Self-Host n8n on a VPS: Step-by-Step Guide

Self-hosting n8n on a VPS is one of the smartest moves if you want reliable automations that run 24/7 — without depending on costly “per-task” cloud plans.

With a VPS, you get:

Full control over your workflows
Better stability for scheduled automations
Ability to scale over time (more workflows, more integrations)
Your own secure environment (especially important for API keys)

This guide walks you through a clean, beginner-friendly setup using Docker + Nginx + SSL, which is the most popular approach for stable n8n self-hosting.

TL;DR (Quick Summary)

Buy a VPS (2GB+ RAM recommended for smooth usage)
Point a domain/subdomain to the VPS
Install Docker + Docker Compose
Run n8n with persistent storage
Add Nginx reverse proxy + free SSL (Let’s Encrypt)
Secure it with basic firewall + updates

Why Self-Host n8n Instead of Using n8n Cloud?

Self-hosting is best if you:

Run many workflows daily
Need reliable uptime for scheduled tasks
Want to store data privately
Plan to scale automations for months/years

n8n Cloud is easier at the beginning, but self-hosting is typically more cost-efficient as your automations grow.

What You Need Before You Start

✅ Minimum VPS Requirements (Recommended)

RAM: 2GB minimum (4GB ideal if you plan to run many workflows)
CPU: 1–2 vCPU
Storage: 30GB+
OS: Ubuntu 22.04 LTS (recommended)

✅ Domain / Subdomain

Examples:

n8n.domainreview.tech
automation.domainreview.tech

✅ A VPS Provider

If you want a beginner-friendly VPS option with good value:

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Step 1: Create Your VPS + Login via SSH

Buy VPS and choose Ubuntu 22.04
Copy your server IP + root password (or SSH key)
Connect via SSH:

Windows (PowerShell):

ssh root@YOUR_SERVER_IP

If using password:
Enter the password when prompted.

Step 2: Update Your Server (Important)

Run:

apt update && apt upgrade -y

Install basic tools:

apt install -y curl nano ufw

Step 3: Setup Firewall (UFW)

Allow SSH, HTTP, HTTPS:

ufw allow OpenSSH
ufw allow 80
ufw allow 443
ufw enable

Check status:

ufw status

Step 4: Install Docker + Docker Compose

Install Docker:

curl -fsSL https://get.docker.com | sh

Install Docker Compose plugin:

apt install -y docker-compose-plugin

Verify:

docker --version
docker compose version

Step 5: Create a Folder for n8n

mkdir -p /opt/n8n
cd /opt/n8n

Step 6: Create Docker Compose File (Persistent Data)

Create the file:

nano docker-compose.yml

Paste this:

services:
  n8n:
    image: n8nio/n8n:latest
    restart: always
    ports:
      - "5678:5678"
    environment:
      - N8N_HOST=n8n.yourdomain.com
      - N8N_PORT=5678
      - N8N_PROTOCOL=https
      - WEBHOOK_URL=https://n8n.yourdomain.com/
      - GENERIC_TIMEZONE=America/Toronto
    volumes:
      - n8n_data:/home/node/.n8n

volumes:
  n8n_data:

✅ Replace:

n8n.yourdomain.com with your real subdomain
timezone if needed

Start n8n:

docker compose up -d

Check status:

docker ps

Step 7: Point Your Domain to the VPS

In your domain DNS settings:

Add an A record
Name: n8n (or automation)
Value: YOUR_SERVER_IP

Wait 5–30 minutes for DNS propagation.

Step 8: Add Nginx Reverse Proxy

Install Nginx:

apt install -y nginx

Create config file:

nano /etc/nginx/sites-available/n8n

Paste (replace domain):

server {
  server_name n8n.yourdomain.com;

  location / {
    proxy_pass http://127.0.0.1:5678;
    proxy_set_header Host $host;
    proxy_set_header X-Real-IP $remote_addr;
    proxy_set_header X-Forwarded-For $proxy_add_x_forwarded_for;
    proxy_set_header X-Forwarded-Proto $scheme;
  }
}

Enable it:

ln -s /etc/nginx/sites-available/n8n /etc/nginx/sites-enabled/
nginx -t
systemctl reload nginx

Step 9: Install Free SSL Certificate (Let’s Encrypt)

Install Certbot:

apt install -y certbot python3-certbot-nginx

Run SSL:

certbot --nginx -d n8n.yourdomain.com

Follow prompts and enable redirect to HTTPS.

Test auto renewal:

certbot renew --dry-run

Step 10: Secure n8n (Best Practices)

✅ Add Basic Auth (Optional but Recommended)

n8n supports user authentication and secure access. Use strong password and avoid exposing admin to public without protection.

✅ Use backups

Backup the volume:

n8n credentials, workflows stored in /home/node/.n8n

✅ Keep your server updated

Run weekly:

apt update && apt upgrade -y

Troubleshooting (Quick Fixes)

n8n not loading?

Check docker:

docker logs -f n8n

DNS not working?

Confirm A record points to correct IP
Wait longer, flush DNS cache

SSL fails?

Make sure your domain points to server IP
Ports 80/443 open
Nginx config correct

Best VPS Tips for Stable Automations

If you plan to run:

WordPress automation
daily affiliate posting
Telegram alerts
scheduled workflows

Then 2GB RAM is minimum, 4GB RAM is ideal.

Recommended VPS for Automation

If you plan to self-host n8n or run scheduled workflows 24/7, use a fast and reliable VPS with at least 2GB RAM (4GB ideal).

👉 Start with a Fast VPS for n8n (Best Value in 2025)

You may also explore these helpful categories:

Affiliate disclosure: Some links in this article are affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.