Looking to automate your workflows with n8n, the powerful open-source automation tool? If you're exploring how to install n8n on DigitalOcean, you’re in the right place. Whether you're new to automation or already playing with tools like Zapier or Make, deploying n8n on DigitalOcean is fast, affordable, and scalable. In this guide, you’ll learn how to set up n8n in as little as 5 minutes using either a Droplet or App Platform—two of DigitalOcean’s most popular services.
Let’s walk through both methods so you can choose the one that fits your needs and technical ability.
Why Choose DigitalOcean for n8n?
DigitalOcean is popular among developers and startups for many reasons:
- Simple interface and pricing
- Fast provisioning of resources
- Scalability for growing automation workloads
- Global data center availability
- One-click apps and templates (including n8n itself!)
When you install n8n on DigitalOcean, you gain full control over how your workflows run, integrate with APIs, and store data—without the limitations of hosted platforms.
Option 1: Launch n8n on a DigitalOcean Droplet
Using a Droplet (a virtual private server) gives you full control over the environment. It's ideal if you want flexibility, customizations, and control over resource usage.
Step 1: Create a DigitalOcean Account
If you don’t already have one, sign up for DigitalOcean and set up billing. You’ll also get $200 in free credit with their trial offer.
Step 2: Create a New Droplet
- In the DigitalOcean dashboard, click Create → Droplets.
- Under Choose an image, go to Marketplace and search for "n8n".
- Select the official n8n – Workflow Automation Tool image.
- Choose a droplet size. The Basic plan with 1 GB RAM is fine for light usage. Go higher for production workloads.
- Select your Data Center Region.
- Add SSH Key Authentication (recommended for security).
- Click Create Droplet.
Your n8n instance will be ready in under a minute.
Step 3: Access the n8n UI
Once the droplet is active:
- Find the public IP address in your Droplet dashboard.
- Open your browser and navigate to:
http://your-droplet-ip:5678 - You should now see the n8n workflow UI.
🔒 Security tip: Set up basic authentication or run n8n behind a reverse proxy like Nginx with HTTPS to secure your instance.
Option 2: Deploy n8n Using DigitalOcean App Platform
Prefer a fully-managed solution without managing the server? The App Platform handles deployments, scaling, and updates for you.
Step 1: Fork the n8n GitHub Repo
Go to https://github.com/n8n-io/n8n and fork the repository into your GitHub account.
Step 2: Create a New App
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Go to your DigitalOcean dashboard.
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Click on Apps → Create App.
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Connect your GitHub account and select the n8n repo from your list.
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Set the branch to
main. -
Under Run Command, enter:
npx n8n -
Choose Environment Variables such as:
Key Value N8N_HOST 0.0.0.0 N8N_PORT 5678 N8N_BASIC_AUTH_ACTIVE true N8N_BASIC_AUTH_USER your_username N8N_BASIC_AUTH_PASSWORD your_password -
Choose a Starter plan, or select a more powerful tier for heavier usage.
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Click Create Resources and deploy.
Step 3: Access Your App
Once deployed, App Platform will provide a live URL (e.g., https://your-app-name.ondigitalocean.app). Visit that link and log in with the credentials you set via environment variables.
⚙️ Tip: You can set up custom domains and HTTPS automatically via App Platform settings.
Choosing Between Droplet vs App Platform
| Feature | Droplet | App Platform |
|---|---|---|
| Server Management | Full control (manual setup) | Fully managed |
| Ease of Use | Moderate (more DIY) | Very easy (point and click) |
| Auto Updates | Manual | Auto-deploy with repo changes |
| Resource Scaling | Manual | Scales vertically and horizontally |
| Recommended For | Tech-savvy users and devs | Beginners or those who want quick setup |
Example: Create a Simple Workflow in n8n
Once you've followed either deployment method, let’s build a simple automation.
Use Case: Get Notified When You Get a New Tweet Mention
Steps:
- Add a Twitter Trigger node and connect your Twitter account.
- Set it to trigger when someone mentions your handle.
- Add a Telegram or Slack node as the next step to send a message to yourself.
- Hit “Execute Node” to test, then Activate Workflow to run it on autopilot.
This kind of automation can save time monitoring mentions, inquiries, or feedback!
Tips for Optimizing Your n8n Instance on DigitalOcean
- Enable SSL: Use Let’s Encrypt on a Droplet or the auto-cert option on App Platform to secure your endpoints.
- Use Database Persistence: By default, n8n uses SQLite. Use Postgres for production workflows to avoid data loss.
- Set Up Backups: Droplets offer automated backups; enable them under the Droplet settings.
- Keep n8n Updated: Monitor updates regularly if you’re using a Droplet and pull latest changes manually.
FAQ
What is the fastest way to install n8n on DigitalOcean?
The fastest way is to use a preconfigured DigitalOcean Droplet from the Marketplace. You can have a working n8n instance within 2–3 minutes.
Is the App Platform free for hosting n8n?
The App Platform has a free tier, but for persistent apps like n8n, you’ll need at least the Basic plan to avoid your app shutting down between uses.
Can I use a custom domain with n8n on DigitalOcean?
Yes! Both Droplets and App Platform support custom domains. For Droplets, set it up with Nginx/Certbot. For App Platform, use the domain section in your app settings.
Do I need a separate database for n8n on DigitalOcean?
Not necessarily. For light or testing purposes, SQLite is fine. For production setups, it’s best to use PostgreSQL or MySQL for durability and performance.
How do I update n8n on a DigitalOcean Droplet?
Use the following steps:
- SSH into your server.
- Pull the latest changes using Git or update via Docker (if installed that way).
- Restart the n8n process.
Or you can destroy the old Droplet and redeploy from the updated Marketplace image.
With just a few clicks, you can install n8n on DigitalOcean and start automating tasks between your favorite tools. Whether you need control (Droplet) or convenience (App Platform), DigitalOcean offers a perfect deployment path for every skill level.
Ready to supercharge your workflows? Deploy n8n today and start building modular, powerful automations in minutes!