# Setting up log retention in Magento v2

> Keep Magento v2 log files under control by scheduling a cPanel cron job to archive or truncate them regularly.

Source: https://www.kualo.com/knowledgebase/magento-performance/setting-up-log-retention-in-magento-v2
Updated: 2026-06-09

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Magento v2 does not let you disable system and exception logs, so over time those files can grow to several gigabytes - a real problem if you are on a plan with limited disk space. A cPanel cron job is the cleanest way to keep them under control.

<img src="https://kb-cdn.kualo.com/4b/c8/4bc8a2a5e9db820d8a9403a99f7dab9affd4fdef.jpg" alt="" />

## Option 1: archive the logs (recommended)

This command compresses both log files into a dated zip archive, then leaves the originals in place. Compression typically reduces log file size by over 90%.

```bash
zip -9 /magento-install-dir/var/log/system-exception.log-`date +%d-%m-%Y-%H-%M`.zip /magento-install-dir/var/log/system.log /magento-install-dir/var/log/exception.log
```

Replace `magento-install-dir` with the actual path to your Magento installation.

A good schedule is the 1st and 15th of each month (cron expression: `0 0 1,15 * *`).

<img src="https://kb-cdn.kualo.com/ba/d5/bad5bdf83e51f901879fc8e2a7a7a17e1781dd4e.png" alt="" width="597" height="554" />

## Option 2: truncate the logs (no archive kept)

If you do not need to retain a copy, this command simply empties both log files:

```bash
> /magento-install-dir/var/log/system.log && > /magento-install-dir/var/log/exception.log
```

Replace `magento-install-dir` with the actual path to your Magento installation.

<img src="https://kb-cdn.kualo.com/ea/a1/eaa119b6b787e8b345caab818d91bb3d32ac8f23.png" alt="" width="593" height="565" />

## Setting up the cron job in cPanel

1. Log in to cPanel and open **Cron Jobs**.
2. Choose your preferred frequency, or enter a custom cron expression.
3. Paste the command for your chosen option into the **Command** field.
4. Click **Add New Cron Job**.

:::tip
If you are unsure of your Magento installation path, check the file manager in cPanel or run `pwd` from within the Magento root directory via SSH.
:::

If you need any further help, please [contact us](https://www.kualo.com/company/contact).

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_Source: Kualo Knowledgebase — https://www.kualo.com/knowledgebase/magento-performance/setting-up-log-retention-in-magento-v2 · © Kualo Ltd._