How to Install n8n on CyberPanel Using Docker (Complete Step-by-Step Guide)

n8n is an open-source workflow automation platform that lets you connect apps, trigger workflows, and process data visually all without writing complex scripts.

It’s perfect for automating tasks like sending emails, syncing spreadsheets, managing leads, and more.

Typically, n8n is installed directly on a VPS (Virtual Private Server) using Node.js or Docker.

However, if you’ve already installed CyberPanel, which runs on OpenLiteSpeed, installing n8n directly can cause conflicts with ports and existing web server configurations.

Here’s the workaround: Instead of installing n8n directly on your server, you can run it inside a Docker container.

Docker creates an isolated environment that bypasses CyberPanel’s constraints, allowing you to host n8n side-by-side without interfering with other websites or services.

With this method, you still benefit from CyberPanel’s tools (like reverse proxy, SSL, and domain management), while keeping your n8n instance clean, secure, and easy to manage.

In short:
✔ You get n8n automation power
✔ You use CyberPanel’s web control features
✔ You avoid conflicts and port issues by containerizing n8n

In this guide, you’ll learn how to install n8n inside a Docker container and securely serve it through a subdomain managed by CyberPanel.

Step 1: Prerequisites and Server Preparation

Before jumping into the installation, make sure you meet the following:

✅ Requirements

• A VPS or dedicated server (Ubuntu/Debian recommended)
• CyberPanel installed and working
• Domain or subdomain pointed to your server
• Ports 80 and 443 open
• Root or sudo access via SSH

Step 2: Install Docker and Docker Compose

Log in to your server and update packages:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Then install Docker:

curl -fsSL https://get.docker.com -o get-docker.sh
sudo sh get-docker.sh

Add your user to the Docker group (optional):

sudo usermod -aG docker $USER

Install Docker Compose:

sudo apt install docker-compose -y

Verify installation:

docker --version
docker-compose --version

Step 3: Create a Subdomain in CyberPanel

1. Log in to CyberPanel
2. Go to Websites → Create Website
3. Enter your subdomain (e.g., n8n.yourdomain.com)
4. Enable SSL (Let’s Encrypt)
5. Click Create Website

Wait a few seconds and verify the domain works by visiting it in your browser.

Step 4: Set Up Docker for n8n

Create Docker Volume for Data Persistence

docker volume create n8n_data

🛠️ Define Environment Variables

These are key to secure and functional operation. You can pass them directly or use a .env file. Key ones include:

N8N_HOST=n8n.yourdomain.com
N8N_PROTOCOL=https
WEBHOOK_URL=https://n8n.yourdomain.com/
N8N_BASIC_AUTH_ACTIVE=true
N8N_BASIC_AUTH_USER=admin
N8N_BASIC_AUTH_PASSWORD=StrongPassword

Step 5: Launch n8n in Docker

Option 1: Use docker run

docker run -d \
  --name n8n \
  -p 5678:5678 \
  -v n8n_data:/home/node/.n8n \
  -e N8N_HOST="n8n.yourdomain.com" \
  -e N8N_PROTOCOL="https" \
  -e WEBHOOK_URL="https://n8n.yourdomain.com/" \
  -e N8N_BASIC_AUTH_ACTIVE="true" \
  -e N8N_BASIC_AUTH_USER="admin" \
  -e N8N_BASIC_AUTH_PASSWORD="StrongPassword" \
  --restart unless-stopped \
  n8nio/n8n

Option 2: Use Docker Compose (Recommended)

Create a file called docker-compose.yml:

version: '3'

services:
  n8n:
    image: n8nio/n8n
    restart: unless-stopped
    ports:
      - "5678:5678"
    volumes:
      - n8n_data:/home/node/.n8n
    environment:
      - N8N_HOST=n8n.yourdomain.com
      - N8N_PROTOCOL=https
      - WEBHOOK_URL=https://n8n.yourdomain.com/
      - N8N_BASIC_AUTH_ACTIVE=true
      - N8N_BASIC_AUTH_USER=admin
      - N8N_BASIC_AUTH_PASSWORD=StrongPassword

volumes:
  n8n_data:

Run:

docker-compose up -d

Step 6: Configure Reverse Proxy in CyberPanel

CyberPanel uses OpenLiteSpeed. You’ll configure it to forward web requests to your n8n Docker container.

6.1 Add External Processor

Edit OpenLiteSpeed’s configuration file:

sudo nano /usr/local/lsws/conf/httpd_config.xml

Add:

extprocessor myn8ndocker {
  type proxy
  address 127.0.0.1:5678
  maxConns 100
  initTimeout 60
  retryTimeout 0
  respBuffer 0
}

6.2 Configure vHost Rewrite Rules

Go to CyberPanel → Websites → List Websites → Manage → vHost Conf

For HTTP (port 80):

RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_URI} !^/.well-known/acme-challenge/
RewriteRule ^(.*)$ http://myn8ndocker/$1 [P,L]

For HTTPS (port 443):

RewriteEngine On
RewriteRule ^(.*)$ http://myn8ndocker/$1 [P,L]

Restart OpenLiteSpeed:

sudo service lsws restart

Step 7: Verify Installation

Visit:

https://n8n.yourdomain.com

You should see the n8n interface.

Test:

• Logging in with your credentials
• Creating a simple workflow
• Accessing webhook URLs

Step 8: Troubleshooting Tips

Best Practices

• Use basic auth or firewall rules to protect your n8n instance
• Regularly backup your Docker volumes
• Avoid exposing port 5678 directly to the internet
• Use a fixed version tag instead of latest in production
• Monitor logs: docker logs n8n

Conclusion

You’ve now successfully installed and configured n8n on CyberPanel using Docker, secured it with SSL, and made it accessible via a custom subdomain.

This setup is scalable, secure, and easy to maintain. You’re ready to start building powerful automations!