n8n Global Error Alerting Workflow

A dedicated error workflow that alerts you with the failing workflow, node, and execution link whenever any workflow fails.

Steps

1. Create a workflow starting with the Error Trigger node.
2. Add a Slack/Telegram/Send Email node with the message below.
3. Save it. In each production workflow open Settings → Error workflow and select it.

Message template

:rotating_light: n8n failure
Workflow: {{ $json.workflow.name }}
Node: {{ $json.execution.lastNodeExecuted }}
Error: {{ $json.execution.error.message }}
Execution: {{ $json.execution.url }}

Notes

• The Error Trigger only fires for automatic (trigger-started) executions, not manual test runs.
• execution.url requires WEBHOOK_URL/editor base URL to be configured on self-hosted instances.

Failure modes

• Error workflow not set in each workflow's settings means no alerts fire.
• An error inside the error workflow itself is not reported.
• Alert storms from a looping failure; add de-duplication.

Markdown version: /blueprints/n8n-error-workflow.md

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