How to Upgrade n8n Deployed with Docker Compose on DigitalOcean

This guide walks you through upgrading your n8n Docker Compose setup. It covers locating your Docker Compose file, pulling the latest images, and restarting your services safely.

1. Connect to Your Server

Open your terminal and SSH into your server:

ssh root@your-server-ip

2. Locate Your docker-compose.yml File

Most Docker Compose deployments have a docker-compose.yml or compose.yml file.
If you don’t remember where it is, search for it:

find / -name 'docker-compose.yml' 2>/dev/null

Wait for the command to finish. Note the directory containing the file. For example:

/opt/n8n-docker-caddy/docker-compose.yml

3. Change Directory to the Compose File Location

Move into the directory where your docker-compose.yml file is:

cd /opt/n8n-docker-caddy

4. Upgrade n8n Using Docker Compose

Run the following commands in the directory with your compose file:

  1. Pull the latest images:

    docker compose pull

  2. Stop and remove the existing containers:

    docker compose down

  3. Start the new containers:

    docker compose up -d

This will:

  • Download the latest images for your services,

  • Safely stop and remove your running containers,

  • Restart everything with the updated versions.

5. (Optional) Run Compose Commands from Anywhere

If you don’t want to change directories, use the -f option to specify your compose file:

docker compose -f /opt/n8n-docker-caddy/docker-compose.yml pull docker compose -f /opt/n8n-docker-caddy/docker-compose.yml down docker compose -f /opt/n8n-docker-caddy/docker-compose.yml up -d

6. Verify Everything Is Running

Check your containers’ status:

docker compose ps

or

docker ps

Visit your n8n instance in the browser to ensure it’s up and running.

Troubleshooting

  • Error: no configuration file provided: not found

    • Solution: Make sure you’re running the command in the folder that contains docker-compose.yml, or specify the file with -f.

  • Persistent issues: Check the container logs:

    docker compose logs -f

Summary

  • Always find your docker-compose.yml first.

  • Run Docker Compose commands in that directory, or specify the file with -f.

  • Upgrade process is pull → down → up -d.

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