@@ -235,7 +235,9 @@ Additional URL parameters may be added to support [MySQL with TLS](mysql_tls.md)
skip-log-bin
```
#### MySQL Time
### MySQL Time
#### Synchronization {:#mysql-time-sync}
CiviCRM performs various operations based on dates and times – for example, deactivating expired records or triggering scheduled reminders. To perform these operations correctly, the dates and times reported by PHP and MySQL should match. If the dates or times are mismatched, then one or more of the following may be the problem:
...
...
@@ -243,9 +245,60 @@ CiviCRM performs various operations based on dates and times – for example, de
* PHP, MySQL, and/or the operating system may be configured to use different default timezones. Verify the configuration of each.
* The content management system (Drupal, Joomla, or WordPress) or one of its plugins may manipulate the timezone settings without informing CiviCRM's. You may wish to post to [Stack Exchange](https://civicrm.stackexchange.com/) or [Mattermost](https://chat.civicrm.org) about your problem. Please include any available details about the timezone settings in the operating system, PHP, MySQL, and the CMS; if you have any special CMS plugins or configuration options which may affect timezones, please report them.
#### MySQL/PHP Time Mismatch Warning - WordPress
!!! tip "WordPress Settings"
If you get a MySQL/PHP mismatch warning, under `Settings > General` set the timezone to a City, not UTC offset. For example, use `London` not `UTC+0`.
#### Timezones {:#mysql-timezones}
To support full and consistent display of timestamps, the MySQL server requires timezone data. Many servers include this data by default, but others require you to load it.
??? info "Survey of MySQL Servers and Timezone Support"
<!-- Sorted by `Status,Environment` -->
| Status | Environment | Comment |
| -- | -- | -- |
| ✅ | CiviHosting | |
| ✅ | Digital Ocean | Specifically tested w/[managed MySQL 8.0](https://www.digitalocean.com/products/managed-databases-mysql) |
| ✅ | Google Cloud SQL | Specifically tested w/5.6. Warning from docs: ["not guaranteed to provide up-to-date time settings"](https://cloud.google.com/sql/docs/mysql/known-issues) |
| 🛠 | Azure Database | Use [`az_load_timezone()`](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/mysql/howto-server-parameters#working-with-the-time-zone-parameter) |
| 🛠 | CentOS MariaDB/MySQL | Use `mysql_tzinfo_to_sql` |
| 🛠 | Debian/Ubuntu MariaDB/MySQL | Use `mysql_tzinfo_to_sql` |
| 🛠 | Nix MariaDB/MySQL | Use `mysql_tzinfo_to_sql` |
| ❓ | Amazon RDS | Needs testing/clarification. There are old google-cached forum posts which imply gradual evolution toward support. The current ["Local time zone" page](https://docs.aws.amazon.com/AmazonRDS/latest/UserGuide/CHAP_MySQL.html#MySQL.Concepts.LocalTimeZone) seems to affirm, so probably ✅ ... but the docs don't specifically mention session-scoped timezones. |
| ❓ | cPanel/WHM (without root access) | Needs testing/clarification. If you lack SSH-root but have MySQL-root (or similar), you could use `mysql_tzinfo_sql` locally and send to the server (via phpmyadmin or `mysql -h`). Key question is whether you have MySQL admin rights. |
| ❓ | Pantheon | Needs testing/clarification. |
| ❓ | WP Engine | Needs testing/clarification. |
Definitions:
* (✅) Already support MySQL timezones
* (🛠) Can support MySQL timezones, with extra setup
* (❓) Status is not certain
* (🛑) Cannot support MySQL timezones
To determine if your server currently supports timezones, you can run a test with the `CONVERT_TZ()` function.
If this doesn't perform a proper conversion, then you probably need to load the timezone data.
If you get a MySQL/PHP mismatch warning, under `Settings > General` set the timezone to a City, not UTC offset. For example, use `London` not `UTC+0`.
* On a self-hosted instance of MySQL or MariaDB, the standard technique is to run [`mysql_tzinfo_to_sql`](https://dev.mysql.com/doc/refman/8.0/en/mysql-tzinfo-to-sql.html).
* If you cannot run `mysql_tzinfo_to_sql` but have administrative access through another medium, you may load the [pre-generated MySQL timezone data](https://github.com/civicrm/tzdata-mysql/tree/master/sql).
Be sure to load the appropriate SQL file into the database named `mysql`.
* Some managed hosts require their own process. For example, "Azure Database" has a special procedure ([`az_load_timezone()`](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/mysql/howto-server-parameters#working-with-the-time-zone-parameter)).
For managed hosts, you may need to consult their documentation or inquire with support.
