Ultimate Guide To Deploying N8n On Digitalocean With Docker: Step-by-step Tutorial

Why Choose n8n and DigitalOcean?

n8n is a versatile workflow automation platform that connects apps, APIs, and services to streamline tasks like sending emails, syncing data, or automating social media posts. Hosting n8n on DigitalOcean offers:

• Full Control: Manage your data and workflows on your own server.
• Scalability: Easily upgrade your Droplet as your automation needs grow.
• Cost-Effectiveness: DigitalOcean’s pricing starts at $5/month for basic Droplets.
• Security: Secure your instance with HTTPS and control access with user management.

This guide uses Docker to simplify deployment, making it easy to manage dependencies and updates. We’ll also cover domain setup, SSL configuration, SMTP integration, and updating n8n to the latest version for a professional, up-to-date setup.

Prerequisites for Setting Up n8n on DigitalOcean

Before starting, ensure you have:

• A DigitalOcean account with a Droplet running Ubuntu 20.04 LTS or later (1GB RAM minimum, 2GB recommended for better performance).
• A registered domain (e.g., via GoDaddy, Namecheap, or another registrar) to access n8n via a URL like n8n.yourdomain.com.
• Basic knowledge of SSH and command-line interfaces (we’ll explain every command).
• An account with Resend (or another SMTP provider) for email notifications.
• A text editor like nano or vim is installed on your Droplet (we’ll use nano for simplicity).
• Access to your domain registrar’s DNS management panel to configure records.

Part 1: Deploying n8n on DigitalOcean with Docker

In this section, we’ll set up a DigitalOcean Droplet, install Docker, and deploy n8n using Docker Compose. Each step includes detailed explanations of the commands and their purpose.

Step 1: Create a DigitalOcean Droplet

A Droplet is a virtual machine on DigitalOcean’s cloud platform. Here’s how to set one up:

1. Log in to your DigitalOcean account.
2. Click Create > Droplet in the dashboard.
3. Configure the Droplet:
   • Choose an image: Select Ubuntu 20.04 (LTS) x64 (or a newer version for stability).
   • Choose a plan: Opt for the Basic plan with at least 1GB RAM ($5/month) for small setups or 2GB ($10/month) for better performance.
   • Authentication: Add an SSH key for secure access (recommended) or choose a password.
   • Droplet name: Name it something descriptive, e.g., n8n-server.
4. Click Create Droplet and note the public IP address (e.g., 192.0.2.1) displayed in the dashboard.

Why this matters: The Droplet is your server where n8n will run. Choosing Ubuntu ensures compatibility with Docker and n8n, while SSH provides secure remote access.

Step 2: Connect to Your Droplet via SSH

To configure the Droplet, connect to it using SSH:

1. Open a terminal on your local machine (use Terminal on macOS/Linux or PowerShell on Windows).

Run the following command, replacing your_droplet_ip with your Droplet’s IP:

1ssh root@your_droplet_ip

1. If prompted, type yes to accept the host key.
2. If using a password instead of an SSH key, enter it when prompted.

What this does: The ssh command establishes a secure connection to your Droplet, allowing you to run commands remotely.

Step 3: Install Docker and Docker Compose

Docker containers package n8n and its dependencies, simplifying installation and updates. Docker Compose orchestrates the container setup.

1. Update the package index and install Docker and Docker Compose:

• apt update: Refreshes the package list to ensure you get the latest versions.
• apt install -y: Installs docker.io (Docker) and docker-compose without prompting for confirmation.

1apt update && apt install -y docker.io docker-compose

2. Enable and start the Docker service to ensure it runs on boot:

1systemctl enable docker
2systemctl start docker

• systemctl enable docker: Configures Docker to start automatically when the Droplet boots.
• systemctl start docker: Starts Docker immediately.

3. Verify the installations:

1docker --version
2docker-compose --version

4. You should see version numbers (e.g., Docker version 20.10.7, docker-compose version 1.25.0).

Why this matters: Docker isolates n8n in a container, ensuring consistent behavior across environments. Docker Compose simplifies managing the container’s configuration.

Step 4: Create a Project Directory

Organize your n8n setup in a dedicated directory to keep files tidy:

1mkdir -p /opt/n8n && cd /opt/n8n

• mkdir -p /opt/n8n: Creates the /opt/n8n directory (-p ensures parent directories are created if needed).
• cd /opt/n8n: Navigates to the directory for subsequent commands.

Why this matters: A dedicated directory keeps your n8n configuration and data organized, making it easier to manage and back up.

Step 5: Configure the .env File

The .env file stores environment variables that control n8n’s behavior, such as the host, domain, and SMTP settings.

1. Create and open the .env file:

1nano .env

2. Add the following initial configuration:

1# Basic Configuration
2N8N_HOST=0.0.0.0
3N8N_SECURE_COOKIE=false
4N8N_USER_MANAGEMENT=true
5N8N_USER_INVITATION=true

• N8N_HOST=0.0.0.0: Allows n8n to listen on all network interfaces, making it accessible externally.
• N8N_SECURE_COOKIE=false: Disables secure cookies initially (we’ll enable it after HTTPS setup).
• N8N_USER_MANAGEMENT=true: Enables user management features.
• N8N_USER_INVITATION=true: Allows inviting users via email.

3. Save and exit (Ctrl+O, Enter, Ctrl+X in nano).

Why this matters: The .env file centralizes configuration settings, making it easy to update n8n’s behavior without modifying code. We’ll add domain and SMTP settings later.

Step 6: Create the docker-compose.yml File

The docker-compose.yml file defines the n8n service, including the Docker image, ports, and volumes.

1. Create the file:

1nano docker-compose.yml

2. Paste the following:

1version: "3.8"
2
3services:
4  n8n:
5    image: n8nio/n8n:latest
6    restart: always
7    ports:
8      - "5678:5678"
9    environment:
10      - N8N_HOST=0.0.0.0
11      - N8N_SECURE_COOKIE=false
12      - N8N_PROXY_TRUST=true
13      - N8N_USER_MANAGEMENT=true
14      - N8N_USER_INVITATION=true
15    volumes:
16      - n8n_data:/home/node/.n8n
17
18volumes:
19  n8n_data:
20

• version: "3.8": Specifies the Docker Compose file format.
• image: n8nio/n8n:latest: Uses the latest n8n Docker image from Docker Hub.
• restart: always: Ensures the container restarts automatically if it crashes or the Droplet reboots.
• ports: - "5678:5678": Maps port 5678 on the Droplet to port 5678 in the container.
• environment: References variables from the .env file (duplicated here for clarity).
• volumes: n8n_data:/home/node/.n8n: Persists n8n data (workflows, credentials) in a Docker volume.
• volumes: n8n_data: Declares the n8n_data volume for persistence.

3. Save and exit.

Why this matters: The docker-compose.yml file defines how n8n runs, ensuring consistent deployment and data persistence across container restarts.

Step 7: Launch n8n

1. Start the n8n container in detached mode:

1docker-compose up -d

• up: Starts the services defined in docker-compose.yml.
• -d: Runs the container in the background.

2. Verify the container is running:

1docker ps

2. You should see a container named n8n_n8n_1 with status Up.

3. Access n8n in your browser at http://your_droplet_ip:5678.

4. Follow the on-screen prompts to:

• Create an admin user (use a strong password).
• Configure initial settings (e.g., time zone).

Troubleshooting:

• If the page doesn’t load, check if port 5678 is open:

1ufw allow 5678

• Ensure Docker is running:

1systemctl status docker
2

• View container logs for errors:

1docker logs n8n_n8n_1

Why this matters: Running docker-compose up -d deploys n8n, and accessing it via the IP confirms the setup is working. The firewall command ensures external access.

Part 2: Configuring a Custom Domain for n8n

Using a custom domain (e.g., n8n.yourdomain.com) makes your n8n instance professional and easy to access. This section shows how to point your n8n domain to your Droplet using GoDaddy (or any registrar).

Step 1: Add an A Record in GoDaddy

1. Log in to your GoDaddy account (or your registrar’s DNS management panel).
2. Navigate to DNS Management for your domain.
3. Add an A record:
   • Type: A
   • Host: n8n
   • Value: Your Droplet’s public IP (e.g., 192.0.2.1)
   • TTL: Use the default (e.g., 600 seconds or 10 minutes).
4. Save the changes.

What this does: The A record maps n8n.yourdomain.com to your Droplet’s IP, directing traffic to your server.

Step 2: Verify DNS Propagation

DNS changes can take 10–30 minutes (or up to 48 hours in rare cases) to propagate. Check propagation with:

1dig n8n.yourdomain.com

Look for an ANSWER SECTION showing your Droplet’s IP.

Why this matters: Propagation ensures your domain resolves to your Droplet, making n8n accessible via n8n.yourdomain.com.

Part 3: Securing n8n with HTTPS Using Nginx and Certbot

To protect your n8n instance, we’ll use Nginx as a reverse proxy and Certbot to obtain a free SSL certificate from Let’s Encrypt.

Step 1: Install Nginx and Certbot

1. Install the required packages:

1apt update && apt install -y nginx certbot python3-certbot-nginx

• nginx: A web server to proxy requests to n8n.
• certbot and python3-certbot-nginx: Tools to obtain and configure SSL certificates.

Why this matters: Nginx handles incoming traffic and forwards it to n8n, while Certbot automates SSL setup for HTTPS.

Step 2: Configure Nginx

1. Create an Nginx configuration file:

1nano /etc/nginx/sites-available/n8n

2. Paste the following:

1server {
2
3listen 80;
4
5server_name n8n.yourdomain.com;
6
7location / {
8
9proxy_pass http://localhost:5678;
10
11proxy_http_version 1.1;
12
13proxy_set_header Upgrade $http_upgrade;
14
15proxy_set_header Connection 'upgrade';
16
17proxy_set_header Host $host;
18
19proxy_cache_bypass $http_upgrade;
20
21}
22
23}

• listen 80: Listens for HTTP traffic on port 80.
• server_name n8n.yourdomain.com: Specifies the domain for this server block.
• proxy_pass http://localhost:5678: Forwards requests to n8n’s port.
• proxy_set_header: Ensures WebSocket support and correct headers for n8n.

3. Save and exit.

4. Enable the configuration by creating a symbolic link:

1ln -s /etc/nginx/sites-available/n8n /etc/nginx/sites-enabled/

5. Test the Nginx configuration for syntax errors:

1nginx -t

6. Reload Nginx to apply the changes:

1systemctl reload nginx

Why this matters: Nginx acts as a reverse proxy, forwarding requests from n8n.yourdomain.com to n8n’s internal port (5678), improving security and flexibility.

Step 3: Install SSL with Certbot

1. Run Certbot to obtain an SSL certificate:

1certbot --nginx -d n8n.yourdomain.com

2. Follow the prompts:

• Enter your email for renewal notifications.
• Agree to Let’s Encrypt’s terms of service.
• Choose Redirect HTTP traffic to HTTPS (option 2) to enforce secure connections.

3. Certbot will update the Nginx configuration and install the SSL certificate.

What this does: Certbot generates a free SSL certificate and configures Nginx to serve n8n over HTTPS, encrypting data in transit.

Step 4: Update .env for HTTPS

1. Edit the .env file:

1nano /opt/n8n/.env

2. Add or update the following to reflect the HTTPS setup:

1N8N_URL=https://n8n.yourdomain.com
2
3WEBHOOK_URL=https://n8n.yourdomain.com
4
5N8N_PROXY_TRUST=true
6
7N8N_SECURE_COOKIE=true

• N8N_URL and WEBHOOK_URL: Set to your domain with HTTPS.
• N8N_PROXY_TRUST=true: Allows n8n to trust the reverse proxy (Nginx).
• N8N_SECURE_COOKIE=true: Enables secure cookies for HTTPS.

3. Save and exit.

Step 5: Restart n8n

1. Navigate to the project directory:

1cd /opt/n8n

2. Restart the container to apply changes:

1docker-compose down
2
3docker-compose up -d

3. Access n8n at https://n8n.yourdomain.com.

Troubleshooting:

• If HTTPS fails, ensure ports 80 and 443 are open:

ufw allow 80

ufw allow 443

• Check Nginx logs for errors:

tail /var/log/nginx/error.log

• Verify the SSL certificate:

certbot certificates

Why this matters: HTTPS encrypts communication between users and n8n, protecting sensitive data like credentials and workflow configurations.

Part 4: Setting Up SMTP with Resend for Email Notifications

To enable features like user invitations, configure n8n to send emails via Resend, a developer-friendly SMTP service.

Step 1: Set Up a Domain in Resend

1. Sign up at resend.com and create an account.
2. Add your domain:
   • Go to Domains and click Add Domain.
   • Enter yourdomain.com (not n8n.yourdomain.com).
   • Resend will provide DNS records (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) to add to your registrar.

3. In GoDaddy, add the provided DNS records:

• SPF: Ensures emails are sent from authorized servers.
• DKIM: Verifies email authenticity.
• DMARC: Defines how unauthorized emails are handled.

4. Wait for Resend to verify your domain (check the status in the Resend dashboard).

Why this matters: Domain verification prevents your emails from being marked as spam, ensuring reliable delivery.

Step 2: Generate an SMTP API Key

1. In Resend, go to API Keys and click Create API Key.
2. Name the key (e.g., n8n-smtp) and copy the key (starts with re_).

What this does: The API key authenticates n8n with Resend’s SMTP server.

Step 3: Update .env for SMTP

1. Edit the .env file:

1nano /opt/n8n/.env

2. Add the SMTP configuration:

1N8N_EMAIL_MODE=smtp
2
3N8N_SMTP_HOST=smtp.resend.com
4
5N8N_SMTP_PORT=465
6
7N8N_SMTP_USER=resend
8
9N8N_SMTP_PASS=re_XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
10
11N8N_SMTP_SENDER=noreply@yourdomain.com
12
13N8N_SMTP_SSL=true

• N8N_EMAIL_MODE=smtp: Enables SMTP for email sending.
• N8N_SMTP_HOST and N8N_SMTP_PORT: Specify Resend’s SMTP server and port.
• N8N_SMTP_USER: The username for Resend (always resend).
• N8N_SMTP_PASS: Your Resend API key.
• N8N_SMTP_SENDER: The sender email address (must match your verified domain).
• N8N_SMTP_SSL=true: Enables SSL for secure email transmission.

3. Save and exit.

Step 4: Restart n8n and Test Email

1. Restart the container:

1cd /opt/n8n
2
3docker-compose down
4
5docker-compose up -d

2. Test email functionality:

• Log in to n8n at https://n8n.yourdomain.com.
• Go to Settings > Users > Invite User.
• Enter a test email address and send an invitation.

3. Check the recipient’s inbox (and spam folder) for the invitation.

Troubleshooting:

• If emails fail with a timeout (e.g., 504 error), DigitalOcean may block SMTP ports (465/587). Open a support ticket:
  • Visit cloud.digitalocean.com/support.
  • Create a ticket with the subject: Request to Unblock SMTP Ports (465/587) for Email Delivery via Resend.
• Verify DNS records in GoDaddy match Resend’s requirements.
• Check n8n logs for SMTP errors:

1docker logs n8n_n8n_1

Why this matters: SMTP enables n8n to send emails for user invitations, workflow notifications, and other features, enhancing collaboration.

Part 5: Updating n8n to the Latest Version

Keeping your n8n instance updated ensures you benefit from the latest features, bug fixes, and security patches. Since n8n is deployed via Docker, updating is straightforward. This section explains how to update n8n to the newest version and verify the update.

Step 1: Check the Current n8n Version

Before updating, verify the version of n8n currently running:

1. Access your n8n instance at https://n8n.yourdomain.com.
2. Log in as an admin user.
3. Go to Settings > About in the n8n interface to view the current version (e.g., 1.50.0).
4. Alternatively, check the version via the command line:

1docker exec n8n_n8n_1 n8n --version

• docker exec: Runs a command inside the n8n container.
• n8n_n8n_1: The name of your running container (verify with docker ps).
• n8n --version: Outputs the installed n8n version.

Why this matters: Knowing your current version helps you confirm whether an update is needed and verify the update’s success.

Step 2: Check for the Latest n8n Version

Visit the n8n GitHub releases page to find the latest version. Look for the most recent release tagged as n8n@X.Y.Z (e.g., n8n@1.51.0). Review the release notes for new features, bug fixes, or breaking changes that might affect your workflows.

Why this matters: Release notes highlight changes that could impact your instance, such as new nodes or configuration requirements.

Step 3: Back Up Your n8n Data

Before updating, back up your n8n data to prevent data loss in case of issues:

1. Navigate to the project directory:

1cd /opt/n8n

2. Stop the n8n container:

1docker-compose down

3. Back up the /opt/n8n directory and the n8n_data volume:

1tar -czvf n8n_backup_$(date +%F).tar.gz /opt/n8n

• tar -czvf: Creates a compressed archive.
• n8n_backup_$(date +%F).tar.gz: Names the backup file with the current date (e.g., n8n_backup_2025-07-10.tar.gz).

1. Store the backup securely (e.g., in DigitalOcean Spaces or another cloud storage).

Why this matters: Backups protect your workflows, credentials, and configurations, allowing you to restore your instance if the update fails.

Step 4: Update the n8n Docker Image

1. Navigate to the project directory:

1cd /opt/n8n

2. Pull the latest n8n Docker image:

1docker-compose pull

• docker-compose pull: Downloads the latest n8nio/n8n:latest image specified in docker-compose.yml.

3. Restart the n8n container to apply the update:

1docker-compose up -d

• up -d: Starts the container with the updated image in detached mode.

Why this matters: The n8nio/n8n:latest tag ensures you always pull the most recent version of n8n, and restarting the container applies the update without affecting your data.

Step 5: Verify the Update

1. Check the new version in the n8n interface (Settings > About) or via the command line:

1docker exec n8n_n8n_1 n8n --version

2. Test your workflows:

• Log in to n8n at https://n8n.yourdomain.com.
• Run a few existing workflows to ensure they function as expected.
• Check for any deprecated nodes or breaking changes noted in the release notes.

Troubleshooting:

• If the update fails or workflows break, review the container logs:

docker logs n8n_n8n_1

• If issues persist, revert to your backup:
  1. Stop the container:

1docker-compose down

1. Restore the backup:

1tar -xzvf n8n_backup_YYYY-MM-DD.tar.gz -C /

1. Restart n8n:

1docker-compose up -d

• If the new version introduces breaking changes, consult the n8n documentation or community forum for guidance.

Why this matters: Verifying the update ensures your instance is running the latest version and that your workflows remain functional.

Part 6: Best Practices and Maintenance

To keep your n8n instance secure and reliable, follow these best practices:

Backups

Regularly back up the /opt/n8n directory and n8n_data volume:

tar -czvf n8n_backup_$(date +%F).tar.gz /opt/n8n

Store backups securely (e.g., in DigitalOcean Spaces or another cloud storage).

Why: Backups protect your workflows and configurations from data loss.

Updates

Periodically check for n8n updates (as described in Part 5) to stay current with new features and security patches.

Why: Updates fix bugs, improve performance, and add new nodes.

Security

• Use a strong password for the n8n admin user.
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) if supported in future n8n versions.
• Restrict SSH access to your Droplet:

1ufw allow ssh
2
3ufw enable

Why: Strong security prevents unauthorized access to your server and workflows.

Monitoring

Monitor your Droplet’s resources (CPU, memory, disk) in the DigitalOcean dashboard. Upgrade your plan if n8n’s performance degrades.

Why: Adequate resources ensure smooth operation of complex workflows.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You’ve deployed n8n on a DigitalOcean Droplet using Docker, configured a custom domain with HTTPS, integrated SMTP for email notifications, and learned how to keep your n8n instance updated. This setup empowers you to automate tasks, collaborate with team members, and maintain a secure, up-to-date automation platform. For further customization, explore the n8n documentation or join the n8n community.

If you encounter issues, revisit the troubleshooting tips or leave a comment below. Happy automating!

Keywords: n8n, DigitalOcean, Docker, self-hosted automation, workflow automation, HTTPS setup, SMTP configuration, update n8n, beginner guide, Nginx, Certbot, Resend.

FAQs on AI Automation and n8n Workflow Automation

1. What is AI automation and why should my business care?

Answer: AI automation uses artificial intelligence to handle repetitive or data-driven tasks—such as workflows, customer support, or analytics—without manual effort. It boosts accuracy, scales operations efficiently, and unlocks savings through hands-off process execution.

2. What is n8n workflow automation and how does n8n differ from tools like Zapier?

Answer: n8n is a self-hosted, open‑source workflow automation platform that enables you to visually design pipelines (e.g., fetch data → process → notify). Unlike proprietary tools, n8n gives full control, customizability, and extensibility via Docker installs on servers like DigitalOcean n8n Docs.

3. How can I deploy n8n on DigitalOcean for reliable automation?

Answer: You can self-host n8n using a DigitalOcean Droplet with Docker and Caddy as reverse proxy. Key steps include:

• Create Droplet with Docker support
• Clone n8n-docker-caddy repo
• Define .env, docker-compose.yml and Caddyfile
• Launch via docker-compose up -d
• Secure via subdomain SSL via Caddy RedditSkool+4n8n Docs+4n8n Community+4

4. What are AI agents in the context of n8n?

Answer: In n8n, AI agents are dynamic workflows that can autonomously process data, call external APIs (e.g., LangChain), and decide next steps. They act much like autonomous bots, driving trends like autonomous data-syncing, summarization, or intelligent routing n8n Docs.

5. Can n8n-powered AI productivity tools save me time instantly?

Answer: N8N workflows can have various applications in sales, marketing, HR, operations, and more. You can find hundreds of n8n templates here. Each of these n8n workflows can save lot of manual work, increase productivity by 10X or more, and streamline manual and boring tasks, leading to more time for your team for more strategic and creative work.

6. How often does n8n update, and how do I keep my server current?

Answer: n8n releases minor production updates nearly weekly, plus beta "next" versions YouTube. To upgrade self-hosted instances:

1nginxCopyEditdocker compose pull docker compose down docker compose up -d

This ensures you're using the latest stable—or opt into beta with caution n8n Community+4Reddit+4YouTube+4.

7. Do I need technical skills to use n8n workflow automation with AI?

Answer: Medium skill level is ideal—knowledge of Docker, SSH, and environment variables simplifies setup. But once deployed, designers can build AI-powered workflows with a visual interface—no coding required.

8. What are typical use cases for AI agents and AI productivity in n8n?

• Intelligent email routing (parse content → forward/reply via AI)
• Data sync (e.g., CRM → spreadsheet automation)
• AI summarization (web/data scraping → summary → Slack alert)
• Smart reminders (triggered by metadata/events)

9. Should I self-host n8n or use n8n Cloud?

Answer:

• Self-hosting (e.g., on DigitalOcean): Full control and lower costs—but requires server maintenance, security updates, and backups n8n Community+3n8n Community+3YouTube+3.
• n8n Cloud: Hassle-free and supported, but with higher recurring costs. Ideal if you prefer managed services.

10. How can I secure my self-hosted AI automation workflows?

Answer:

• Use Basic Auth for access control
• Enable HTTPS via Caddy/DigitalOcean load balancer
• Regularly update your Docker components
• Consider VPN or firewall rules for tighter access control