How To Deploy n8n on Render

Deploying n8n on Render is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to get your workflow automation running in the cloud—without managing your own server. If you’ve explored local or Docker-based installs and now want a hands-off and scalable option that includes HTTPS, autoscaling, and managed hosting, Render is a perfect solution.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to deploy n8n on Render, step by step, along with key configuration tips, optional upgrades, and examples of what you can build once it's deployed.

Why Choose Render to Host n8n?

Render is a developer-friendly PaaS (Platform-as-a-Service) provider that automates the infrastructure layer completely. Here's why it’s a great match for n8n:

• Free tier available for experimentation
• Deploys from GitHub within minutes
• Supports Docker containers & Node servers
• Comes with free automatic HTTPS (SSL)
• Scales from prototype to production gracefully

Whether you’re building personal automation bots or professional LLM agents, deploying on Render lets you focus on workflows, not DevOps.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, make sure you have:

• A free Render.com account
• A GitHub account (where you can fork n8n’s repository)
• Basic knowledge of Git, Docker, or environment variables

Step-by-Step: How to Deploy n8n on Render

Step 1: Fork the n8n GitHub Repository

Visit n8n.io’s GitHub repository and fork it into your own GitHub account. This allows you to make changes or updates if necessary and connect it to Render.

Alternatively, you can use Render’s “Deploy from GitHub” feature and point to a custom repository that already has a Dockerfile.

Step 2: Create a Web Service in Render

1. Login to your Render dashboard

2. Click New > Web Service

3. Choose Deploy from a Git Repository

4. Connect your GitHub account and select the forked n8n repo

5. In the setup:

   • Name: n8n
   • Environment: Docker
   • Region: Choose your nearest location
   • Branch: main (or master depending on your fork)
   • Docker Context Directory: / (unless your Dockerfile is nested)

Step 3: Configure Environment Variables

n8n needs environment variables for secure and persistent use. Add the following under the Environment Variables section:

Optional but recommended:

• N8N_ENCRYPTION_KEY (for encrypting credentials)
• N8N_EDITOR_BASE_URL (same as your host)
• NODE_ENV=production

You can also choose to enable logging and backups later using Render add-ons.

Step 4: Persist Workflow Data

Render’s default filesystem is ephemeral—meaning changes are lost on redeploy. There are two ways to avoid this:

Option 1: Use Postgres or MySQL

Connect Render’s managed PostgreSQL database and add the following:

• DB_TYPE=postgresdb
• Connection parameters: DB_POSTGRESDB_USER, DB_POSTGRESDB_PASSWORD, etc.

Option 2: External Storage for Backups

You can automate n8n backups to cloud storage like S3 using the cron node or HTTP requests to external APIs.

Step 5: Deploy and Test

Click Create Web Service to trigger your first deployment.

Wait for your container to build and boot. Once completed, visit your assigned Render URL like https://n8n.onrender.com, log in using the credentials you provided, and you’re ready to automate.

Use Case Example: Automate Gmail to Notion

Once deployed, here’s one simple use case:

• Install Gmail and Notion nodes from n8n’s node library
• Create a flow that triggers when you receive a specific email using Gmail
• Extract data like subject and body
• Automatically create a new Notion database entry with that info

To explore more ideas, check out our top 12 n8n automation ideas for inspiration.

Tips for a Smooth Deployment

• Use a custom domain on Render and set it as N8N_HOST
• Configure proper rate limits for public webhooks
• Always enable authentication before sharing access
• Deploy from a dedicated private GitHub repo for production
• Connect to a database or backup system as early as possible

Updating Your n8n Instance

Each time n8n releases a new version, update your GitHub repo:

git pull upstream main
git push origin main

Render will auto-deploy the latest code from GitHub once pushed. Or you can trigger redeployment manually in the dashboard.

If you're unsure how to upgrade n8n safely, see our how to update n8n guide.

Alternatives to Consider

While Render is streamlined for fast deployments, it’s not the only option. For more tailored environments or offline capability:

• Install n8n in Docker for full control
• Deploy on DigitalOcean for more performance-heavy use
• Run n8n locally if you're just prototyping

Each type of deployment benefits different use cases—Render bridges ease of use with cloud scalability.

FAQ

Do I need a database to use n8n on Render?

Technically, no. But if you want to persist workflows, credentials, and settings after redeployment, it's strongly recommended to connect to an external database like Postgres. Render even offers a managed PostgreSQL add-on you can enable from your dashboard.

Is the Render free tier enough to run n8n?

Yes, for light personal use or prototyping, the free tier is sufficient. However, workflows with high frequency or large data could quickly exceed the free limits.

How do I access the n8n editor once deployed?

You just open your Render subdomain (e.g., https://n8n-yourservice.onrender.com) in the browser. Make sure authentication is set using N8N_BASIC_AUTH_ACTIVE=true.

Can I use custom domains with Render?

Absolutely. Render allows you to link custom domains even on the free tier. Once set, update your N8N_HOST and WEBHOOK_URL environment variables accordingly.

Does n8n support HTTPS on Render?

Yes. HTTPS is enabled automatically by Render for all deployed services, with no manual setup required.

Deploying n8n on Render takes less than 10 minutes and provides you with a powerful, cloud-native automation platform. Whether you're building chatbots, API agents, or marketing workflows, this method ensures scalability with simplicity.