n8n
n8n has made error workflow runs free on every plan, so alerts triggered by broken automations no longer use workflow quota. The change is already live on n8n Cloud and will reach self-hosted installations with version 2.38.0.
An error workflow runs when another workflow breaks. It can send a message through Slack, email someone or open a support ticket. Without one, a failed automation can go unnoticed for days.
According to the LinkedIn post, n8n has long recommended adding an error workflow to every production workflow. Some users skipped that safety step because each alert run consumed part of their quota.
Why n8n Made Error Workflow Runs Free
The new quota treatment separates failure reporting from the automations it monitors. Builders can attach an error workflow without its runs competing with production workflows for the same allowance.
| Quota behaviour | Before | Now |
|---|---|---|
| Error workflow runs | Counted towards workflow quota | Do not count towards workflow quota |
| Availability | Existing plans charged runs against quota | Free on every plan |
| Self-hosted support | Earlier versions | Version 2.38.0 onwards |
The error workflow itself works as before. A builder creates it, chooses how the alert should be delivered and attaches it to production workflows through their settings. When one of those workflows breaks, n8n calls the assigned error workflow.
- 1
Build the error workflow
add a Slack message, email or ticket action
- 2
Attach it
select the error workflow in each production workflow’s settings
- 3
Receive the alert
n8n calls it when an attached workflow breaks
Cloud users already have the new quota treatment. Self-hosted users will need n8n version 2.38.0 or later. The update applies across every plan rather than being reserved for a particular paid tier.
Frequently asked questions
What are n8n error workflow runs?
Error workflow runs are automations triggered when another workflow breaks. They can send a Slack alert, deliver an email or open a ticket so the failure does not stay hidden.
Which n8n plan includes free error workflow runs?
Error workflow runs are free on every plan. They no longer count towards workflow quota.
When are free error workflow runs available?
The change is already live on n8n Cloud. Self-hosted installations receive it from version 2.38.0 onwards.
Sources
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