Self-Host n8n for FREE with Docker & Ngrok

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of self-hosting n8n, an open-source workflow automation tool, using Docker and Ngrok for free. By following these steps, you'll set up your own automation server, enabling you to create workflows for tasks like managing Telegram messages or automating social media posts without incurring any costs.

Step 1: Install Docker and Ngrok

1. Install Docker

   • Visit the Docker website and follow the installation instructions for your operating system.
   • Ensure Docker is running by executing docker --version in your terminal.

2. Install Ngrok

   • Go to the Ngrok website and download the appropriate version for your OS.
   • Unzip the downloaded file and move it to a directory in your PATH, or follow the installation instructions provided on the site.

Step 2: Pull the n8n Docker Image

1. Open your terminal.
2. Run the following command to pull the n8n Docker image:

   docker pull n8n
   

Step 3: Authenticate Ngrok

1. Sign up for a free Ngrok account at Ngrok.
2. After signing in, obtain your authentication token from the dashboard.
3. In your terminal, run the following command to authenticate Ngrok:

   ngrok authtoken YOUR_AUTH_TOKEN
   

   • Replace YOUR_AUTH_TOKEN with the token you copied from the Ngrok dashboard.

Step 4: Claim a Free Static Domain

1. After authentication, run the following command to expose your local server:

   ngrok http 5678
   

2. This command will provide you with a public URL. Save this URL, as you'll need it later for webhooks.

Step 5: Set Up Port, Folder, and Volume Mount

1. Create a folder on your local machine for n8n data:

   mkdir -p /home/node/.n8n
   

2. Note the path, as you will use it in the Docker command.

Step 6: Set Environment Variables

1. You need to configure n8n with certain environment variables. Use the following variables:

   export EDITOR_BASE_URL=YOUR_NGROK_URL
   export WEBHOOK_URL=YOUR_NGROK_URL/webhook
   export N8N_DEFAULT_BINARY_DATA_MODE=filesystem
   export N8N_COMMUNITY_PACKAGES_ALLOW_TOOL_USAGE=true
   export N8N_RUNNERS_ENABLED=true
   

   • Replace YOUR_NGROK_URL with the public URL you obtained in Step 4.

Step 7: Run the n8n Container

1. Run the following Docker command to start the n8n container:

   docker run -d -p 5678:5678 \
   -v /home/node/.n8n:/home/node/.n8n \
   -e EDITOR_BASE_URL=$EDITOR_BASE_URL \
   -e WEBHOOK_URL=$WEBHOOK_URL \
   n8n
   

Step 8: Access the n8n Dashboard

1. Open your web browser and go to http://localhost:5678.
2. You should see the n8n dashboard where you can start creating workflows.

Step 9: Test Webhook with Ngrok Domain

1. Create a new workflow in n8n.
2. Set up a webhook node and use the URL YOUR_NGROK_URL/webhook.
3. Test the webhook by triggering it from a third-party service or using a tool like Postman.

Conclusion

You have successfully self-hosted n8n using Docker and Ngrok. This setup allows you to create unlimited automation workflows without any cost. Now you can explore the various integrations and functionalities that n8n offers. If you encounter any issues, feel free to reach out in the comments or consult the n8n documentation for further assistance. Happy automating!