N8n how to install?
This guide explains n8n how to install on a VPS using Docker or Node.js. You can install n8n quickly with Docker Compose on your VPS by following the commands and steps below.
What You Need
- VPS with Ubuntu 20.04 or 22.04 and a non-root sudo user.
- Domain name (recommended) or public IP for web access.
- Docker and Docker Compose, or Node.js 18+ if running without Docker.
- Basic SSH access and a text editor (nano or vim).
Install n8n how to install with Docker
This section shows Docker steps. Use Docker for easier updates and isolation.
Step 1: Install Docker and Docker Compose
sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y docker.io docker-compose
sudo systemctl enable --now docker
sudo usermod -aG docker $USER
newgrp dockerLog out and back in if your user is not in the docker group yet.
Step 2: Create a project folder and an env file
mkdir -p ~/n8n && cd ~/n8n
cat > .env <Step 3: Add a Docker Compose file
cat > docker-compose.yml <<'YAML'
version: '3.8'
services:
postgres:
image: postgres:14
restart: unless-stopped
environment:
POSTGRES_USER: ${DB_POSTGRESDB_USER}
POSTGRES_PASSWORD: ${DB_POSTGRESDB_PASSWORD}
POSTGRES_DB: ${DB_POSTGRESDB_DATABASE}
volumes:
- ./postgres-data:/var/lib/postgresql/data
n8n:
image: n8nio/n8n:latest
restart: unless-stopped
env_file: .env
ports:
- 5678:5678
depends_on:
- postgres
volumes:
- ./n8n-data:/home/node/.n8n
YAMLStep 4: Start n8n
docker-compose up -dVisit http://your-server-ip:5678 or your domain to open the n8n UI. Use the basic auth credentials you set.
How to Install n8n how to install with Node.js
Running n8n with Node.js is possible for development or low-scale use. This uses npm and a systemd service.
Quick Node.js install steps
curl -fsSL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_18.x | sudo -E bash -
sudo apt install -y nodejs build-essential
npm install -g n8n
# Start manually
n8nFor production, run n8n behind a reverse proxy and create a systemd service file. Use a process manager or container in production.
Update
To update Docker setup, pull the latest image and restart.
cd ~/n8n
docker-compose pull n8n
docker-compose up -d --remove-orphans
# Optional: prune old images
docker image prune -fSecurity
- Use N8N_BASIC_AUTH and strong passwords in .env.
- Put n8n behind a TLS reverse proxy (Nginx or Traefik) and enable Let's Encrypt.
- Open only required ports. Use UFW to allow SSH and your proxy ports.
- Secure your Postgres password and use a separate DB user for n8n.
- Keep the OS and Docker updated. Backup the n8n-data and database regularly.
Done
You now have a working n8n instance on a VPS. Use Docker Compose for easy management. Test workflows and secure access before production use.
