How to Self-Host n8n on Render (Step-by-Step Guide)

Self-host n8n with ease—just follow this quick guide.

Author

Jahanzaib Ahmed
May 20, 2025

If you’re looking to host your own n8n instance for workflow automation, you’re in the right place. In this tutorial, we’ll walk through the easiest and fastest way to get started—deploying n8n on Render. With just a few clicks, you’ll have your own self-hosted automation platform running in minutes.

This guide is perfect for beginners and non-developers. No prior DevOps or cloud infrastructure experience is needed.

In Part 2 of this series, we’ll cover hosting on DigitalOcean—ideal if you want more control and lower long-term costs. But for now, let’s dive into Render, the easiest option for getting started fast.

🛠 Step-by-Step: Deploy n8n on Render

1. Create a Free Account on Render

First, head over to render.com and sign up. If you already have an account, just log in.

Once inside your dashboard:

  • Click “New” → “Web Service”

  • Choose the “Deploy an existing image” option

2. Get the Official n8n Docker Image

Now, head to the official n8n Docker Hub page. Scroll down until you find the Docker image URL used in terminal commands—copy that URL.

Back in Render:

  • Paste the Docker image URL into the image field

  • Click “Continue” or “Connect”

3. Configure and Deploy the Web Service

Now, let’s configure your n8n web service:

  • Name: Give your service a name or leave the default

  • Region: Select the one closest to your audience

  • Plan:

    • Free tier: Great for testing, but it may go to sleep after inactivity

    • Starter plan ($7/month): Recommended for more stable usage

Leave other settings as default unless you have specific requirements.

Finally, click “Deploy Web Service.”

🕒 It usually takes 5–6 minutes for Render to build and launch your n8n instance.

📺 Prefer to Watch the Tutorial Instead?

Here’s the full video walkthrough to guide you visually:

🌐 Access Your n8n Instance

Once deployment is complete:

  • Render will show a public URL to access your instance

  • Click the URL (expect slow loading on free plan)

  • You’ll land on the n8n setup page

Fill in your owner credentials, create your account, and click Next.

Congratulations—you now have your very own self-hosted n8n running on Render!

🔄 Optional Tips

  • You might be asked to re-enter your credentials when logging back in. This is normal.

  • You can import existing workflows once inside your n8n dashboard.