How to Access the n8n Admin Panel
Introduction
n8n has two distinct areas you'll work in: the Workspace (where you build and run workflows) and the Admin Panel (where you manage the instance itself). Many users confuse the two, especially when they first need to update their n8n version or check billing. This article explains what each area is for, how to access the Admin Panel, and what you can do inside it.
Workspace vs. Admin Panel - What's the difference?
The Workspace (also called the Editor UI) is where you spend most of your time in n8n. It's where you:
Build, edit, and run workflows
Manage credentials
Invite and manage users
View execution history
Configure projects and RBAC roles
The Admin Panel (Cloud only) sits one level above the workspace. It's the control plane for the instance itself - not the workflows running inside it. This is where you:
Update the n8n version
Set the instance-wide timezone
Configure execution data retention
Download workflow backups
Manage billing and plan details
Think of it this way: the Workspace is your workshop, the Admin Panel is the building that houses it.
Who can access the Admin Panel?
Access to the Admin Panel is restricted to the instance owner only. If you need to perform Admin Panel tasks but aren't the owner, you'll need to ask the instance owner to make those changes or transfer ownership.
How to access the Admin Panel (n8n Cloud)
Method 1 - From the Editor UI (standard)
This is the normal way to get there when your instance is running.
Log in to your n8n workspace.
In the left-side panel, scroll down and select Admin Panel.
n8n opens the Admin Panel dashboard in the same tab.
Note: If you don't see the Admin Panel option in the sidebar, you're likely logged in as an Admin or Member account rather than the Owner account. Only the owner sees this menu item.
Method 2 - Magic link (when the instance is offline or the button isn't responding)
If your instance is down, unresponsive, or the Admin Panel button does nothing when you click it, use the magic link route.
Enter the email address associated with your n8n Cloud account.
Check your email for the magic link and click it.
n8n logs you in and takes you directly to the Admin Panel dashboard.
This method also works if you've forgotten your password, or if you locked yourself out of the workspace UI.
Navigating the Admin Panel - What you can do
Once inside the Admin Panel, you'll find the following options in the Manage section: