After completing those steps, you’ll have a functional, Ollama-powered AI processing workflow, which you can integrate into a more complete automation system. For example, you can connect messaging apps like WhatsApp to create a functional AI chatbot.<\/p>
Moreover, running it locally on a private server like a Hostinger VPS provides you with a higher level of control over your data. This makes the integration suitable for automating tasks involving sensitive information, like summarizing internal documents or creating an in-house chatbot.<\/p>
Let’s explore how to connect Ollama with n8n in detail and create a chatbot based on this integration. Towards the end, we’ll also explain the popular use cases for this integration and expand its capabilities using the LangChain nodes.<\/p>
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Prerequisites<\/strong><\/h2>To integrate n8n with Ollama, you need to fulfill the following prerequisites:<\/p>
\n- Ollama must be installed locally<\/strong>. Make sure you’ve installed Ollama<\/a> locally on a virtual private server (VPS). The host must have enough hardware to run your desired AI models, which might require over 8 GB<\/strong> of RAM. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- n8n must be set up and accessible<\/strong>. Install n8n<\/a> on a VPS and create an account. It must be configured on the same server as Ollama due to compatibility constraints. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ensure the necessary ports are open<\/strong>. Verify that ports 11434<\/strong> and 5678<\/strong> on your server are open to ensure Ollama and n8n are accessible. If you host them on Hostinger VPS, check the ports and configure them by simply asking our Kodee AI assistant<\/a>. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Basic JSON knowledge<\/strong>. Learn how to read JSON because n8n nodes primarily exchange data in this format. Understanding it helps you select data and troubleshoot errors more efficiently.<\/li>\n<\/ul>
Important!<\/strong> We highly recommend installing both n8n and Ollama in the same Docker container for better isolation. This is the method that we used for testing this tutorial, so it is verified to work.
\nIf you use a Hostinger VPS, you can start by installing either n8n or Ollama in a Docker container by simply selecting the corresponding OS template – the application will be installed in a container by default. Then, you’ll need to install the other app in the same container.<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/p>How to set up Ollama integration in n8n<\/strong><\/h2>Connecting Ollama with n8n involves adding the necessary node and configuring several settings. In this section, we will explain the steps in detail, including how to test the integration’s functionality.<\/p>
1. Add the Ollama Chat Model node<\/strong><\/h3>Adding the Ollama Chat Model node enables n8n to connect with large language models (LLMs) on the AI platform via a conversational agent.<\/p>
n8n offers two Ollama nodes: Ollama Model <\/strong>and Ollama Chat Model<\/strong>. The Ollama Chat Model<\/strong> is specifically designed for conversation and has a built-in Basic LLM Chain <\/strong>node <\/strong>that forwards your message to the chosen model. Meanwhile, the Ollama Model <\/strong>node is suitable for more general tasks with other Chain<\/strong> nodes – we’ll discuss this further in the LangChain section.<\/p>In this tutorial, we’ll use the Ollama Chat Model node as it’s easier to use and integrate with a more complete workflow. Here’s how to add it to n8n:<\/p>
\n- Access your n8n instance. You should be able to open it in a web browser using your VPS’s hostname<\/strong> or IP address<\/strong>, depending on your configuration. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Log in to your n8n account. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Create a new workflow by clicking the button on the top right of your n8n main page. <\/li>\n<\/ol>
![\"n8n's](\"https:\/\/imagedelivery.net\/LqiWLm-3MGbYHtFuUbcBtA\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/07\/n8n-main-page-workflow-creation-button.png\/public\")
Important!<\/strong> We highly recommend installing both n8n and Ollama in the same Docker container for better isolation. This is the method that we used for testing this tutorial, so it is verified to work. Connecting Ollama with n8n involves adding the necessary node and configuring several settings. In this section, we will explain the steps in detail, including how to test the integration’s functionality.<\/p> Adding the Ollama Chat Model node enables n8n to connect with large language models (LLMs) on the AI platform via a conversational agent.<\/p> n8n offers two Ollama nodes: Ollama Model <\/strong>and Ollama Chat Model<\/strong>. The Ollama Chat Model<\/strong> is specifically designed for conversation and has a built-in Basic LLM Chain <\/strong>node <\/strong>that forwards your message to the chosen model. Meanwhile, the Ollama Model <\/strong>node is suitable for more general tasks with other Chain<\/strong> nodes – we’ll discuss this further in the LangChain section.<\/p> In this tutorial, we’ll use the Ollama Chat Model node as it’s easier to use and integrate with a more complete workflow. Here’s how to add it to n8n:<\/p>
\nIf you use a Hostinger VPS, you can start by installing either n8n or Ollama in a Docker container by simply selecting the corresponding OS template – the application will be installed in a container by default. Then, you’ll need to install the other app in the same container.<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/p>How to set up Ollama integration in n8n<\/strong><\/h2>
1. Add the Ollama Chat Model node<\/strong><\/h3>
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