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Automated credentials backup to Google Drive via SSH and Docker

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Automated credentials backup to Google Drive via SSH and Docker preview
Open on n8n.io

Important notice

This workflow is provided as-is. Please review and test before using in production.

1. Workflow Overview

This workflow automates the backup of decrypted n8n credentials from a self hosted Docker instance to Google Drive. It allows you to export credentials on n8n versions 2.x.x (where old CLI commands...

Best for

  • DevOps automation workflows
  • intermediate n8n builders looking for reusable templates

Tools used

n8n-nodes-base.stickynote, n8n-nodes-base.ssh, n8n-nodes-base.set, n8n-nodes-base.manualtrigger, n8n-nodes-base.scheduletrigger, n8n-nodes-base.readwritefile, n8n-nodes-base.googledrive

Source and attribution

This workflow is cataloged by N8N Workflows and links back to its original n8n.io source page by Alexandru Florea.

Original n8n.io source

1.1 Workflow description

Title
Automated credentials backup to Google Drive via SSH and Docker
Workflow name
Automated credentials backup to Google Drive via SSH and Docker

This workflow automates the backup of decrypted n8n credentials from a self-hosted Docker instance to Google Drive. It allows you to export credentials on n8n versions 2.x.x (where old CLI commands may not work) without accessing the server terminal manually.

How it works

  • Configuration: Defines the Docker container name and file paths using a centralized variables node.
  • SSH Execution: Connects to the host machine via SSH and executes the n8n export:credentials command inside the specified Docker container.
  • File Retrieval: Reads the newly created decrypted JSON file from the host filesystem.
  • Cloud Upload: Uploads the JSON file to a specified folder in Google Drive with a timestamped filename.

Set up steps

  • Configure Variables: Open the "Variables" node and enter your Docker Container name (usually n8n or an ID).
  • SSH Connection: Configure the "Execute a command" (SSH) node with your host machine's IP, username, and SSH key/password.
  • Google Drive Auth: Authenticate the "Google Drive Upload File" node with your Google credentials.
  • Select Folder: In the "Google Drive Upload File" node, select the specific folder on your Drive where you want the backups to be saved.
  • Schedule: (Optional) Adjust the "Schedule Trigger" to your preferred backup frequency (default is set to run periodically).

1.2 Logical Blocks

This catalog entry is organized from the workflow JSON. The node-level section below shows the executable blocks available for review before importing the template.

2. Block-by-Block Analysis

Block 1 - Sticky Note2

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.stickyNote - stickyNote
Config choices
Version 1

Block 2 - Sticky Note

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.stickyNote - stickyNote
Config choices
Version 1

Block 3 - Execute a command

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.ssh - ssh
Config choices
Version 1

Block 4 - Variables

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.set - set
Config choices
Version 3.4

Block 5 - Sticky Note1

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.stickyNote - stickyNote
Config choices
Version 1

Block 6 - On clicking 'execute'

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.manualTrigger - manualTrigger
Config choices
Version 1

Block 7 - Schedule Trigger

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.scheduleTrigger - scheduleTrigger
Config choices
Version 1.2

Block 8 - Read File

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.readWriteFile - readWriteFile
Config choices
Version 1

Block 9 - Google Drive Upload File

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.googleDrive - googleDrive
Config choices
Version 3

3. Summary Table

Workflow Automated credentials backup to Google Drive via SSH and Docker
Complexity intermediate
Nodes 9
Categories DevOps
Author Alexandru Florea
Published 16 Dec 2025

4. Reproducing the Workflow from Scratch

  1. 1. Download the workflow JSON

    Use the JSON export at /data/workflows/11842/11842.json as the source template for this automation.

  2. 2. Import the template into n8n

    Open n8n, import the downloaded JSON, and review each node before activating the workflow.

  3. 3. Configure credentials and variables

    Replace placeholder credentials, API keys, webhook URLs, account IDs, and environment-specific values with your own settings.

  4. 4. Test with sample data

    Run the workflow manually or in a staging workspace, inspect node output, and confirm downstream systems receive the expected data.

  5. 5. Activate and monitor

    Enable the workflow only after testing, then monitor executions, errors, and rate limits during the first production runs.

5. General Notes & Resources

Review imported nodes carefully before activation. This catalog entry is intended to help you inspect the workflow structure, understand required services, and find related templates faster.

Node names, credentials, schedules, webhook paths, and external service limits may need adjustment for your workspace.

Frequently asked questions

What does Automated credentials backup to Google Drive via SSH and Docker do?

This workflow automates the backup of decrypted n8n credentials from a self hosted Docker instance to Google Drive. It allows you to export credentials on n8n versions 2.x.x (where old CLI commands...

What do I need before importing this workflow?

Review the workflow JSON, configure any required credentials in n8n, and test the automation in a safe workspace before using it in production.

Can I customize this workflow?

Yes. Use the block-by-block analysis and the downloadable JSON to inspect each node, then adjust credentials, prompts, schedules, filters, or destinations for your DevOps use case.