What is n8n?
n8n (pronounced “n-eight-n”) is an open-source workflow automation tool. It allows you to connect different applications, APIs, and services to create automated workflows without heavy coding.
With n8n, you can:

  • Automate repetitive tasks → e.g., move data between apps, send notifications, or sync files.

  • Integrate with hundreds of services → such as databases, cloud storage, email, Slack, CRM systems, and more.

  • Create custom workflows using a simple, visual drag-and-drop editor.

  • Host it yourself → ensuring data privacy and full control.

n8n is especially useful for:

  • Businesses wanting to streamline processes.

  • Developers who need to quickly prototype API integrations.

  • Teams looking to reduce manual work and human error.

In short, n8n helps you save time, reduce errors, and connect systems together seamlessly.

User Manual – AlmaLinux n8n Server
This manual provides instructions for accessing and using your n8n portal hosted on an AlmaLinux server, as well as configuring HTTPS access with SSL.

How to access the n8n Portal:

  1. Open a web browser (Chrome, Firefox, or Edge).

  2. Enter one of the following in the address bar:

    Direct IP Access: http://110.4.47.68/ (example IP)
    Domain Access: https://alma9-n8n.mydomain.com/ (example domain)

    On first access, you will be prompted to register an account.

    - Keep your login details safe and secure.

  3. After registration, you can log in and start building workflows.


How to setup HTTPS Access (SSL):

By default, you can access n8n using the server IP with HTTP. To use HTTPS (secure access), 
you need a registered domain name pointing to your server’s IP.


Steps to Enable HTTPS:

  1. Register a Domain (e.g., example.com).

  2. After registering your domain, you have two options to point it to your server:

    Option 1 – Manage DNS yourself

    Option 2 – Use our DNS management (Exabytes)

  1. Update the Server Hostname:
    Replace your own hostname to n8n.example.com

    sudo hostnamectl set-hostname n8n.example.com
  2. Request/Renew SSL Certificate:
     Run the following command:
    bash /usr/local/bin/ssl-renew.sh

  • This script will automatically request a valid SSL certificate.

  • SSL certificates are automatically checked and renewed daily at midnight.

✅ Once complete, you can access n8n securely via:

https://n8n.example.com/

Account & Security Notes

  • Always use HTTPS for secure access.

  • Keep your username and password confidential.

  • If you forget your credentials, contact your system administrator for a reset.

  • SSL renewal runs automatically, but you can manually execute the renewal script if needed.

Troubleshooting & FAQ
1. I can access n8n using the IP, but not with HTTPS. Why?

  • HTTPS (SSL certificates) cannot be issued for bare IP addresses.

  • SSL requires a valid domain name (e.g.,n8n.example.com) that points to your server IP.

  • To use HTTPS:
    a. Register a domain.
    b. Point it to your server IP.
    c. Run the SSL setup as described above.

2. I registered an account but forgot my credentials.

  • Contact your server administrator to reset your account.

  • Note: Users or administrators can manually reset their password using the following command line:

    bash /usr/local/bin/n8n-reset-user-password.sh
3. My SSL certificate expired.

  • Certificates are automatically checked and renewed daily at midnight.

  • You can also renew manually by running:

    bash /usr/local/bin/ssl-renew.sh

4. I cannot access n8n at all.

  • Check if the service is running:

    sudo systemctl status n8n

  • If needed, restart it:

    sudo systemctl restart n8n

How to Check n8n Version:

1. Check via CLI

If n8n is installed globally (via npm or package manager):
n8n --version    OR   n8n -v


2. Check Installed Package

If installed with npm/yarn:
npm list -g n8n  OR   yarn global list | grep n8n


3. Update n8n version

To update your n8n instance to the latest version, run: 
npm update -g n8n

To install the next version:

npm install -g n8n@next