n8n is a powerful open-source workflow automation tool that allows you to connect APIs, automate repetitive tasks, and build integrations without writing extensive code. However, like any software, it occasionally throws errors that can be confusing for new users. One common issue is the dreaded “Access to the file is not allowed” error. This error typically pops up when you’re working with file-based nodes like Read Binary File, Move Binary Data, or Write Binary File. If you’ve run into this problem, you’re not alone — and the good news is, it’s completely fixable.

Understanding the Error

The first step to fixing an error is understanding what it means. The “Access to the file is not allowed” message usually occurs when n8n is unable to access the file path you’ve provided. Since n8n runs on a server (or in Docker, cloud environments, or local instances), it can only access files that are inside specific directories. If you try to access files outside of its allowed directory scope, n8n will block the action for security reasons.

Why This Error Happens

There are several reasons why this error might occur:

Incorrect File Path: The path you entered may be wrong or misspelled.
File Permission Issues: The file might exist, but n8n’s user does not have permission to read or write it.
Outside Allowed Directory: n8n restricts file access to certain folders for security reasons. If your file is outside these folders, you’ll get this error.
Docker or Cloud Deployment Limitations: If you’re running n8n in Docker or a cloud service, the container might not even have access to your local machine’s filesystem.

Step-by-Step Fixes

Here’s a detailed guide to solving this error. Follow each step carefully, and you’ll have n8n accessing your files in no time.

1. Check the File Path

The simplest cause is a typo. Double-check the file path you provided in the node configuration. Make sure you are using the correct absolute or relative path. If you’re running n8n locally, try copying the file path directly from your file explorer to avoid mistakes.

2. Verify File Permissions

Even if the path is correct, n8n needs permission to access the file. If you’re on Linux or macOS, run:

ls -l /path/to/your/file

Ensure the user running n8n has the right permissions. You can adjust permissions with:

chmod 644 /path/to/your/file

This makes the file readable by everyone (but only writable by the owner). Be careful with permissions in production environments — follow your security guidelines.

3. Use the Correct n8n Data Folder

n8n restricts access to specific directories for security reasons. By default, it allows access to the /home/node/.n8n/ directory (or a custom directory you configure). If you need to use files from another folder, you have two options:

Move your file into the allowed folder, and reference it from there.
Update the environment variable N8N_FILESYSTEM_PATH to include the directory you want n8n to access.

4. Configure Docker Volumes Correctly

If you’re running n8n inside Docker, you must mount the host directory into the container. For example:

docker run -it --rm \n  -v ~/.n8n:/home/node/.n8n \n  -v /path/to/your/files:/files \n  -p 5678:5678 n8nio/n8n

This maps your host folder /path/to/your/files into the container at /files. Then, in n8n, reference your files using the /files path.

5. Check for Cloud Storage Alternatives

If you are running n8n in a hosted environment (like n8n.cloud or Kubernetes), direct file system access might not be possible. In these cases, use cloud storage nodes like S3, Google Drive, or Dropbox to store and retrieve files.

6. Review n8n’s Security Settings

n8n includes several environment variables that control file access. The most relevant one is:

N8N_FILESYSTEM_PATH=/home/node/.n8n

You can modify this variable in your deployment configuration to point to another directory. Make sure the new directory exists and has the correct permissions before restarting n8n.

Best Practices to Avoid This Error

While the above steps fix the issue, it’s better to prevent it altogether. Here are some best practices:

Organize Your Files: Keep all automation-related files in a dedicated folder that n8n can access.
Use Environment Variables: Set N8N_FILESYSTEM_PATH early in your project to avoid confusion later.
Document File Paths: Keep a reference document of where critical files live, so your team doesn’t break workflows accidentally.
Use Cloud Storage: For distributed teams or containerized environments, using cloud storage reduces file access headaches.

Advanced Troubleshooting Tips

If the error persists even after checking paths, permissions, and environment variables, try the following advanced techniques:

Enable Debug Mode: Start n8n with N8N_LOG_LEVEL=debug to see detailed logs. This can reveal exactly where the access check is failing.
Inspect Docker Container: If using Docker, exec into the container and manually check the file’s presence: docker exec -it <container_id> ls /files
Update n8n: Bugs are fixed regularly. Make sure you’re running the latest version of n8n.
Check File Encoding: If working with binary data, ensure your file isn’t corrupted or encoded in a way n8n can’t read.

Conclusion

The “Access to the file is not allowed” error in n8n can be frustrating, but it’s usually easy to fix once you know where to look. The key is understanding how n8n interacts with the filesystem and ensuring your workflow nodes point to files that are accessible. Whether you’re running n8n locally, in Docker, or in the cloud, following the steps in this guide will help you eliminate the error and keep your automations running smoothly.

By adopting best practices — like organizing your files, setting proper environment variables, and leveraging cloud storage when necessary — you can prevent this error from disrupting your workflows in the future.

Have you run into this error before? Share your experience and solutions in the comments to help other n8n users troubleshoot faster.

How to Fix “Access to the File is Not Allowed” Error in n8n