What to back up, so a failed upgrade or a dead server can't wipe out your workflows:
Workflows as JSON: export them from the editor (or with the n8n CLI) and store copies off the server.
The database: SQLite by default, or Postgres if you configured it. Credentials and execution history live here.
The Docker volume / .n8n folder: it holds the encryption key. Without it, restored credentials won't decrypt. Check your volume paths before an upgrade (r/n8n post-mortem).
Server-level backups from your host (examples, checked 2026-10-16): OVHcloud includes a daily backup (source); DigitalOcean charges +20% of the Droplet price for weekly or +30% for daily (source); Vultr charges +20% (source); Contabo's Auto Backup is a paid add-on (source).
Test a restore on a spare instance at least once.
Exact CLI commands are not included yet. To add: link n8n's official export/import docs once verified.
Weekly: "n8n releases — upgrade or wait?"
One email a week. Breaking changes, safe versions, hosting price changes. Free.