Guides · Sep 27, 2026

How to Self-Host n8n on a VPS with Docker and HTTPS

Self-host n8n with Docker Compose and Caddy for automatic HTTPS on your own domain, with persistent data and easy updates.

Self-hosting n8n gives you unlimited workflows on your own server. Chose the Debian 12 + n8n image at checkout? n8n is already installed and you can skip ahead to securing it. Otherwise, follow along with Docker. Point a domain such as n8n.example.com at your server first.

1. Install Docker

Follow our Docker install guide, or pick the Debian 12 + Docker image.

2. Create the Compose file

mkdir ~/n8n && cd ~/n8n

Create compose.yaml (replace the domain and timezone):

services:
  n8n:
    image: docker.n8n.io/n8nio/n8n
    restart: unless-stopped
    environment:
      - N8N_HOST=n8n.example.com
      - N8N_PROTOCOL=https
      - WEBHOOK_URL=https://n8n.example.com/
      - GENERIC_TIMEZONE=America/New_York
    volumes:
      - n8n_data:/home/node/.n8n

  caddy:
    image: caddy:2
    restart: unless-stopped
    ports:
      - "80:80"
      - "443:443"
    command: caddy reverse-proxy --from n8n.example.com --to n8n:5678
    volumes:
      - caddy_data:/data

volumes:
  n8n_data:
  caddy_data:

3. Start it

docker compose up -d
docker compose logs -f n8n

Caddy fetches a free HTTPS certificate automatically. Open https://n8n.example.com and create your owner account. Do this right away, since the first person to visit sets it up.

4. Updating n8n

docker compose pull && docker compose up -d

Keep it safe

• Your workflows live in the n8n_data volume and are included in your server's daily backups.
• Use strong passwords; n8n stores credentials for all your connected apps.