How do I install n8n on my VPS?

Introduction

Installing n8n on your Virtual Private Server (VPS) is one of the most efficient ways to gain full control over your workflow automation environment. If you are looking for a reliable and high-performance VPS, you can explore the available plans on BigCloudy to get started quickly. With a self-hosted VPS setup, you can customize configurations, improve security, and run powerful automations without relying on third-party platforms.

This guide walks you through everything you need to install n8n on your VPS — whether you’re using Ubuntu, Linux, or a similar system — and helps you create a secure, production-ready automation platform.

Once you’ve chosen your plan, click the button to begin your registration.

What You Need Before Installing n8n

Basic Requirements

Operating System: Ubuntu 20.04 or later (Linux recommended)
CPU & RAM: Minimum 1 vCPU and 1–2 GB RAM
Access: Root or sudo access via SSH
Internet Connection: Required for installing dependencies and pulling packages

Recommended Tools

SSH Client: PuTTY (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux)
Package Manager: apt or yum
Firewall Control: ufw or firewalld

Step 1: Connect to Your VPS

Connect to your VPS using SSH (login details provided by your hosting provider, such as BigCloudy VPS services available at www.bigcloudy.com:

ssh root@your_vps_ip

Update your system:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Step 2: Install Node.js and npm

n8n requires Node.js. Install it using NodeSource:

curl -fsSL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_18.x | sudo -E bash –

sudo apt install -y nodejs

Verify the installation:

node -v

npm -v

Step 3: Install n8n Globally

Install n8n using npm:

sudo npm install n8n -g

Check the installed version:

n8n –version

Step 4: Run n8n

Start n8n:

n8n start

By default, n8n runs on port 5678.

Open your browser and visit:

http://your_vps_ip:5678

You should now see the n8n dashboard.

Step 5: Keep n8n Running in the Background

Closing your SSH session will stop n8n unless it runs as a background service.

Option 1: Using PM2 (Recommended for Node.js Installations)

Install PM2:

sudo npm install pm2 -g

Start n8n with PM2:

pm2 start n8n

pm2 save

pm2 startup

This ensures n8n restarts automatically after server reboots.

Option 2: Using Docker (Recommended for Production)

Install Docker and Docker Compose:

sudo apt install -y docker.io docker-compose

Create a docker-compose.yml file:

version: ‘3’

services:

n8n:

image: n8nio/n8n

ports:

– “5678:5678”

environment:

– N8N_BASIC_AUTH_ACTIVE=true

– N8N_BASIC_AUTH_USER=admin

– N8N_BASIC_AUTH_PASSWORD=yourpassword

volumes:

– ~/.n8n:/home/node/.n8n

Start the container:

docker-compose up -d

n8n will now run continuously in the background.

Step 6: Secure Your n8n Installation

1. Enable HTTPS

Use NGINX with Let’s Encrypt to secure your n8n instance using SSL certificates.

2. Enable Authentication

Protect your dashboard with login credentials:

export N8N_BASIC_AUTH_ACTIVE=true

export N8N_BASIC_AUTH_USER=admin

export N8N_BASIC_AUTH_PASSWORD=securepassword

3. Configure a Firewall

Allow only essential ports:

sudo ufw allow 22

sudo ufw allow 80

sudo ufw allow 443

sudo ufw enable

Step 7: Access and Use n8n

After installation and security setup, access your n8n dashboard via:

https://yourdomain.com

You can now build workflows, connect APIs, automate tasks, and manage integrations directly from your VPS

Conclusion

Installing n8n on your VPS gives you complete control, enhanced security, and flexibility to build powerful automation workflows. Choosing a dependable VPS provider like BigCloudy makes it easier to scale resources, maintain uptime, and run n8n smoothly in production. By following this guide — from SSH access and Node.js installation to background execution and security hardening — you’ll have a robust, self-hosted automation platform.

Whether you’re automating business processes, integrating APIs, or managing complex data flows, n8n on a VPS provides the perfect balance of power, privacy, and scalability.

Need Help?

If you face any issues updating your nameservers or need further assistance, our support team is always available:

Email: support@bigcloudy.com
Submit a support ticket

FAQ

Is n8n free to use on a VPS?

Yes. n8n is open-source and free to self-host on your VPS. You only pay for your server infrastructure.

What is the recommended way to run n8n in production?

Using Docker with Docker Compose is the most reliable and scalable option for production environments.

Can I run n8n without Docker?

Yes. You can install n8n directly using Node.js and manage it with PM2 for background execution.

How much RAM does n8n need?

For small workflows, 1 GB RAM is sufficient. For heavy automation or multiple workflows, 2 GB or more is recommended.

Is it safe to expose port 5678 to the internet?

No. It’s best to secure n8n behind NGINX, enable HTTPS, and restrict direct access using a firewall.