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n8n on a VPS

Workflow automation builder

Install on a VPSGitHub
Category
AI / Automation
Hosting
AI services
Author
n8n GmbH
License
Sustainable Use License
Version
2.41.4

The script is free · VPS from $4.63 per month · installs in about 2 minutes

Install over SSH

root@vps:~# command -v docker >/dev/null || curl -fsSL https://get.docker.com | sh; docker volume create n8n_data && docker run -d --name n8n --restart unless-stopped -p 5678:5678 -e GENERIC_TIMEZONE=Europe/Moscow -e TZ=Europe/Moscow -v n8n_data:/home/node/.n8n docker.n8n.io/n8nio/n8n

  • SystemUbuntu 24.04 · x86_64ok
  • Sourcegithub.com/n8n-io/n8nok
  • Version2.41.4ok
  • Port5678/tcplisten

✓ n8n 2.41.4 installed · about 2 minutes

root@vps:~#

Install command from the library. Output is shortened and may differ on your server.

What it is

  • Automation
  • No-code
  • AI agents
  • Webhooks
  • Telegram

n8n is an automation builder: on a visual canvas you connect services into chains, e.g. "new website lead → spreadsheet → Telegram message". It has over 1500 ready-made integrations, AI agents and the ability to add your own JavaScript or Python code.

On your own VPS there are no limits on the number of executions, unlike cloud Zapier and Make, and data isn't sent to third parties. Great for Telegram bots, scraping, CRM integrations and webhooks.

Fair-code license (Sustainable Use License): n8n is free for your own and your company's use; only reselling n8n as a service is restricted.

  • Visual workflow editor
  • Over 1500 integrations and thousands of templates
  • AI agents and LLM connections
  • JavaScript and Python code inside workflows
  • Triggers by webhook, schedule or event
  • No limits on the number of executions

Recommended plan

For n8n: at least 2 vCPU, 3 GB RAM and 45 GB NVMe.

Minimum to run
1 vCPU · 2 GB RAM · 10 GB disk
Systems
Ubuntu 22.04 · Ubuntu 24.04 · Debian 12

How to install

Three steps in the bot or one command over SSH; installation takes about 2 minutes.

  1. 01

    Choose a plan in the bot

    Open @ExpressHost_bot and pay for a VPS. The server will be ready in about 60 seconds.

  2. 02

    Add n8n

    At the “Add-ons” step pick the script from the library, or run it later: Server settings → Scripts.

  3. 03

    Attach a domain and set up HTTPS via a reverse proxy

    without HTTPS the browser won't keep the login cookie

Manually over SSH

Connect to the server as root and run the command. Supported systems: Ubuntu 22.04, Ubuntu 24.04, Debian 12.

Install command
command -v docker >/dev/null || curl -fsSL https://get.docker.com | sh; docker volume create n8n_data && docker run -d --name n8n --restart unless-stopped -p 5678:5678 -e GENERIC_TIMEZONE=Europe/Moscow -e TZ=Europe/Moscow -v n8n_data:/home/node/.n8n docker.n8n.io/n8nio/n8n

Ports

n8n ports
PortProtocolPurpose
5678tcpEditor, API and webhooks

After installation

  1. 1.Attach a domain and set up HTTPS via a reverse proxy: without HTTPS the browser won't keep the login cookie
  2. 2.To test without a domain, re-create the container with -e N8N_SECURE_COOKIE=false and open http://IP:5678
  3. 3.Create the owner account on first login
  4. 4.For webhooks, set the public URL: -e WEBHOOK_URL=https://your-domain/

n8n FAQ

Didn’t find an answer? Message @ExpressHost_SupportBot.

How many workflows can a plan handle?

Dozens of simple workflows run comfortably on 2 vCPU and 3 GB RAM. Heavy workflows with large files and AI agents need more memory; start with 4–8 GB.

How do I update n8n?

Pull the new image (docker pull docker.n8n.io/n8nio/n8n), remove the container and start it with the same command. Workflows and credentials are stored in the n8n_data volume and won't be lost.

Where is the data stored?

In the n8n_data Docker volume (the /home/node/.n8n folder inside the container): the SQLite database, encryption key and settings. Back up the whole volume.

n8n installs at checkout — in the bot.

Install n8nBuy in Telegram