How to Set Up n8n Cloud in 2026 - Step by Step | n8n Cloud vs Self-Hosting

Overview

In this lesson, you will learn how to set up n8n Cloud quickly and easily, and understand the key differences between using n8n Cloud versus self-hosting your own n8n instance. You will also be guided through the user registration process on n8n Cloud and get a first look at the n8n interface to prepare you for building your own workflows.

For those new to the platform, you might find it helpful to review What is n8n and Why It's the Best to understand the core benefits of n8n automation.

Why Choose n8n Cloud or Self-Hosting?

Before diving into the setup, it’s important to understand the two primary ways to use n8n:

1. n8n Cloud Platform

• Pros:

  • Easiest and quickest way to get started with automation.
  • No installation or infrastructure management needed.
  • Thousands of pre-built templates and integrations available.
  • Ideal for beginners or users who want to avoid server management.
  • You can start immediately after registration.

• Cons:

  • Free tier has limited usage and features.
  • Paid subscription required for higher usage.
  • Less control over your data and automation logic since everything is hosted on n8n’s servers.

2. Self-Hosting n8n

• Pros:

  • Full control over your data and workflow logic.
  • Customizable environment tailored to your needs.
  • No subscription fees apart from your server costs.
  • Better suited for technical users who want flexibility.

• Cons:

  • Requires technical knowledge to set up and maintain.
  • You are responsible for security, backups, and uptime.

If you are interested in managing your own instance, consider checking out our guide on how to Install n8n via npm/Node.js. This will help you get started with self-hosting n8n on your local machine.

Recommendation: If you are new to automation or want to start quickly, n8n Cloud is the best choice. If you want more control and are comfortable managing servers, self-hosting is ideal.

For businesses looking to grow, exploring how to Scale n8n with Enterprise Features can provide insights into advanced capabilities and security options.

How to Register for n8n Cloud: Step-by-Step

As demonstrated in the video, setting up an n8n Cloud account is simple and can be completed in minutes.

Steps to Register

1. Open n8n Official Website

   • Navigate to https://n8n.io in your browser.

2. Click "Get Started for Free"

   • This will take you to the registration form.

3. Fill in Your Details

   • Name: Enter your full name.
   • Company Email: Use a valid company or professional email address.
   • Password: Create a secure password you can remember.
   • Account Name: Choose a unique name for your workspace URL (e.g., yourcompanynameapp).

4. Review Workspace URL

   • Your workspace will be accessible at youraccountname.n8n.cloud.

5. Subscribe to Newsletter (Optional)

   • You can opt-in to receive updates and news.

6. Start Free 14-Day Trial

   • Click the button to begin your trial. No credit card is required upfront.

7. Complete the Setup Survey

   • Answer a few questions about your team, company size, coding experience, and how you found n8n. This helps n8n tailor your experience.

8. Skip or Add Team Members

   • You can invite team members now or skip this step and add them later.

9. Access Your Workspace

   • After setup, your n8n workspace will be ready, and you can start creating workflows immediately.

For more detailed information on the registration process and account management, refer to the official n8n documentation.

Exploring the n8n Cloud Interface

Once logged in, you’ll see the n8n interface, which is designed to be intuitive and beginner-friendly.

Key Interface Elements

• Workspace URL: Displayed at the top — confirms your unique workspace location.
• Create Workflow Button: Opens a blank canvas for building your automation.
• Workflow Canvas: Drag and drop nodes here to build your automation logic.
• Sidebar Menus: Access workflows, credentials, settings, and more.

As you build workflows, you will interact mainly with nodes, which represent individual actions or triggers. Understanding how to use nodes effectively is crucial, and the n8n Merge node documentation can be a helpful resource for combining data from multiple sources.

Quick Tips for Getting Started with n8n Cloud

• Use the pre-built templates to jumpstart common automation scenarios.
• Start with simple workflows to understand how nodes connect.
• Use the trigger nodes to define when your workflow runs automatically.
• Explore the credentials manager to securely connect your apps and services.

Common Mistakes When Setting Up n8n Cloud

• Using a personal email instead of a company email: The registration requires a professional email address.
• Choosing a non-unique account name: Your workspace URL must be unique; otherwise, registration will fail.
• Skipping the survey: While optional, completing it helps customize your experience.
• Not noting your workspace URL: You’ll need this URL to access your workflows later.
• Ignoring subscription limits: The free tier has usage limits; monitor your usage to avoid unexpected charges.

Troubleshooting Registration Issues

• Cannot register with email: Confirm you are using a valid company email and check your spam folder for confirmation emails.
• Workspace name already taken: Try a different, unique name or add numbers/words to your desired name.
• No confirmation email received: Check spam/junk folders and ensure your email provider is not blocking n8n emails.
• Browser issues: Try using a private/incognito window or a different browser if the signup form is not loading.

Next Steps After Setup

Once your n8n Cloud workspace is ready, you can:

1. Click Create Workflow to start building.
2. Drag and drop nodes such as triggers, actions, and utilities.
3. Configure nodes by setting credentials and parameters.
4. Test workflow execution.
5. Activate the workflow to run automatically.

This lesson sets the foundation for deeper understanding of nodes, triggers, workflow execution, and more, which will be covered in upcoming lessons.

For advanced workflow management and security, consider exploring how to Scale n8n with Enterprise Features.

Additional Resources

• Official n8n Cloud documentation: https://docs.n8n.io/getting-started/
• n8n Cloud pricing and plans: https://n8n.io/pricing

Quick Reference: n8n Cloud Setup Cheat Sheet

By following this guide, you will have your n8n Cloud environment ready and be prepared to build powerful automations with confidence.