Step-by-step guide to canceling your n8n Cloud subscription without losing your automations. Includes backup methods for migrating to self-hosted instances.
Youre Not StuckHeres Your Way Out
Maybe you spun up self-hosted n8n and dont need to pay for Cloud anymore. Maybe youre trimming SaaS. Either way, canceling wont nuke your work on day one. Heres exactly how to cancel and safely take your workflows with you.
Your workflows remain active until the billing period endsuse that window to back up everything.
TL;DR: The Quick Version
- Where to cancel: Admin Panel Manage Cancel plan type CANCEL Confirm
- Your workflows dont vanish immediately: They stay until your billing cycle ends.
- Backup is easy: Open workflow Command/Ctrl+A Command/Ctrl+C paste into your new instance.
- Credentials dont transfer: Reconnect API keys/OAuth manually for security.
Good to know
You can downgrade to the Free plan instead of canceling if light usage fits your needs. It avoids the deletion deadline entirely.
The Cancellation Process (Seriously, Its Not Hidden)
Open your n8n Cloud dashboard Admin Panel Manage tab click Cancel plan. Type CANCEL, then confirm on the final screen with Cancel subscription. Theres a short exit survey you can skip. Total time: about two minutes.
Before canceling, test migrating one workflow and reconnecting credentials to confirm your new setup works.
What Actually Happens to Your Data
After cancellation, your workspace remains active until the end of your current billing cycle. The Manage page shows a scheduled removal date (for example, Set for removal on 22 Dec). During this window, all workflows remain accessible and runnable.
When the billing cycle ends, n8n deletes the entire workspace: workflows, credentials, and execution history. Theres no recovery after deletion.
Warning…
The deletion is permanent. After your billing cycle ends, n8n cannot recover your workspace, workflows, credentials, or execution history.
How to Back Up Your Workflows (Fast)
- Open a workflow in the editor.
- Press Command+A (Mac) or Ctrl+A (Windows) to select all nodes.
- Press Command+C (Mac) or Ctrl+C (Windows) to copy. Look for Copied to clipboard confirmation.
- In your new instance, create a blank workflow and press Command+V / Ctrl+V to paste.
- Repeat for each workflow you want to keep.
Migration is copypaste simple; the real work is reconnecting credentials in your new environment.
The One Thing That Wont Transfer (Credentials)
n8n separates credentials from workflows for security. When you paste a workflow into a new instance, the credential names are referenced, but the actual keys/tokens are not copied.
- Open each node with a credential warning.
- Create/select the correct credential (API key, OAuth, service account JSON, etc.).
- Save and re-run to verify authentication.
Heads up
Credentials dont migrate for security. Expect to spend most of your time reconnecting services like Stripe, Gmail, Slack, and more.
Before You Cancel: Do This First
- Back up every workflow. If you might need it, copy it.
- Document credential requirements. List which services and auth types each workflow uses.
- Save execution history if needed. Export or copy logs you require for audits/debugging.
- Test one migration to validate your self-hosted (or new Cloud) setup before canceling.
- Plan the cutover date. Dont wait until the final day of your billing cycle.
| Workflows | Estimated Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | ~15 minutes | Biggest delay is credential reconnection. |
| 20 | ~45 70 minutes | Batch paste, then reconnect credentials by service. |
| 50 | ~2 hours | Consider a checklist to track credential re-links. |
Why People Actually Cancel (And Why It Makes Sense)
n8n Cloud pricing makes sense if you want managed hosting. But if you run workflows constantly and have server capacity, self-hosting can cut costs and give you full control of your data and uptime.
Pick what you value most: managed convenience or maximum control. Your workflows run either way.
FAQ
Can I recover workflows after cancellation if I forget to back up?
No. After deletion, the workspace is gone. Back up during your active billing window.
Do I lose execution history?
Yes. Logs are removed with the workspace. Save any required audit/debug records beforehand.
What if I want to keep workflows but cut costs?
Try the Free plan for light usage to avoid deletion pressure while keeping your workspace alive.
Does self-hosted sync with Cloud?
No. Youre manually copying workflows. Changes dont sync between environments.
How long does backup take?
Copypaste is minutes; credentials take longer. Budget 15 minutes for 5 workflows, up to ~2 hours for 50.
