How do I restore my N8N Docker setup after a failed update?

Below is an example of how you might restore your instance using Docker Compose. These commands assume you still have your original docker-compose.yml and .env files with the proper volume configuration (so your data is safe in your n8n_data volume).

Step 1. Stop and Remove the Current Containers

Stop the running containers and remove them:

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sudo docker compose down

Step 2. (Optional) Restore a Previous Version

If you suspect the latest image is causing issues and you want to revert to a previous, known-working version, update the image tag in your docker-compose.yml to that version (for example, replacing with docker.n8n.io/n8nio/n8n:0.220.1 if that was working for you) and then pull that version:

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sudo docker pull docker.n8n.io/n8nio/n8n:0.220.1

Step 3. Start Up the Containers Again

Bring up your containers, which will re-create your n8n instance using the specified version and your existing volume for data persistence:

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sudo docker compose up -d

Update Advice

To prevent issues in future updates, consider these steps:

1. Backup Your Data:
   Ensure that your Docker volume used for n8n data (n8n_data) is backed up or that you have a backup strategy in place. This way, even if an update fails, your workflows and credentials are safe.

2. Test in a Staging Environment:
   If possible, clone your current setup into a test environment. Update the clone first to verify that the new version works with your configuration.

3. Review Release Notes:
   Always check the n8n release notes and Docker update instructions in the documentation. Occasionally, updates may include breaking changes or require configuration adjustments.

4. Use Docker Compose Update Commands:
   The recommended update process for Docker Compose setups is:

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   # Pull the latest image version
   sudo docker compose pull
   
   # Stop and remove the current containers
   sudo docker compose down
   
   # Start the containers with the updated image
   sudo docker compose up -d

Using these steps should help you restore your instance and update with fewer headaches. Let me know if you need any further details related to the Docker or n8n configuration!