How to Install n8n for Free on a VPS Server using aaPanel (Full Setup Guide + Script)

If you’ve ever wanted to host your own automation powerhouse like Zapier, you’ll love this guide.
In this tutorial, we’ll walk through installing n8n — the free and open-source workflow automation tool — on a VPS server using aaPanel, along with a ready-to-run installation script.

You’ll get everything you need:
✅ Install aaPanel
✅ Set up Node.js, PM2, and n8n
✅ Secure your instance with SSL (HTTPS)
✅ Access n8n via your domain
✅ Fix common setup errors

⚙️ What You’ll Need

A VPS server (I recommend Hostinger VPS Hosting)
A domain (example: n8n.yourdomain.com)
Basic Linux terminal knowledge
Root SSH access

🧩 Step 1: Connect to Your VPS

If you’re using Hostinger, you’ll find your IP and login credentials inside your VPS dashboard.

🖥️ Step 2: Install aaPanel

aaPanel is a free, user-friendly server management panel that makes it easy to handle web apps, databases, and security settings.

Run this single command to install aaPanel:

Once installed, you’ll get a login URL and credentials in the terminal — copy and save them.
Example:

🌐 Step 3: Add Your Domain & Set Up Environment

Log in to aaPanel.
Go to Website > Add Site.
Add your domain (e.g., n8n.yourdomain.com) and select:
- PHP Version: None
- Create FTP / Database: No
It will create a default directory like:

/www/wwwroot/n8n.yourdomain.com

⚡ Step 4: Run the Ready-to-Use n8n Installation Script

Now it’s time to install Node.js, PM2, and n8n in one go.
Copy and paste this entire script below into your terminal:

#!/bin/bash

# n8n Auto Installation Script
# Author: Team WPHacks

# Update system
apt update -y && apt upgrade -y

# Install Node.js (LTS)
curl -fsSL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_18.x | bash –
apt install -y nodejs build-essential

# Install PM2 for process management
npm install pm2 -g

# Create n8n directory
mkdir -p /root/.n8n && cd /root

# Install n8n globally
npm install n8n -g

# Set Environment Variables
cat <<EOF > /root/.n8n/.env
WEBHOOK_URL=https://n8n.yourdomain.com/
N8N_HOST=0.0.0.0
N8N_PORT=5678
N8N_PROTOCOL=https
EOF

# Start n8n with PM2
pm2 start n8n –name n8n
pm2 save
pm2 startup

echo “✅ n8n installation completed!”
echo “Access your instance via: https://n8n.yourdomain.com”

💡 Tip: Replace n8n.yourdomain.com in the script with your actual domain before running.

Save and run the script:

🔒 Step 5: Secure Your n8n Instance with SSL (HTTPS)

In aaPanel, go to Website → n8n.yourdomain.com → SSL
Choose Let’s Encrypt
Add your email and issue the certificate

aaPanel will automatically configure your site to use HTTPS.
After that, your n8n instance will be available at:

👉 https://n8n.yourdomain.com

🧭 Step 6: Access the n8n Dashboard

Visit your URL in the browser:

You’ll see the n8n editor interface — ready for building automation workflows.
To keep n8n running permanently, PM2 handles process restarts even after reboot.

🧰 Troubleshooting Common Errors

❌ Error: Port 5678 Already in Use

Run:

⚠️ Error: Can’t Access via Domain

Check your domain DNS points to your VPS IP.
Verify SSL certificate is active in aaPanel.
Confirm firewall allows port 80 & 443.

🔁 n8n Not Starting on Reboot

Run:

🚀 Bonus: Auto Start Script on Reboot

Add this to your crontab:

Then add the line:

🎉 Done!

You’ve successfully installed n8n on your VPS server using aaPanel, complete with HTTPS security, domain access, and auto restart with PM2.
Now you can start building automations — from WhatsApp bots to Google Sheets workflows — without relying on paid services.