Error workflow
A separate n8n workflow that starts with the Error Trigger node and runs automatically when the execution of a linked workflow fails. According to the n8n docs, an error workflow lets you control how n8n responds to a workflow execution failure.
On this page
Source content checked . English translation published 2026-10-27.
In business automation
You set it per workflow under Options, Settings, Error workflow, and one error workflow can serve many workflows. It receives the execution id, the URL, the error message, the stack and the last node executed.
Examples
These examples illustrate a possible workflow. Adapt the connections and rules to your own systems.
An alert with the failed node
Send a Slack message or an email with the name of the failed node and a link to the execution.
A failure log for weekly review
Write every failure to a Google Sheet or a database and review it once a week.
A support ticket for a customer facing flow
Open a ticket when a flow that handles customer WhatsApp messages fails.
Relevant tools
- n8n
- The definition comes from the official n8n documentation on error handling and the Error Trigger node.
What to check
- Expecting to test it by running the workflow manually. The docs state that you cannot test error workflows when running workflows manually; it only runs when an automatic execution fails.
- Relying on the execution id and URL. They are missing if the execution is not saved or if the trigger node itself failed.
- Forgetting to link the error workflow in the settings of each workflow that needs it.