You have successfully self-hosted n8n, giving you full control over your automation workflows without relying on third-party platforms.
However, self-hosting comes with its own considerations: knowing exactly how to access your instance, whether it’s running on your local machine, VPS, or cloud, is critical. Proper access ensures smooth workflow management, secure connections, and uninterrupted automation.
In this guide, we will cover practical steps to reach your n8n dashboard in different hosting environments, including tips for secure and convenient access.
By the end, you will have a clear, actionable approach to managing your self-hosted n8n instance efficiently.
➢ Accessing n8n on Localhost
If n8n is running on your own computer, here’s how you can access it:
➔ Simply open any web browser, such as Chrome, Firefox, or Edge.
➔ You need to enter the Localhost URL by typing http://localhost:5678 into the address bar and pressing Enter.
➔ On your first visit, you will need to create an admin account to initialize and secure your n8n instance.
Also Read: How to Manually Install n8n on Ubuntu?
➢ Accessing Self-Hosted n8n on a VPS
If your n8n is running on a VPS:
➔ Open your browser from any device.
➔ Enter your server’s IP with the port: http://<your-vps-ip>:5678.
➔ The welcome screen will appear, where you can set up your admin account.
➔ After creating your account, log in to start using n8n.
Also Read: How to Set a Custom Domain for n8n on VPS?
➢ Accessing Self-Hosted n8n on the Cloud
If your instance is hosted on a cloud server:
➔ Open your browser.
➔ Go to http://<cloud-server-ip>:5678 or your custom domain if configured.
➔ The welcome screen will ask you to create an admin account.
➔ You must complete the setup and sign in to your secure n8n instance.
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Conclusion
Accessing your self-hosted n8n instance is simple: just open the right URL depending on whether you are on localhost, VPS, or cloud. On your first visit, you will be prompted to create an admin account, a crucial step for securing your automation hub.
Once set up, you are ready to explore n8n’s powerful workflow automation features with complete control and confidence.