If you're already using a Synology NAS at home or in your business, you're sitting on one of the best platforms for private automation. Thanks to Docker support and DSM's flexibility, you can easily install n8n on Synology and run workflows exactly the way you want — no cloud dependencies, no compromises on privacy.
Whether you're an automation enthusiast or a small business owner looking to centralize tasks, this guide will walk you through two powerful ways to get n8n running on Synology: using Docker (the most popular method) or the native Synology package center (for certain advanced setups).
Let’s get right into it.
Why Install n8n on Synology NAS?
n8n (pronounced “n-eight-n”) is an open-source workflow automation platform that lets you integrate apps, services, APIs, and even AI models with drag-and-drop nodes.
Installing n8n on your Synology offers several perks:
- Total data control: All workflows and credentials stay within your NAS.
- 24/7 availability: Your Synology is likely always on—perfect for automation.
- Docker support: Reduces complexity and isolates your n8n environment.
- Great for home automation or small teams: Manage triggers, emails, APIs, and backups locally.
Now let’s explore how to install n8n on Synology—starting with Docker.
Option 1: Install n8n on Synology via Docker (Recommended)
Running n8n in Docker gives you flexibility, easy updates, and full control over your environment. Synology DSM makes Docker container deployment straightforward.
Prerequisites
- Synology NAS with Docker installed (DSM 6.2 or DSM 7+)
- Admin access to your NAS
- At least 1GB available RAM (2GB+ recommended for heavier workflows)
Step-by-Step Docker Setup
1. Install Docker via Package Center
- Open Synology DSM
- Go to Package Center > Utilities
- Search and install Docker
2. Create a Persistent Folder for n8n
You want to ensure data survives container restarts. Set up a shared folder:
- Go to Control Panel > Shared Folder
- Create a new folder named
n8n-data
This will store your workflows, credentials, and database.
3. Launch n8n Container
You can spin up the container via the Docker UI or command line through SSH. Here’s the easier method—using the Docker GUI:
- Open Docker
- Go to Registry and search for
n8nio/n8n - Right-click and download the latest image
- After download completes, go to Image tab and launch it
- In the wizard:
- Set container name to
n8n - Under Advanced Settings > Volume, map
/home/node/.n8nto/n8n-data - Set Restart policy to "Always"
- In Port Settings, bind container port
5678to a local port (e.g.,5678)
- Set container name to
4. Access n8n on Your Network
Open your browser and go to:
http://[Your NAS IP]:5678
You should see the n8n dashboard.
🎉 You’re now running n8n on your Synology NAS!
Tip: Want a more production-ready setup with reverse proxy and HTTPS? Consider using Portainer with Docker to manage and secure your deployment.
Bonus: Auto-Restart and Backup
To make sure your setup is stable:
- Make the container restart automatically (set in Docker > Container > Edit > Restart).
- Backup
n8n-dataregularly with Synology’s Hyper Backup or any file-based backup tool.
Option 2: Native Installation via Synology Package (For Advanced Users)
For certain system admins, it’s possible to configure n8n without Docker using Node.js and npm. This route takes a bit more effort but gives you ultimate control.
Prerequisites
- Synology NAS model that supports Node.js
- SSH access and root privileges
- Comfortable with command-line tools
⚠️ Note: This method is not officially supported by Synology and may not survive DSM updates or reboots.
Installation Steps
1. Enable SSH on Synology
Go to Control Panel > Terminal & SNMP > Enable SSH service
Connect to your NAS using an SSH client like Terminal (Mac) or PuTTY (Windows):
ssh admin@your-nas-ip
2. Install Node.js and npm
Use Synology Package Center to install Node.js. If it's not available, manually install it using Entware or from SynoCommunity.
Check if installed:
node -v
npm -v
3. Create a System User for n8n
sudo adduser n8n
4. Install n8n Globally
sudo npm install -g n8n
5. Set Up Environment
In the new user’s home directory, create a .n8n folder:
su - n8n
mkdir ~/.n8n
Optionally place an .env file for environment variables (port, credentials, DB settings).
6. Run n8n
You can start n8n like this:
n8n
Or better—use PM2 or a startup script so it runs as a background service:
npm install -g pm2
pm2 start n8n --name n8n
pm2 save
pm2 startup
Which Setup Should You Choose?
Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:
| Feature | Docker Setup (Recommended) | Native Install |
|---|---|---|
| Easy to manage | ✅ Yes | ❌ No (CLI required) |
| Auto-restarts | ✅ Yes | ✅ With PM2 |
| System stability | ✅ Isolated | ❌ Tied to host |
| Portability and backup | ✅ Simple via volume | ❌ Manual |
| Best for beginners | ✅ Absolutely | ❌ Not recommended |
If in doubt, Docker is the way to go. It’s fast, safe, and easy to replicate.
Real-Life Use Case: Automating Daily Reports Locally
Let’s say you want your Synology to pull metrics from Stripe via API every night and email you a summary. Here's how n8n on Synology makes this seamless:
- Create a time-based trigger (cron node)
- Use HTTP Request to fetch data from Stripe
- Format the result using the Function node
- Send it via Email
All of this happens locally—no SaaS tools involved. If you want to explore even more use cases, you can expand n8n's capabilities with community packages or even AI nodes.
Final Thoughts
Installing n8n on Synology turns your NAS into a private automation powerhouse. The Docker setup is ideal for 90% of users, while the native method remains an option for those chasing ultimate customization.
Once installed, the possibilities are endless: automate file sorting, webhook integrations, data syncing, or even build your own API endpoints.
For more advanced installations across other platforms, check out how to install n8n using Docker or run it locally.
FAQ
Can I use n8n on Synology without Docker?
Yes, but it's not recommended for beginners. You'll need to install Node.js manually, use CLI tools, and set up your own service manager like PM2.
How do I update n8n in Docker on Synology?
Pull the latest Docker image in the Registry tab, then stop your current container and re-create it using the latest image. Be sure your data volume is mapped so you don’t lose flows.
Is it safe to expose n8n to the internet from my Synology?
Yes, if you secure it correctly with HTTPS and credentials. Use Synology’s reverse proxy and SSL management in Control Panel. Limit access with firewall rules if possible.
Can I run n8n and Home Assistant together on the same Synology?
Absolutely. Many users run both in Docker. Just assign different ports and maintain their separate volumes.
What port does n8n run on?
By default, n8n runs on port 5678, but you can bind it to any port of your choice when configuring Docker. Just make sure it doesn’t conflict with existing services.
By hosting your own n8n on Synology, you're taking control of your automations—efficiently, privately, and affordably.