How to Install n8n Using Docker on a VPS (Beginner-Friendly Guide)

Are you looking to automate your business processes without paying high monthly subscription fees? Whether you want to connect apps, automate workflows, send notifications, or manage data across platforms, n8n is one of the most powerful automation tools available today.

The best part? You don’t need to rely on expensive cloud plans. You can self-host n8n on your own VPS and enjoy full control, unlimited workflows, and predictable costs.

In this complete beginner-friendly guide, I’ll show you how to install n8n using Docker on a VPS, step by step, in simple language. This guide is especially useful for businesses and professionals looking for VPS hosting in Pakistan, using reliable infrastructure from CreativeON.

Why Self-Host n8n on a VPS?

Before we jump into the setup, let’s quickly understand why self-hosting n8n on a VPS makes sense.

When you use n8n Cloud, you are restricted by workflow execution limits. For example:

• The basic plan allows limited workflows and executions per month

   

• Higher plans can cost $50 or more per month

   

• Scaling automation means paying more every time you grow

   

When you self-host n8n on your own VPS, there are no artificial limits. Your only limitation is your server’s resources — which you can upgrade anytime.

Benefits of Running n8n on a VPS

• Unlimited workflows and executions (resource-based)

   

• Full control over your data

   

• Better performance for high-volume automation

   

• No surprise bills

   

• Custom integrations and configurations

   

For example, if you’re sending thousands of automated messages, syncing customer data, or running marketing workflows, a VPS gives you the freedom to scale without restrictions.

💡 Pro Tip: CreativeON is an Official Google Workspace Partner and Reseller in Pakistan, allowing us to offer competitive VPS pricing and trusted infrastructure for automation tools like n8n.

What You Need Before Installing n8n

Let’s make sure you have everything ready before starting.

VPS Server Requirements

• Operating System: Ubuntu 20.04 or 22.04

   

• RAM: Minimum 4 GB (8 GB recommended for smooth performance)

   

• CPU: At least 4 CPU cores

   

• Storage: 10 GB minimum (expandable as workflows grow)

   

• Docker: Pre-installed on CreativeON VPS plans

   

Basic Knowledge Required

• Simple Linux commands (we’ll guide you)

   

• SSH access to your VPS

   

• A domain name or server IP (domain recommended)

   

✅ Good News: CreativeON’s VPS hosting in Pakistan comes with Docker pre-installed, saving you setup time.

Step-by-Step: Install n8n Using Docker on a VPS

Step 1: Connect to Your VPS via SSH

On macOS or Linux:

ssh root@your_server_ip

On Windows:

• Use PuTTY

   

• Enter your server IP

   

• Log in using your VPS credentials

   

Once connected, update your server:

apt update && apt upgrade -y

Step 2: Verify Docker Installation

Check if Docker is installed:

docker –version

Start Docker if needed:

systemctl start docker

systemctl enable docker

Test Docker:

docker run hello-world

If you see “Hello from Docker!”, everything is working.

Step 3: Install Docker Compose (If Needed)

Check Docker Compose:

docker-compose –version

If it’s not installed:

apt install docker-compose -y

📌 Note: Some systems use Docker Compose v2. In that case, commands will look like:

docker compose up -d

Step 4: Create n8n Docker Configuration

Create a directory for n8n:

mkdir ~/n8n

cd ~/n8n

nano docker-compose.yml

Paste the following configuration:

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=strong_password_here

      – N8N_HOST=yourdomain.com

      – N8N_PORT=5678

      – N8N_PROTOCOL=https

      – WEBHOOK_URL=https://yourdomain.com/

      – GENERIC_TIMEZONE=UTC

    volumes:

      – ~/.n8n:/home/node/.n8n

Replace:

• strong_password_here with a secure password

   

• yourdomain.com with your actual domain or server IP

   

Save the file:

• Ctrl + O → Enter

   

• Ctrl + X

   

Set correct permissions:

chown -R 1000:1000 ~/.n8n

chmod -R 755 ~/.n8n

Start n8n:

docker-compose up -d

Verify:

docker ps

Step 5: Access Your n8n Dashboard

Open your browser and visit:

• http://your_server_ip:5678
  or

   

• https://yourdomain.com (recommended with SSL)

   

Log in using the credentials you set.
You’ll now see the n8n dashboard, where you can create and manage workflows.

Securing Your n8n Installation (Highly Recommended)

Change SSH Port (Optional)

nano /etc/ssh/sshd_config

Change:

#Port 22

to:

Port 2222

Restart SSH:

systemctl restart sshd

Enable SSL (HTTPS)

Install Certbot:

apt install certbot python3-certbot-nginx -y

Generate SSL certificate:

certbot –nginx -d yourdomain.com

Restart n8n:

docker-compose down && docker-compose up -d

🔐 For best security, use Nginx as a reverse proxy and avoid exposing port 5678 publicly.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Docker not running?

systemctl status docker

systemctl restart docker

Can’t access n8n?

netstat -tuln | grep 5678

Check logs:

docker logs n8n

Maintenance Tips for Long-Term Stability

Backup n8n Data

tar -czf n8n_backup_$(date +%F).tar.gz ~/.n8n

Update n8n

docker-compose pull

docker-compose up -d

Monitor Resources

Use:

htop

Upgrade your CreativeON VPS anytime if needed.

What You Can Automate with n8n

• CRM & customer data syncing

   

• Social media posting

   

• Email automation

   

• Data backups

   

• Slack and WhatsApp notifications

   

• Google Sheets integrations

   

• Form processing

   

With 400+ integrations, n8n works with almost every major platform.

Why Choose CreativeON for n8n VPS Hosting in Pakistan?

CreativeON has been serving Pakistani businesses for over 20 years, working with brands like City42, Channel 24, QTV, Chughtai Lab, and more.

We are:

• ✅ Official Google Workspace Partner

   

• ✅ PKNIC Gold Partner (.PK domains)

   

• ✅ Trusted VPS hosting provider in Pakistan

   

Our VPS Hosting Offers:

• Affordable pricing

   

• 99.9% uptime

   

• Scalable resources

   

• Local expert support

   

• Docker-ready environments

   

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)