Your workflows are safe. The n8n user-management:reset command wipes user accounts but preserves all workflows, credentials, and execution history. This is the single most important thing to know before you panic.
The CLI Reset Method
For Docker installations, run this command:
docker exec -it -u node <container_name> n8n user-management:reset
Replace <container_name> with your actual container name (find it with docker ps).
The -u node flag is critical. The command must execute as the node user, not root. Running as root will fail silently or throw permission errors.
After running the command, restart your container and visit your n8n URL. You'll see the initial setup screen where you can create a new admin account.
For npm installations, navigate to your n8n directory and run:
n8n user-management:reset
Then restart the n8n process.
Environment Variable Override
If you can't access the CLI or the reset command fails, you can temporarily disable authentication entirely by setting this environment variable:
N8N_USER_MANAGEMENT_DISABLED=true
Add this to your .env file or Docker Compose configuration, restart n8n, access your instance without login, then remove the variable and set up a new admin account.
This approach works when you need immediate access but should only be temporary - running n8n without authentication exposes your workflows and credentials.
When SMTP Isn't Configured
Most self-hosted n8n instances lack SMTP configuration, which is exactly why the "Forgot Password" link does nothing useful. The reset email has nowhere to go.
Two options here:
Option 1: Configure SMTP after the fact. Add these environment variables, restart n8n, then use the password reset flow:
N8N_EMAIL_MODE=smtp
N8N_SMTP_HOST=smtp.yourprovider.com
N8N_SMTP_PORT=587
N8N_SMTP_USER=your-email@domain.com
N8N_SMTP_PASS=your-password
N8N_SMTP_SENDER=noreply@yourdomain.com
Option 2: Use the CLI reset. Faster if you have terminal access. No email configuration required.
n8n Cloud vs Self-Hosted
n8n Cloud has built-in password recovery through the standard "Forgot Password" flow - SMTP is already configured on their infrastructure. This article doesn't apply to cloud users.
Self-hosted instances require CLI access because you control the infrastructure. This is the tradeoff: more control means more responsibility for recovery scenarios.
Hostinger VPS Specific Steps
If you're running n8n on Hostinger VPS, the process differs slightly. Access your VPS through the browser terminal, then:
cd /docker/n8n
docker exec -it -u node n8n n8n user-management:reset
The container is typically named n8n by default on Hostinger installations.
What Gets Preserved
After a password reset:
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All workflows remain intact
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All credentials (API keys, OAuth tokens) stay configured
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Execution history persists
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Settings and configurations unchanged
What gets wiped:
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All user accounts (admin and any additional users)
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User-specific settings
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API keys generated for users
If you had multiple users, they'll all need to be recreated after the reset.
FAQ
Will I lose my workflows if I reset my password?
No. The user-management:reset command only affects user accounts. Workflows, credentials, and execution data are stored separately and remain untouched.
The reset command runs but nothing happens. What's wrong?
You're likely running as root instead of the node user. Add -u node to your docker exec command. Also ensure you restart the container after running the command.
Can I reset a specific user's password without wiping all users?
Not through CLI. The command resets the entire user management system. For individual password resets, you need SMTP configured and use the built-in password reset flow.
I don't have Docker access. Any alternatives?
If you're using a managed hosting service, check their control panel for terminal access or contact their support. For npm installations, you need shell access to the server where n8n is running.
How do I prevent this from happening again?
Configure SMTP during initial setup. Even a free service like Gmail SMTP works. This enables the standard password reset flow and saves you CLI troubleshooting in the future.
Running into repeated n8n issues or want someone else to handle the infrastructure? n8n Logic provides managed n8n automation services - we handle the hosting, maintenance, and troubleshooting so you can focus on building workflows.
