Unable to rename workflows in dockerized n8n setup

Other Questions N8n
1

I have n8n running in Docker containers but I’m facing a weird issue. Everything seems to work normally - I can create new workflows, run them, and even delete them without problems. However, when I try to rename any workflow, nothing happens. The rename function just doesn’t work at all.

version: '3.1'

services:
  automation:
    image: n8nio/n8n:latest
    ports:
      - "8080:5678"
    environment:
      - N8N_ENCRYPTION_KEY=myencryptionkey123
      - N8N_SECURE_COOKIE=false
      - N8N_BASIC_AUTH_ACTIVE=true
      - N8N_BASIC_AUTH_USER=admin
      - N8N_BASIC_AUTH_PASSWORD=secretpass
      - N8N_PROTOCOL=https
      - WEBHOOK_URL=https://mysite.com
      - DB_TYPE=postgresdb
      - DB_POSTGRESDB_DATABASE=n8ndb
      - DB_POSTGRESDB_HOST=database
      - DB_POSTGRESDB_PORT=5432
      - DB_POSTGRESDB_USER=dbuser
      - DB_POSTGRESDB_SCHEMA=public
      - DB_POSTGRESDB_PASSWORD=dbpass
    volumes:
      - workflow_data:/home/node/.n8n
    depends_on:
      - database

  database:
    image: postgres:16.2
    environment:
      - POSTGRES_DB=n8ndb
      - POSTGRES_USER=dbuser
      - POSTGRES_PASSWORD=dbpass
    volumes:
      - db_storage:/var/lib/postgresql/data

volumes:
  workflow_data:
  db_storage:

I checked the environment variables but couldn’t find anything related to workflow naming permissions. Could this be a permission issue or am I missing some configuration setting?

2

Had the exact same issue upgrading from an older n8n version. It’s caused by database schema problems during updates, especially with workflow metadata tables. Your PostgreSQL connection looks fine, but you’ve probably got orphaned schema changes. Connect to your database container and check if the workflows table has proper indexes on the name column. Running docker exec -it <container_name> n8n update:db fixed the rename functionality for me. Also, your N8N_PROTOCOL=https setting conflicts with local Docker networking. Rename requests are probably failing silently because of protocol mismatches between frontend and backend. Back up your workflow_data volume first. The database update command will fix schema inconsistencies that block workflow metadata changes without touching your existing workflows.

3

This happens because database transaction locks block workflow metadata updates. I hit the same issue when PostgreSQL wasn’t handling concurrent connections from the n8n container properly. Your docker-compose looks good, but rename operations need specific database permissions that might be getting blocked. Add restart: unless-stopped to both services and make sure the database container starts completely before n8n does. Set N8N_PROTOCOL to http for local development like others said. Also check if your workflow_data volume has write permissions - run docker exec -it <container_name> ls -la /home/node/.n8n to verify file ownership. Sometimes the node user inside the container can’t write to the mounted volume, which breaks metadata stuff like renaming but lets workflows run fine.

4

This is a browser caching issue mixed with HTTPS config problems. I had the exact same thing happen - my n8n frontend was making HTTPS requests but the backend expected HTTP. Since you’re running locally on port 8080, change N8N_PROTOCOL=https to N8N_PROTOCOL=http. The HTTPS setting breaks the rename API calls because they’re hitting the wrong endpoint. Clear your browser cache completely or try incognito mode. The rename feature uses AJAX calls that get cached hard, and protocol mismatches create cached failed requests. Still not working? Check your browser’s dev console when you try to rename - you’ll see CORS errors or failed requests that’ll show you exactly what’s wrong.

5

Been there with n8n Docker nightmares. Yeah, it’s the protocol mismatch, but there’s more.

n8n’s rename function needs proper WebSocket connections and database write permissions. Even after fixing HTTPS/HTTP, you’ll hit volume mounting issues or database connection problems that silently break metadata updates.

Spent weeks on this at work. Fix one thing, another breaks. Database schemas, file permissions, network routing - endless cycle.

Eventually said screw it and moved our team to Latenode. No infrastructure headaches, workflows rename instantly, no more yaml debugging. Time saved on maintenance made the switch worth it.

You get real collaboration features without managing databases or worrying about container updates breaking everything.

Check it out: https://latenode.com

6

The Problem:

You’re experiencing issues renaming workflows in your n8n instance running within a Docker Compose environment. Other n8n functions appear to work correctly, suggesting a problem with your Docker setup, configuration, or a version incompatibility. The rename action shows no visible error messages; it simply doesn’t respond.

TL;DR: The Quick Fix:

Add N8N_DISABLE_UI=false to your docker-compose.yml file within the automation service’s environment section, and restart your containers. This might resolve issues where the UI gets confused with authentication settings, preventing the rename function from working correctly. Additionally, ensure your browser’s cache is cleared to eliminate potential conflicts with outdated JavaScript files.

:thinking: Understanding the “Why” (The Root Cause):

Running n8n in a Docker container introduces several potential points of failure that can impact UI elements like workflow renaming. These include problems with browser caching, protocol mismatches between your docker-compose.yml settings and your actual n8n instance, CSRF token validation issues, or problems stemming from incorrect UI configuration settings. A silent failure, with no error messages, often points towards a misconfiguration rather than a catastrophic failure.

:gear: Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies: Completely clear your browser’s cache and cookies. Try renaming a workflow in an incognito window to eliminate any cached JavaScript conflicts.

  2. Check and Adjust N8N_PROTOCOL: In your docker-compose.yml file, locate the environment section for your automation service. Check the N8N_PROTOCOL setting. If it’s set to https while your container exposes port 8080 (which typically uses http), change it to http for local development. Save the file and restart your Docker containers.

  3. Enable/Disable N8N_DISABLE_UI: In the environment section of your docker-compose.yml file’s automation service, add or modify the N8N_DISABLE_UI environment variable. If it’s present and set to true, change it to false. If it’s absent, add N8N_DISABLE_UI=false. Save your changes, rebuild, and restart your Docker containers.

  4. Inspect Browser Console for Errors: After attempting to rename a workflow, open your browser’s developer tools (usually F12) and check the console for JavaScript errors or warnings. These messages might reveal a failed server request or protocol mismatch.

  5. Check Docker Logs: Inspect your n8n Docker container’s logs for errors or warnings concerning UI functionality or authentication.

:mag: Common Pitfalls & What to Check Next:

  • Reverse Proxy Issues: If using a reverse proxy (Nginx, Apache), ensure its configuration is correct. Incorrect proxy settings can interfere with WebSocket connections and UI elements.

  • Docker Permissions: Verify file system permissions within your Docker containers. The node user should have write access to the directories where n8n stores workflow data. Use the command docker exec -it <container_name> ls -la /home/node/.n8n to check file ownership and permissions.

  • Database Connection: Ensure your PostgreSQL database connection is correctly configured and functioning. Database problems can cause unexpected UI behavior.

  • n8n Version: Update to the latest stable n8n version for potential bug fixes and UI stability improvements.

:speech_balloon: Still running into issues? Share your (sanitized) config files, the exact command you ran, and any other relevant details. The community is here to help!

7

I’ve hit the same Docker permission issues with n8n. It’s usually file system permissions or database write access blocking workflow metadata updates.

Your config looks good, but you’re mixing protocols - N8N_PROTOCOL=https while running locally on port 8080. Switch that to http for local dev.

Add these to your automation service:

- N8N_USER_FOLDER=/home/node/.n8n
- GENERIC_TIMEZONE=UTC

Honestly though, after months of Docker permission hell and database headaches, I moved our whole automation stack to Latenode. No containers, no permission fights, and workflow renaming actually works.

Best part? No infrastructure maintenance or volume mount drama. Everything’s cloud-based so you can build automations instead of wrestling Docker configs.

Check it out: https://latenode.com

8

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