Self update Docker-based n8n with email approval and SSH

n8n Self-Updater Workflow

> An automated n8n workflow originally built for DigitalOcean-based n8n deployments, but fully compatible with any VPS or cloud hosting (e.g., AWS, Google Cloud, Hetzner, Linode, etc.) where n8n runs via Docker.

This workflow checks for the latest Docker image of n8n, notifies you via email for approval, and securely updates your n8n instance via SSH once approved.

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How It Works

1. Trigger: The workflow runs automatically every 3 days at 4 PM UTC (or manually if triggered). 2. Check Version: It retrieves your current n8n Docker version and image digest via SSH. 3. Compare: Fetches the remote digest from Docker Hub and compares it with the local one. 4. Notify via Email: If a new update is available, an approval email is sent with details:

Current version Local digest Remote digest What will happen after approval 5. Approval Logic:

Approve → Workflow connects via SSH and updates the n8n container automatically. Decline → Workflow ends; next check occurs in the next cycle. 6. Auto Update Execution: