Run a workflow

Run a workflow

Starts one run of an n8n workflow, passing chat, form or webhook input to its trigger, and returns the execution ID without waiting for it to finish.

Note: Only workflows enabled for MCP access can run, and multi-step forms and human-in-the-loop steps aren't supported. production runs the published version, manual the draft; check the outcome with get_workflow_execution.

Set up

Use the first option your agent supports.

MCP (official, remote)

Add this server to your agent's MCP settings, then sign in when asked.

{ "mcpServers": { "n8n": { "url": "https://{n8n_host}/mcp-server/http" } } }

Call the MCP tool execute_workflow.

Server URL: https://{n8n_host}/mcp-server/http

Note: {n8n_host} is your instance's domain, such as acme.app.n8n.cloud. An owner or admin turns on Settings > Instance-level MCP first.

Before anything else, confirm access with the cheapest read-only call, like a list or a search. Never send or change anything to test access.

Rules

• Ask the user before anything that sends messages, costs money, or changes data, and say how many records it touches. One approval covers a batch the user has seen.
• Never print API keys.