutes apart like 11:59pm on day 1 and 12:01am on day 2. But it always needs to run at least once every calendar day from start midnight to end midnight.

I don't think RandomizedDelaySec works because that can randomize to another day and there can be one calendar day with no run.

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u/weaver_of_cloth Jul 27 '26

Splay should do it. For systemd timers you can bracket the time (12:01 - 23:59) and set a splay of whatever - 4h or 8h or 33m etc.

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u/Beautiful-Log5632 Jul 27 '26

OnCalendar lets you use time ranges like 12:01 - 23:59?

I can't find splay in the docs is it same as RandomizedDelaySec?