env var

N8N_COMMUNITY_PACKAGES_ENABLED

N8N_COMMUNITY_PACKAGES_ENABLED controls whether n8n can install and load community nodes.

Independent third-party notes. n8n is a trademark of its owner and is referenced only for compatibility and troubleshooting context.

Quick Answer

N8N_COMMUNITY_PACKAGES_ENABLED controls whether n8n can install and load community nodes.

Key Facts

Variable
N8N_COMMUNITY_PACKAGES_ENABLED
Type
Boolean
Default
true
Effect
When false, verified and unverified community packages are unavailable.

Recommended Steps

  1. Decide whether this n8n instance should allow community nodes at all.
  2. Set N8N_COMMUNITY_PACKAGES_ENABLED=false to disable installation and loading.
  3. Restart n8n after changing the variable.
  4. Check the nodes panel and logs to verify the setting.

Verification

  • Community packages are no longer available when disabled.
  • Existing production workflows are checked for community node dependencies.

Warnings

  • Disabling community packages can break workflows that depend on installed community nodes.
  • Use this as a deliberate security or operations choice, not as a casual cleanup step.

Sources