Self-Host n8n in Minutes - No Terminal Commands, No Code (Step-by-Step)

Good news: It’s 2025. You don’t have to be a DevOps wizard to self-host n8n.

🔹 TL;DR: You can self-host n8n on Hostinger in just a few clicks - no terminal, no Docker, and no code. This beginner-friendly guide walks you through setting up a VPS, installing n8n, and activating a free license. Perfect for non-techies, automation geeks, and anyone tired of cloud pricing.

In this guide, I’ll show you how to self-host n8n on Hostinger in just a few minutes. No terminal. No SSH. No Docker CLI. No YAML. Just simple steps - perfect for non-techies, automation geeks, or anyone tired of Cloud pricing.

🛑 But Isn’t Self-Hosting Hard?

Normally, yes, for people who don’t know how to set up a server. Most tutorials tell you to:

• Spin up a VPS

• Install Docker via the terminal

• Run docker-compose

• Configure environment variables manually

• Pray nothing breaks

But if you're using Hostinger, there’s a shortcut. You can deploy n8n using Hostinger's App Installer and a few clicks.

Let me walk you through it.

Step 1: Log in to your Hostinger account

Go to https://auth.hostinger.com/in/login and provide your information.

Step 2: Set up VPS

Go to the VPS section and choose KVM VPS

Select server location: For me, it’s INDIA. You can choose your nearest server location

Now search for n8n in the operating system

Now, set up the root password

Now choose a plan. If Hostinger is providing price parity for your location, opt for it. I think KVM 2 is good enough.

Once you select the plan and complete the payment, the n8n hosting will be initiated automatically.

Once the setup is completed, you can go to manage the VPS

Step 3: Manage VPS

On Dashboard → VPS → Click on Manage app

Now you can set up an owner account

After setting up the owner account, Hostinger is currently providing some lifetime free features. Just enter your email ID and receive the license key within minutes.

Now go to usage and plan to activate the license using the license key received in your email.

After this, you can sign up with your owner credentials and start using n8n on your self-hosted server.

You don’t need to be a developer to self-host n8n anymore. Tools like Hostinger have made it a click-and-go easy.

Whether you’re automating lead generation, connecting Airtable and Gmail, or syncing your Notion database, n8n can handle it.

And now you can host it yourself - no terminal required.

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❓ FAQs

Can I self-host n8n without Docker or terminal access?

Yes! Hostinger’s App Installer allows you to set up n8n on a VPS without using Docker, SSH, or any command-line tools.

Is there a free version of n8n when self-hosting?

Yes. Hostinger currently offers a lifetime license key for some advanced n8n features like workflow history, folder organization, and more - just enter your email during setup to claim it.

Who should use this self-hosting method?

This guide is ideal for non-techies, no-code builders, indie hackers, and automation enthusiasts who want to control their infrastructure without touching the terminal.

How long does it take to set up?

On average, it takes about 10–15 minutes to fully deploy and configure n8n using Hostinger.

Is Hostinger the only way to self-host n8n?

No, there are other ways (e.g., DigitalOcean, Railway, Docker CLI), but Hostinger offers one of the easiest no-code paths for beginners.