How to set up a schedule trigger on n8n

beginner 8 min read Updated 2026-03-13

Quick Answer

Access n8n Workflow Editor, add Schedule Trigger node, configure Trigger Interval and rules like minutes between triggers or Cron expression, test with Execute Node, save, publish, and activate the workflow. Ensure correct timezone settings at workflow or instance level. Connect to downstream nodes for automation.

Prerequisites

Active n8n instance or Cloud account
Access to workflow editor
Basic understanding of timezones
Knowledge of desired schedule intervals
Empty or existing workflow canvas

Step-by-Step Instructions

Access Workflow Editor

Log in to your n8n instance and navigate to the Workflows section in the left sidebar. Click New to create a new workflow or open an existing one to enter the canvas-based Workflow Editor.

Add Schedule Trigger Node

In the Workflow Editor canvas, click the + icon in the center or top-right to open the Nodes Panel. Search for Schedule Trigger in the search bar, then select and drag it to the canvas.

The Schedule Trigger must be the entry point of your workflow.

Open Node Settings

Click the added Schedule Trigger node to open its configuration panel in the left sidebar. This displays Node parameters including Trigger Rules and Trigger Interval options.

Select Trigger Interval

Choose a Trigger Interval from the dropdown: Seconds, Minutes, Hours, Days, Weeks, Months, or Custom (Cron). Use Add Trigger Rule button for multiple rules.

Start with <strong>Minutes</strong> for frequent testing, e.g., every 10 minutes.

Configure Minutes Interval

For Minutes Interval, set Minutes Between Triggers (default: 1, e.g., 10 for every 10 minutes). This runs the workflow repeatedly at fixed intervals.

Configure Hours, Days, Weeks, Months

For Hours: Set Hours Between Triggers (e.g., 6) and Trigger at Minute (0-59).
For Days: Set Days Between Triggers (e.g., 2), Trigger at Hour (e.g., 9am), Trigger at Minute (e.g., 15).
For Weeks: Set Weeks Between Triggers, Trigger on Weekdays (e.g., Monday), hour and minute.
For Months: Set Months Between Triggers, Trigger at Day of Month (1-31), hour and minute.

Months won't trigger if the day exceeds the month's length, e.g., 31st in February.

Set Custom Cron Expression

For Custom (Cron), enter a Cron Expression like 0 9 * * 1-5 for 9:00 AM weekdays. Generate expressions using tools like crontab.guru.

Cron format: <code>minute hour day month weekday</code>.

Configure Timezone

Set the correct timezone in Settings > General for the workflow (overrides instance timezone) or n8n instance. The node uses workflow timezone first.

Verify timezone to avoid unexpected trigger times.

Test the Trigger

Click Execute Node (play button) in the node's top-right to simulate a run instantly and verify output data without waiting for the schedule.

Always test before production use.

Connect, Save, and Activate

Drag from the Schedule Trigger output (+) to the next node's input. Click Save in the top-right, then toggle the workflow Active switch to on—publishing is required for scheduling.

Workflow must be published and active to run on schedule.

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

Trigger runs at unexpected times

Verify timezone hierarchy: workflow timezone overrides instance timezone. Check both in Settings > General.

Schedule Trigger never fires

Ensure workflow is saved, published, and active. Saving alone is insufficient—toggle Active switch on.

Incorrect interval behavior

Review interval-specific parameters like Hours Between Triggers or Trigger at Minute. Test with Execute Node.

Hours interval not triggering on n8n Cloud

Confirm settings like Hours Between Triggers (e.g., 8) and Trigger at Minute (e.g., 45). Check workflow status and timezone.

Complex schedule not working

Use Custom Cron for advanced needs. Validate expression with crontab.guru and test individual rules.

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