How to Install n8n on cPanel Hosting: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Install n8n on cPanel

If you are looking to automate workflows and supercharge your productivity, n8n is a fantastic open-source automation tool you should try. This comprehensive tutorial will walk you through installing n8n on your shared cPanel hosting account and getting it running smoothly with SSL support using a dedicated subdomain.

What is n8n?

n8n is an advanced workflow automation tool that lets you visually build complex workflows by integrating hundreds of apps and APIs without writing code. It's a self-hosted alternative to Zapier that gives you full control over your data and workflows.

Requirements

Before you start, ensure you have:

• cPanel Cloud Hosting account with Node.js support (minimum Node.js 22.14.0)
• Access to Terminal (Shell) via cPanel
• AutoSSL or valid SSL certificates enabled
• Basic knowledge of cPanel interface

Step 1: Buy Cloud Hosting With Node.js support (minimum Node.js 22.14.0)

Before installing n8n, you'll need a cloud hosting account. Here's how to get started:

1. Visit Creators Choice Host Cloud Hosting
2. Choose a suitable plan - We recommend at least the Basic plan for n8n
3. Select your billing cycle (monthly, quarterly, or yearly)
4. Add to cart and proceed to checkout
5. Complete registration - Fill in your details and create an account
6. Choose payment method - Pay using UPI, Credit/Debit Card, or Net Banking
7. Complete payment and wait for account activation (usually instant)
8. Check your email for cPanel login credentials

Step 2: Create a Subdomain

We'll set up a dedicated subdomain for n8n, e.g., n8n.yourdomain.com to avoid conflicts with your main website.

1. Log in to your cPanel dashboard using credentials received via email
2. Navigate to Domains → Subdomains
3. Enter n8n as the subdomain
4. Select your main domain
5. Document root will automatically populate – leave it as is
6. Click Create
7. Wait 10-15 minutes for DNS propagation

Step 3: Enable SSL for Your Subdomain

To secure your n8n instance:

1. Go to Security → SSL/TLS Status in cPanel
2. Find and select your new subdomain n8n.yourdomain.com
3. Click Run AutoSSL
4. Wait a few minutes for SSL to be issued

Step 4: Set Up Node.js Application

1. Navigate to Software → Setup Node.js App in cPanel
2. Click Create Application
3. Choose Node.js version 22.14.0 or above
4. Set Application mode to Development (change later to Production)
5. Application root set to your subdomain document root (e.g., n8n)
6. Application URL should show your subdomain
7. Startup file defaults to app.js – we'll change this
8. Click Create
9. Copy the environment activation command shown

Step 5: Install n8n Using Terminal

1. Open Terminal from cPanel
2. Paste the environment activation command copied in the previous step
3. Confirm you are inside the application directory
4. Initialize the project:
   npm init -y
5. Install n8n:
   npm install n8n

   ⚠️ Note: It may take several minutes. Retry if it times out

6. Confirm: node_modules/n8n/bin/n8n exists

Step 6: Configure Application Settings

1. Return to Node.js app settings
2. Change Startup file to: node_modules/n8n/bin/n8n
3. Set Application mode to Production

Step 7: Set Environment Variables

Add these critical variables in your Node.js application settings:

Step 8: Start the Application

1. Click Restart or Start App in Node.js App
2. Wait 2-3 minutes for it to fully start
3. Access your instance at: https://n8n.yourdomain.com
4. You should see the login prompt. Use the credentials defined in environment variables.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

503 Service Unavailable Errors

• Ensure the app status is running
• Verify the startup file is exactly node_modules/n8n/bin/n8n
• Check all environment variables are correctly set

SSL Certificate Errors

• Confirm AutoSSL is running and complete
• Wait for DNS propagation (up to 24 hours)
• Test DNS resolution using online tools

Installation Timeouts

• Retry npm install n8n multiple times
• Use the environment activation command before each retry
• Try during off-peak hours for better performance

Node.js Version Warnings

• Use Node.js 22.14.0 or above for best compatibility
• Ignore EBADENGINE warnings – n8n will still function

Maintenance and Updates

To keep your n8n installation updated:

1. Access terminal with Node environment active
2. Run update command:
   npm update n8n
3. Restart your Node.js application in cPanel

Limitations on Cloud Hosting

Be aware of these Cloud Hosting constraints:

• Memory limitations may restrict complex workflows
• Process timeouts can affect long-running operations
• WebSocket restrictions may impact real-time features
• Community nodes may not install due to compilation requirements

When to Consider VPS Hosting

Upgrade to VPS if you experience:

• Frequent application crashes or 503 errors
• Memory limit exceeded errors consistently
• Need for community nodes requiring compilation
• High-volume workflow processing requirements

Security Best Practices

1. Use strong authentication credentials
2. Enable HTTPS only (set N8N_PROTOCOL to https)
3. Regularly update n8n to latest version
4. Monitor access logs for suspicious activity
5. Use secure webhook URLs for external integrations