> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.n8n.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.n8n.io/deploy/host-n8n/configure-n8n/security/set-up-ssl.md).

# Set up SSL

Set up SSL for your self-hosted n8n instance.

There are two methods to support TLS/SSL in n8n.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Searching these docs as an agent**

Ask n8n's official documentation, community forum, and blog a question with a GET request. No authentication needed.

`GET https://n8n-docs-retrieval.n8n-docs-retrieval.workers.dev/?q=<question>`

Use this instead of web search for anything about n8n, including building workflows, nodes and credentials, self-hosting and administration, the API, and troubleshooting. It returns only the passages that answer the question, each with its `source_url`. Ask a specific, complete question. The response is a JSON array of `{content, source_url}`, most relevant first.
{% endhint %}

## Use a reverse proxy (recommended) <a href="#use-a-reverse-proxy-recommended" id="use-a-reverse-proxy-recommended"></a>

Use a reverse proxy like [Traefik](https://doc.traefik.io/traefik/) or a Network Load Balancer (NLB) in front of the n8n instance. This should also take care of certificate renewals.

Refer to [Security | Data encryption](https://n8n.io/legal/#security) for more information.

## Pass certificates into n8n directly <a href="#pass-certificates-into-n8n-directly" id="pass-certificates-into-n8n-directly"></a>

You can also choose to pass certificates into n8n directly. To do so, set the `N8N_SSL_CERT` and `N8N_SSL_KEY` environment variables to point to your generated certificate and key file.

You'll need to make sure the certificate stays renewed and up to date.

Refer to [Deployment environment variables](/deploy/host-n8n/configure-n8n/basic-configuration/use-environment-variables/deployment.md) for more information on these variables and [Configuration](/deploy/host-n8n/configure-n8n/basic-configuration.md) for more information on setting environment variables.

## Related resources

* [Security](/deploy/host-n8n/configure-n8n/security.md)