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Troubleshooting

Fix common issues and workflow problems

Troubleshooting Guide

Quick solutions to the most common problems you might encounter with Supern8n workflows.

Quick Diagnostics

Before diving into specific issues, run through this quick checklist:

  • Is your n8n instance running and accessible?
  • Are you using a compatible n8n version?
  • Are all required credentials configured?
  • Have you activated the workflow (if using triggers)?
  • Have you tested the workflow manually?
  • Are there any red error indicators on nodes?

Download & Account Issues

Can't Find My Downloads

Problem: Purchased workflows not showing in My Downloads

Solutions:

  1. Verify you're logged in

    • Check the email address you're logged in with
    • Make sure it matches your purchase email
  2. Check purchase confirmation

    • Look for confirmation email
    • Verify payment was processed
  3. Clear browser cache

    Chrome: Ctrl+Shift+Delete (Windows) or Cmd+Shift+Delete (Mac)
    Firefox: Ctrl+Shift+Delete (Windows) or Cmd+Shift+Delete (Mac)
    Safari: Cmd+Option+E (Mac)
    
  4. Wait a few minutes

    • Processing can take 1-2 minutes for paid purchases
    • Free workflows appear immediately
  5. Contact support if issue persists:

Download Button Not Working

Problem: Click download but nothing happens

Solutions:

  1. Try a different browser

    • Test in Chrome, Firefox, or Safari
    • Use incognito/private mode
  2. Disable browser extensions

    • Ad blockers can interfere
    • Try with extensions disabled
  3. Check pop-up blocker

    • Allow pop-ups for supern8n.com
    • Browser settings → Privacy → Pop-ups
  4. Right-click alternative

    • Right-click the Download button
    • Select "Save Link As..."
  5. Check download location

    • May have downloaded to default folder
    • Check Downloads folder

Login Issues

Problem: Can't log in to account

Solutions:

  1. Reset password

    • Click "Forgot Password" on login page
    • Check email (and spam folder) for reset link
  2. Check email address

    • Verify you're using the correct email
    • Try both personal and work email if applicable
  3. Clear cookies and cache

    • Browser settings → Privacy → Clear browsing data
  4. Account not verified

    • Check email for verification link
    • Resend verification from login page
  5. Browser issues

    • Try incognito/private mode
    • Try a different browser

Import & Installation Issues

"Invalid Workflow File" Error

Problem: n8n won't import the workflow file

Solutions:

  1. Re-download the file

    • Original download may be corrupted
    • Download fresh copy from Supern8n
  2. Check file extension

    • Should be .json not .json.txt
    • On Windows: Enable "Show file extensions"
    • Rename if necessary
  3. Don't edit the file

    • Don't open in text editor before importing
    • Don't modify the JSON content
  4. Try different import method

    • Use "Import from File" instead of drag-and-drop
    • Try copy-paste method (open in text editor, copy all, use "Import from Clipboard")
  5. Check n8n version

    • Workflow may require newer n8n version
    • Update n8n if needed

Missing Nodes Error

Problem: "Unknown node type" or missing nodes

Solutions:

  1. Update n8n

    # npm installation
    npm install -g n8n@latest
    
    # Docker
    docker pull n8nio/n8n:latest
    
  2. Check version requirements

    • Compare your n8n version with workflow requirements
    • Workflow detail page lists minimum version
  3. Install community nodes

    • Some workflows use community nodes
    • Install via: Settings → Community Nodes
  4. Alternative nodes

    • Replace missing node with similar node
    • Adjust workflow if node unavailable

Workflow Imports But Shows Errors

Problem: Red error indicators on nodes after import

Solutions:

  1. Configure credentials (most common cause)

    • Click on red nodes
    • Select or create credentials
    • Test connection
  2. Update placeholder values

    • Replace example emails with yours
    • Update IDs and references
    • Fill in required fields
  3. Check node configuration

    • Review settings in each error node
    • Ensure all required fields filled
    • Verify data types match
  4. Verify connections

    • Check all nodes are properly connected
    • Ensure no broken connections

Execution Issues

Workflow Won't Execute

Problem: Clicking "Execute Workflow" doesn't work

Solutions:

  1. Check for errors

    • Look for red indicators
    • Fix configuration issues first
  2. Verify trigger configuration

    • Manual trigger selected for testing?
    • Trigger node properly configured?
  3. Check n8n instance

    • Is n8n running?
    • Check browser console for errors (F12)
  4. Restart n8n

    # Stop and restart n8n service
    # Docker
    docker restart n8n
    
    # npm/local
    Stop and run: n8n start
    
  5. Check execution settings

    • Workflow Settings → Execution timeout
    • Ensure timeout isn't set too low

Workflow Executes But No Output

Problem: Workflow runs but produces no results

Solutions:

  1. Check trigger conditions

    • For scheduled triggers, wait for scheduled time
    • For webhook triggers, send test data
    • For app triggers, ensure event occurs
  2. Verify input data

    • Click "Execute Workflow" in test mode
    • Provide sample input data if needed
    • Check if trigger received data
  3. Enable debug mode

    • Click on each node to see output
    • Check if data flows through all nodes
    • Identify where data stops flowing
  4. Check filters and conditions

    • IF nodes may be filtering out data
    • Switch nodes may route to inactive paths
    • Review logic node settings
  5. Check execution logs

    • Workflow Settings → Execution
    • Review past execution logs
    • Look for error messages

"Missing Credentials" Error

Problem: Nodes show missing or invalid credentials

Solutions:

  1. Create credentials

    • Click on node with error
    • Click "Create New Credential"
    • Enter API keys/authentication info
  2. Test credentials

    • Use "Test" button in credential screen
    • Verify connection succeeds
    • Check for typos in API keys
  3. Check credential permissions

    • Ensure API key has required permissions
    • Some APIs need specific scopes
    • Regenerate API key if needed
  4. Use correct credential type

    • OAuth vs API Key vs Basic Auth
    • Check service documentation
    • Match credential type to requirement
  5. Credential sharing (self-hosted)

    • For team environments, share credentials properly
    • Check credential access permissions
    • Verify credential ownership

Rate Limit Errors

Problem: "Too many requests" or "Rate limit exceeded"

Solutions:

  1. Reduce execution frequency

    • Increase interval between runs
    • Batch operations together
    • Use polling instead of constant checks
  2. Implement retry logic

    • Add "Wait" node before retrying
    • Use exponential backoff
    • Add Error Trigger for retries
  3. Split in batches

    • Use "Split In Batches" node
    • Process smaller chunks at a time
    • Add delays between batches
  4. Check API plan

    • Verify rate limits for your API plan
    • Upgrade if needed
    • Monitor usage
  5. Cache results

    • Store frequently accessed data
    • Reduce unnecessary API calls
    • Use database for temp storage

Data & Integration Issues

Wrong Data in Output

Problem: Workflow runs but data is incorrect

Solutions:

  1. Check data mappings

    • Verify field names match source
    • Update expressions if fields changed
    • Test with sample data
  2. Inspect node output

    • Click on each node
    • Review actual output data
    • Compare to expected format
  3. Check data transformations

    • Review Set nodes
    • Check Function node logic
    • Verify filters and conditions
  4. Source data changed

    • API response format may have changed
    • Update mappings to match new structure
    • Contact service provider if needed
  5. Data type issues

    • String vs number mismatches
    • Date format problems
    • Array vs object confusion

API Connection Fails

Problem: Can't connect to external service

Solutions:

  1. Verify credentials

    • Test API key in credential screen
    • Regenerate API key if expired
    • Check for typos
  2. Check endpoint URL

    • Verify base URL is correct
    • Check for API version in URL
    • Ensure no trailing slashes issues
  3. Network issues

    • Firewall blocking requests?
    • VPN interfering?
    • Check DNS resolution
  4. Service status

    • Check if API service is down
    • Visit service status page
    • Check service Twitter/status
  5. API changes

    • Service may have updated API
    • Check changelog/documentation
    • Update workflow if needed

Data Not Syncing

Problem: Changes don't appear in destination

Solutions:

  1. Check execution logs

    • Verify workflow actually ran
    • Check for errors in execution
    • Confirm data was sent
  2. Verify destination

    • Correct account/workspace?
    • Right table/sheet/folder?
    • Permissions to write data?
  3. Check field mappings

    • Field names match destination?
    • Required fields included?
    • Data format correct?
  4. Look for duplicates

    • Deduplication rules in place?
    • Data rejected as duplicate?
    • Check unique identifiers
  5. Timing issues

    • Delay between update and appearance?
    • Caching in destination?
    • Wait and check again

Activation & Trigger Issues

Can't Activate Workflow

Problem: Toggle switch won't turn on

Solutions:

  1. Fix all errors first

    • Resolve red error indicators
    • Configure all credentials
    • Complete all required fields
  2. Check trigger node

    • Must have valid trigger node
    • Trigger properly configured
    • Supported trigger type
  3. Verify webhook URL

    • For webhook triggers, URL must be accessible
    • Check if behind firewall
    • Test webhook URL
  4. Check execution limits

    • Self-hosted: Check resource limits
    • Cloud: Check plan limits
    • Too many active workflows?
  5. Restart n8n

    • Sometimes activation hangs
    • Restart resolves issue

Workflow Not Triggering

Problem: Activated workflow doesn't run

Solutions:

  1. For Schedule Triggers:

    - Check cron expression is correct
    - Verify timezone settings
    - Wait for next scheduled time
    - Check execution history
    
  2. For Webhook Triggers:

    - Verify webhook URL is correct
    - Test with manual POST request
    - Check if source service is sending data
    - Review webhook payload format
    
  3. For App Triggers:

    - Confirm event occurs in source app
    - Check trigger filtering isn't too strict
    - Verify app credentials still valid
    - Test with manual event
    
  4. Check n8n is running

    • Self-hosted must be always running
    • Check server status
    • Review system resources
  5. Review execution settings

    • Check "Workflow Active" toggle
    • Verify no execution time restrictions
    • Check for conflicting workflows

Performance Issues

Workflow Runs Slowly

Problem: Execution takes too long

Solutions:

  1. Optimize data processing

    • Process in batches
    • Limit data retrieved
    • Use filters early in workflow
  2. Reduce API calls

    • Batch API requests
    • Cache frequently used data
    • Remove unnecessary calls
  3. Parallel processing

    • Split into parallel branches
    • Process independently
    • Merge results at end
  4. Timeout settings

    • Increase timeout if needed
    • Workflow Settings → Timeout
  5. Resource allocation

    • Self-hosted: Increase RAM/CPU
    • Check system resources
    • Consider upgrading server

Workflow Times Out

Problem: Execution exceeds time limit

Solutions:

  1. Increase timeout

    • Workflow Settings → Execution timeout
    • Increase to appropriate value
  2. Split into smaller workflows

    • Break into multiple workflows
    • Chain workflows together
    • Process in stages
  3. Use queues

    • Implement queue system
    • Process asynchronously
    • Handle long-running tasks separately
  4. Optimize code

    • Review Function nodes
    • Improve efficiency
    • Remove unnecessary operations
  5. Background processing

    • Use webhook callback
    • Process in background
    • Return immediate response

Need More Help?

Before Contacting Support

Please gather:

  1. Error details

    • Error messages (exact text)
    • Screenshots of errors
    • Node that's failing
  2. Environment info

    • n8n version (Settings → About)
    • Self-hosted or cloud?
    • Browser and OS
  3. Steps to reproduce

    • What were you doing?
    • What happened?
    • What should have happened?
  4. Workflow info

    • Which workflow?
    • Any customizations made?
    • When did issue start?

Support Channels

📧 Email Support

💬 Live Chat

  • Weekdays 9am-5pm EST
  • Instant help for urgent issues
  • Available on our website

🎥 Screen Recording

  • Use Loom or similar
  • Record the issue
  • Share link with support

📚 Knowledge Base

  • Browse more articles
  • Watch video tutorials
  • Read FAQs

Community Resources

n8n Community Forum

n8n Documentation

Supern8n Blog

  • Tips and tutorials
  • Best practices
  • Use case examples

Quick Reference

Common Error Messages

Error Likely Cause Solution
"Missing credentials" No API keys configured Add credentials in node
"Invalid token" Expired/wrong API key Regenerate and update
"Rate limit exceeded" Too many requests Add delays, reduce frequency
"Timeout" Execution too long Increase timeout or optimize
"Unknown node type" Node not available Update n8n or install node
"Invalid JSON" Corrupted workflow file Re-download from Supern8n
"Connection refused" Service unreachable Check URL, network, service status
"Unauthorized" Wrong credentials Verify API key and permissions

Testing Checklist

  • Downloaded original workflow
  • Imported successfully
  • Configured all credentials
  • Updated placeholder values
  • Tested each node individually
  • Tested full workflow execution
  • Reviewed all outputs
  • Tested with real data
  • Checked error handling
  • Activated workflow

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