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How to Install n8n on a Synology NAS Device

Introduction

In the era of digital transformation, automation has become an essential tool for improving efficiency and reducing repetitive tasks. From sending notifications to syncing data across apps, automation helps individuals and businesses save time and avoid human error. Among the many automation platforms available, n8n stands out as a powerful, open-source, low-code workflow automation tool that allows users to create complex workflows easily by connecting various applications and services.

But why run n8n on a Synology NAS? Synology NAS devices are popular home and small business servers designed for continuous operation, with built-in storage redundancy, backup capabilities, and strong security features. Using your NAS to self-host n8n means you keep complete control over your automation data and environment without relying on third-party cloud providers. This is especially important if you prioritize data privacy, want to avoid recurring cloud costs, or want to customize your automation server.

This blog post will guide you through installing n8n on your Synology NAS using Docker, a container platform that simplifies software deployment by packaging applications and their dependencies together. Docker enables you to run n8n isolated from other system processes, making it easier to manage, update, and secure.

By the end of this guide, you will have a reliable, self-hosted automation platform running on your always-on Synology NAS, ready to help you streamline tasks and integrate services.

Prerequisites

Before proceeding, ensure you have the following:

Synology NAS Specifications

  • DSM 7.x or later: Docker support and many advanced features are better on DSM 7 or newer. While earlier versions may support Docker, DSM 7’s UI and security features enhance the experience.
  • Intel/AMD CPU architecture: Docker images for n8n require an x86-64 (Intel/AMD) processor. Many Synology NAS models come with ARM processors, which are not compatible with official Docker images of n8n. Confirm your NAS’s CPU architecture in Control Panel > Info Center.
  • Sufficient RAM: Although n8n isn’t resource-intensive, at least 2GB of RAM is recommended to ensure smooth container operation alongside your NAS’s usual processes.

User Access and Software

  • Administrator access: You need admin rights on your Synology DSM to install Docker and manage containers.
  • Docker installed: If not already installed, Docker must be added via Synology’s Package Center.
  • Basic technical familiarity: While this guide is beginner-friendly, understanding DSM navigation and some terminal basics will help you troubleshoot if needed.

Step 1: Install Docker on Your Synology NAS

Docker is the foundation for running n8n in an isolated environment. Here’s a detailed walkthrough for installing Docker:

  1. Open Package Center: From your DSM desktop, click the Package Center icon. This is the official repository for Synology apps and packages.
  2. Search for Docker: In the search bar, type Docker. It should appear as an official Synology package.
  3. Install Docker: Click the Install button and wait for the package to download and set up.
  4. Launch Docker: Once installed, open Docker from the main menu. You’ll see an interface with tabs for Registry, Images, Containers, and more.

Why Docker?

Docker allows applications like n8n to run in containers — lightweight, portable environments encapsulating everything the app needs. This means you don’t have to manually install dependencies or worry about system conflicts.

Step 2: Create a Persistent Folder for n8n

Persistence is critical in containerized applications because Docker containers are ephemeral by default. If you don’t mount a persistent volume, your data and configurations are lost when the container stops or updates. To avoid this:

  1. Open File Station: This is Synology’s file management tool, accessible from the DSM desktop.
  2. Create a new shared folder: For clarity and organization, create a new shared folder named /docker. Inside /docker, create another folder named /n8n.
  3. Create subfolders: Within /docker/n8n, create:
    • /docker/n8n/data — n8n stores workflow definitions, user data, and execution information here.
    • /docker/n8n/.n8n — optional but useful if you want to store environment variables or custom configurations persistently.

Why is this important?

  • Data safety: Your workflows and credentials persist even if you remove or upgrade the container.
  • Easy backups: You can back up the /docker/n8n folder regularly as part of your NAS’s backup routine.
  • Simplified upgrades: When upgrading the Docker container, your data remains untouched, preventing downtime or loss.

Step 3: Launch n8n via Docker

Now it’s time to download the official n8n Docker image.

  1. Open the Docker app on your NAS.
  2. Go to the Registry tab, which is the interface to Docker Hub’s vast library of container images.
  3. In the search bar, enter n8nio/n8n.
  4. Select the official image from the list (usually the first result) and click Download.
  5. Wait for the download to complete. The image size is around 200-300MB, so it should be quick on a decent connection.

What happens next?

The Docker image contains the n8n application and all dependencies, ready to be deployed on your NAS. Having this image locally means you can create multiple containers or update n8n by simply downloading new image versions.

Step 4: Configure and Run the Container

This step is crucial because the way you configure your container affects usability, security, and data persistence.

  1. Go to the Image tab in the Docker app.
  2. Select n8nio/n8n and click Launch.
  3. Give the container a recognizable name, such as n8n.

Volume Mapping

Map your NAS folder /docker/n8n to /home/node/.n8n inside the container. This tells Docker where to store the app’s data persistently.

  • Local folder: /docker/n8n
  • Container folder: /home/node/.n8n

Port Configuration

By default, n8n listens on port 5678. Map the container’s port 5678 to the same port on your NAS:

  • Local port: 5678
  • Container port: 5678

If port 5678 is already in use, select another available port (e.g., 5679) and remember to access n8n using that port.

Environment Variables

Setting environment variables configures n8n’s runtime behavior and security:

  • N8N_BASIC_AUTH_USER and N8N_BASIC_AUTH_PASSWORD: These enable basic authentication, requiring a username and password to access the n8n UI. This is highly recommended, especially if you expose n8n outside your local network.
  • N8N_HOST: Your NAS IP or domain name. Useful when exposing n8n to the internet.
  • WEBHOOK_URL: The public URL where n8n’s webhook nodes will be reachable.
  • Other optional variables like N8N_PROTOCOL, N8N_PORT can also be set for advanced configuration.

Restart Policy

Set the container to auto-restart on failure or always restart. This ensures n8n remains available after NAS reboots or if the container crashes.

Launch and Verify

After confirming the settings, click Apply to start the container. It might take a few seconds to initialize. You can verify the container status under the Container tab.

Step 5: Accessing n8n

Once the container is running:

  1. Open a browser on any device connected to your network.
  2. Navigate to http://<YourNASIP>:5678 (replace <YourNASIP> with your NAS’s local IP address).
  3. If basic auth is enabled, enter your username and password.
  4. You will see the n8n dashboard, an intuitive drag-and-drop workflow builder.

Getting Started with n8n

  • Create new workflows by clicking the “New Workflow” button.
  • Add nodes that represent apps or functions, then connect them visually.
  • Use triggers like HTTP requests, timers, or external events to start workflows.
  • Experiment with integrations for popular apps like Gmail, Slack, Dropbox, and many more.

Optional: Set Up Reverse Proxy for External Access

If you want to access n8n from outside your home network, setting up a reverse proxy with SSL encryption is highly recommended for security.

Why use a reverse proxy?

  • Security: It encrypts data between your browser and n8n using HTTPS.
  • Convenience: Access n8n via a friendly URL instead of an IP and port.
  • Port Management: Avoid exposing raw ports to the internet.

How to set it up on Synology DSM

  1. Open Control Panel and navigate to Application Portal > Reverse Proxy.
  2. Click Create and configure:
    • Source: Protocol HTTPS, hostname like n8n.yourdomain.com, and port 443.
    • Destination: Protocol HTTP, hostname localhost or NAS IP, port 5678.
  3. Apply an SSL certificate via Control Panel > Security > Certificate. You can obtain free certificates via Let’s Encrypt directly through DSM.

Make sure your domain’s DNS points to your NAS’s public IP.

Tips & Best Practices

1. Regularly Update the Docker Image

Keep your n8n instance secure and feature-rich by updating the Docker image regularly:

  • In the Docker app, go to the Registry tab.
  • Search for n8nio/n8n and download the latest version.
  • Stop and remove the old container, then recreate it with the new image while preserving volume mappings.

2. Backup Your Data Folder

Your workflows and credentials are stored in /docker/n8n. Back up this folder regularly using Synology’s Hyper Backup or similar tools. This protects you against disk failures or accidental data loss.

3. Use a Dedicated Database for Production Use

By default, n8n uses SQLite, which is fine for testing and small-scale automations. For better performance, reliability, and concurrency, consider setting up an external database such as MariaDB or PostgreSQL on your NAS:

  • Install MariaDB from the Package Center.
  • Create a database and user for n8n.
  • Pass database connection environment variables to the Docker container (e.g., DB_TYPE, DB_MYSQLDB_DATABASE, DB_MYSQLDB_USER, etc.).

4. Secure Credentials Properly

Avoid storing sensitive environment variables directly in the container UI. Instead, use .env files mounted inside the container or Synology’s secrets management features. This reduces risk in case your DSM interface is compromised.

5. Monitor Logs and Performance

Use the Docker container Logs tab to troubleshoot errors or check workflow execution details. Also, keep an eye on NAS CPU and memory usage, especially if running multiple containers.

Troubleshooting

Common Issues and Solutions

  • Port Conflicts: If the local port you selected is already in use, change it to another open port.
  • Container Won’t Start: This is often due to volume permission problems. Ensure the Docker user has full read/write access to /docker/n8n.
  • Workflow Saving Errors: Check that your volume is mounted correctly and is writable.
  • Network Issues: Ensure your NAS firewall or router isn’t blocking ports needed by Docker.
  • Logs Not Showing: Verify you are looking at the correct container logs in the Docker UI.

If problems persist, consult community forums:

Conclusion

Running n8n on a Synology NAS unlocks the power of self-hosted automation with flexibility, security, and control. Your NAS, designed to be always-on and reliable, is the perfect host for your automation workflows, allowing you to automate everything from notifications to data processing without depending on third-party cloud platforms.

Whether you are a hobbyist looking to automate daily tasks or a small business wanting to integrate services like Gmail, Slack, and Notion, n8n on Synology NAS provides an accessible and powerful platform.

By following this guide, you’ve set up Docker, created persistent storage, configured the container, and accessed your automation platform. You’ve also learned how to secure it with authentication, back up your data, and extend it for advanced use cases.

Take the next step by exploring n8n’s growing list of integrations and advanced workflow features. Automate smarter, save time, and keep control — all from your Synology NAS.