If you’ve been exploring automation tools and want complete control over your workflows and data, setting up a self-hosted n8n instance might be the smartest decision you’ll make. Unlike proprietary platforms, installing n8n self hosted means your data stays on your server, your rules apply, and you can customize everything — from workflows to nodes — to fit your business perfectly.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the full process of self-hosting n8n, step by step. Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur, developer, or small business owner, by the end of this, you’ll be confidently running your automation powerhouse.
Why Go for a Self-Hosted n8n Setup?
Before jumping into the setup process, it’s important to understand the key benefits of hosting n8n yourself.
🔐 Total Data Ownership
When you install n8n self hosted, your automation data and API keys no longer live on someone else’s server. This gives you privacy and full compliance for industries that can’t rely on third-party SaaS tools.
⚙️ Customization and Flexibility
With a self-hosted version, you can install community nodes, tweak configurations, or add your own code without limitations. This is perfect for advanced use cases such as connecting to internal tools, IoT devices, or legacy systems.
💸 Cost-Effective Scalability
Self-hosting allows you to scale without rising platform costs. Using Docker, cloud instances, or your own NAS, you can run n8n with minimal hardware.
What You Need to Run n8n Self-Hosted
Before we start installing, make sure you have the following:
- A server or local machine (Linux, macOS, Windows, or cloud VPS)
- Docker and Docker Compose installed
- A basic understanding of terminal/shell commands
- Port 5678 open (default port for n8n)
- Optional: A domain name and SSL if running in production
Now, let’s dive into the actual setup.
Step-by-Step: How to Install n8n Self Hosted Using Docker
This is the most popular and reliable way to install n8n on your own infrastructure.
Step 1: Create a Project Directory
mkdir n8n-selfhosted && cd n8n-selfhosted
Step 2: Create a docker-compose.yml File
Paste the following into a new file named docker-compose.yml:
version: "3.7"
services:
n8n:
image: n8nio/n8n
restart: always
ports:
- "5678:5678"
volumes:
- ./n8n_data:/home/node/.n8n
environment:
- N8N_BASIC_AUTH_ACTIVE=true
- N8N_BASIC_AUTH_USER=admin
- N8N_BASIC_AUTH_PASSWORD=yourpassword
- N8N_HOST=localhost
- N8N_PORT=5678
📝 Change the password and host fields for production setups. Use SSL and custom domains in live environments.
Step 3: Start n8n
Run this in the directory with your docker-compose.yml:
docker-compose up -d
Give it a few seconds, then open your browser and go to http://localhost:5678.
You’ll be prompted to log in. Use the credentials you set earlier in the environment section.
✅ You’re now running a self-hosted n8n instance!
Optional Setup Enhancements
There’s a lot more you can do with a self-hosted setup. Here are some upgrades commonly added to production systems:
Use SSL and a Custom Domain
Use a reverse proxy like Nginx or Traefik and a Let's Encrypt certificate:
- Domain:
https://n8n.yourdomain.com - Configure SSL termination to encrypt your automation workflows
- Avoid exposing ports directly to the internet
Add Persistent Backups
Mount external volumes or use cron jobs to back up /n8n_data. This ensures you never lose your workflows in case of a crash or rebuild.
Use Environment Variables for Secrets
Instead of hardcoding API keys or tokens, store them in .env files or secure secrets management platforms.
Mini Use Case: Automate Lead Sync from Typeform to Airtable
Here’s a simple use case made possible by self-hosted n8n:
- Typeform webhook triggers a workflow when a form is submitted.
- n8n retrieves the form content via Typeform node.
- Process the data (email validation, status tagging, etc.).
- Output the formatted data to an Airtable table.
This workflow would include conditional logic and retries for error handling. If you're using community packages, you can install community packages in n8n to expand your integration options.
Deploying on Specific Platforms?
Looking to host outside your laptop? Here are some routes to explore:
| Platform | Guide | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| DigitalOcean | Setup on DigitalOcean | Fast cloud deployment with droplets |
| Windows | Install n8n on Windows | Great for local prototyping |
| NAS (Synology) | Self-host on Synology NAS | Ideal for home and network setups |
Tips for Managing Your Self-Hosted Setup
- Use Watchtower or Docker Compose to auto-update containers
- Regularly export or back up workflows
- Use tags like “dev”, “prod” in your workflows to separate environments
- Set up webhook monitoring with health checks or retry logic (read: Mastering Error Handling in n8n)
Final Thoughts
Choosing to install n8n self hosted gives you ultimate control over how your automation flows are built, where your data resides, and how your system scales. Whether you’re building AI-powered workflows, integrating niche APIs, or just moving off SaaS subscriptions, self-hosting paves the way for a flexible future.
Learning n8n is an investment that pays off quickly, especially when you’re in control of the environment it runs in.
FAQ
What is the easiest way to install n8n self-hosted?
The easiest method is via Docker and Docker Compose. It takes just minutes to get n8n running locally or on a server with reusable configs.
Do I need a cloud server to run n8n?
No, n8n can run on your own machine, Raspberry Pi, Synology NAS, or any Linux-based VPS. But using a cloud provider makes it easier to scale and secure.
What port does self-hosted n8n run on?
By default, n8n runs on port 5678, but you can change this in your Docker configuration using the N8N_PORT variable.
Is self-hosted n8n secure?
Yes, it can be. Enable HTTPS, use secure credentials, and avoid exposing your instance directly to the internet without a reverse proxy.
Can I use community nodes with a self-hosted n8n?
Absolutely! You can install custom nodes from templates or via npm to extend your workflows even further.