How to install n8n?

n8n is an open-source automation platform, comparable to Zapier or Make, but with full control over infrastructure and data privacy. It allows you to create visual workflows to automate tasks between different applications, databases, or APIs (e.g., triggering a webhook, transforming data, sending an email, etc.).

n8n can run in desktop mode, Docker, or as a classic server installation.

On a web hosting plan at Hodi, it is entirely possible to install and run n8n starting from the SITE PRO plan. And if you are on CYBER+, our team handles the installation for you for free upon simple request!

Step 1: Configure n8n in "Setup Node.js App"

Start by creating a subdomain to host your n8n, then go to "Setup Node.JS app" in cPanel.

Here are the settings to use during configuration:

• Node.js version: 24.x.x
• Application mode: Production
• Application root: n8n
• Application URL: the subdomain you created earlier
• Application startup file: node_modules/n8n/bin/n8n
• Passenger log file: logs/n8n.log
• Environment variables:
• N8N_HOST: 0.0.0.0
• WEBHOOK_URL: the subdomain you created (with "https://")

Once the settings are entered, click "Create".

You should have something like this:

More info on Setup Node.js App

Step 2: Install n8n via SSH

• Connect to your server via SSH
• Click on the "source ... && cd ..." line in the dark box at the top after "Enter to the virtual environment" to copy it to your clipboard
• Paste the previously copied line, and press Enter
• Type npm init -y then press Enter
• Type npm install n8n then press Enter
• Wait a moment, the installation may take a few minutes.

Step 3: Launch n8n

Once the installation is complete, go back to "Setup Node.js app" and click "Start", then visit the subdomain you created. If you see a "Cannot GET /" message on screen, it means n8n has not started yet, so reload the page after a few seconds.

Then, you will be able to create your account via the "Set up owner account" screen.

Feel free to refer to the official n8n documentation for more information.

Updated on: 14/02/2026