The BEST Way to Self-Host & Update n8n in the Cloud

Key Concepts

• VPS (Virtual Private Server): A virtualized server that provides dedicated resources within a larger server environment.
• N8N: A workflow automation platform.
• Hostinger: A web hosting provider offering VPS solutions.
• Docker: A platform for developing, shipping, and running applications in containers.
• Docker Compose: A tool for defining and running multi-container Docker applications.
• Docker Image: A read-only template used to create Docker containers.
• Browser Terminal: A command-line interface accessible through a web browser.

Hostinger VPS Setup for N8N

Selecting a Hostinger VPS Plan

• Hostinger is recommended for its reliability, user-friendliness, and various hosting plans.
• The KVM2 plan is suggested, especially for beginners and intermediate users, due to its 8GB RAM and suitable resources for personal N8N use.
• Navigate to Hostinger's website via the provided link in the video description.
• Choose a plan and select a billing period, noting the availability of limited-time discounts. Longer periods offer greater discounts.
• Apply the coupon code "AI workshop" for an additional 10% discount.

VPS Configuration and N8N Installation

• After registration and payment, the server location is automatically selected based on proximity.
• In the OS template selection, search for "N8N" and choose the N8N application.
• Leave the free Monarch malware scanner enabled.
• Set a strong root password.
• Click "Finish Setup" to initiate the installation process, which takes a few minutes.

Accessing the VPS Dashboard

• Once the setup is complete, click "Manage VPS" on the left-hand side to access the VPS dashboard.
• The dashboard provides access to the browser terminal, which is used for updating N8N.

Updating N8N on Hostinger VPS

Accessing the Browser Terminal

• Click on "Browser Terminal" within the Hostinger VPS dashboard.
• The browser terminal provides a command-line interface to the VPS.
• Type "clear" and press enter to clear the terminal screen.

Step-by-Step Update Process

1. Install Docker:
   • Copy and paste the Docker installation script:

     curl -fsSL https://get.docker.com -o get-docker.sh && sh get-docker.sh
     

   • This script installs Docker on the VPS.
   • Acknowledge the warning message; it's safe to proceed on a VPS.
2. Enable Docker on System Reboot:
   • Run the following command to ensure Docker starts automatically:

     systemctl enable docker
     

3. Download the Latest N8N Docker Image:
   • Use Docker Compose to pull the latest N8N image:

     docker-compose pull
     

   • This command fetches the newest version of the N8N image.
4. Stop and Remove Existing N8N Container:
   • Safely stop and remove the existing N8N container:

     docker-compose down
     

   • Wait for the removal process to complete.
5. Deploy N8N with the New Image:
   • Deploy the newly pulled N8N image using Docker Compose:

     docker-compose up -d
     

   • This command starts N8N in detached mode.
6. Verify N8N is Running:
   • Check the status of the N8N container:

     docker-compose ps
     

   • Ensure all services are running smoothly.
7. Check the N8N Version:
   • Execute the following command to display the currently running N8N version:

     docker exec -it root n8n -v
     

   • This command shows the installed N8N version.

Verifying the Update

• Compare the displayed version with the latest version available on the N8N cloud-hosted platform (e.g., 1.91.2, released 13 hours ago).
• The same steps can be repeated whenever a new version of N8N is released.

Accessing and Using N8N

• Return to the Hostinger dashboard and click "Manage App" to access the N8N interface.
• First-time users will be prompted to set up an account.
• After logging in, users can create workflows and utilize N8N as they would on a local or cloud-hosted instance.

Conclusion

The video provides a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to install and update N8N on a Hostinger VPS. It emphasizes the simplicity and reliability of Hostinger for self-hosting N8N. The process involves selecting a suitable VPS plan, installing N8N through the Hostinger interface, and using the browser terminal to update N8N via Docker commands. The video also includes a coupon code for a discount on Hostinger plans. The key takeaway is that updating N8N on Hostinger is a straightforward process that can be easily performed by following the provided instructions.