Introduction

If you’re looking to automate workflows without relying on cloud services, n8n is the perfect open-source automation tool. It allows you to connect APIs, databases, and apps just like Zapier — but with full control over your data. In this 2025 guide, we’ll walk you through how to install and self-host n8n step by step on your own server or VPS, using Docker for reliability and scalability.

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What is n8n?

n8n (pronounced “n-eight-n”) is a workflow automation tool that helps you connect services like Slack, Gmail, Notion, GitHub, and more. It offers:

• A visual editor for workflows
• Over 400 integrations
• Self-hosting capability
• Data privacy and flexibility

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Step-by-Step Guide: Install and Self-Host n8n in 2025

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1. System Requirements

Before you begin, make sure your system meets the following requirements:

• OS: Ubuntu 22.04 or later (Linux recommended)
• RAM: Minimum 2 GB (4 GB recommended)
• Docker & Docker Compose: Installed and configured
• Node.js (Optional): Version 18+ if running without Docker

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2. Install Docker and Docker Compose

If you don’t have Docker installed, run:

sudo apt update && sudo apt install -y docker.io docker-compose
sudo systemctl enable docker --now

Verify the installation:

docker --version
docker-compose --version

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3. Create n8n Directory

Create a folder for your setup:

mkdir ~/n8n && cd ~/n8n

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4. Create a Docker Compose File

Create and edit the docker-compose.yml:

nano docker-compose.yml

Paste the following content:

version: '3.8'

services:
  n8n:
    image: n8nio/n8n:latest
    container_name: n8n
    ports:
      - "5678:5678"
    environment:
      - N8N_BASIC_AUTH_ACTIVE=true
      - N8N_BASIC_AUTH_USER=admin
      - N8N_BASIC_AUTH_PASSWORD=yourpassword
      - N8N_HOST=n8n.example.com
      - WEBHOOK_TUNNEL_URL=https://n8n.example.com
    volumes:
      - ./n8n_data:/home/node/.n8n
    restart: always

Tip: Replace n8n.example.com with your own domain or server IP.

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5. Run n8n

Start the container:

docker-compose up -d

Check the logs:

docker logs -f n8n

Now visit http://your-server-ip:5678 in your browser.
You’ll be prompted to log in with your admin username and password.

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6. Set Up Reverse Proxy (Optional but Recommended)

For SSL and domain access, use NGINX or Caddy.
Example for Caddy (easiest setup):

:443 {
  reverse_proxy localhost:5678
}

Caddy will automatically handle Let’s Encrypt SSL certificates.

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7. Enable Persistent Data and Backups

All n8n data is stored in ./n8n_data.
To back it up:

tar -czvf n8n_backup_$(date +%F).tar.gz ./n8n_data

You can also use external volumes or cloud storage for redundancy.

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8. Optional: Connect a Database

For larger deployments, connect n8n to PostgreSQL or MySQL.
Add to your Docker Compose file:

DB_TYPE=postgresdb
DB_POSTGRESDB_HOST=postgres
DB_POSTGRESDB_DATABASE=n8n
DB_POSTGRESDB_USER=n8n
DB_POSTGRESDB_PASSWORD=securepassword

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Final Checks

✅ Access your n8n dashboard at: https://n8n.example.com
✅ Secure with HTTPS
✅ Set up cron jobs or webhooks
✅ Enjoy full automation under your control

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Install n8n: Full Self-Hosting and Setup Guide for 2025 (F.A.Q)