---
ref: tool:n8n/run-workflow
name: Run a workflow
company: company:n8n
workflows: [workflow:seo-topical-clusters]
access: [mcp]
tags: [capability:automate-workflows, category:automation, has:mcp]
docs: https://docs.n8n.io/connect/connect-to-n8n-mcp-server/mcp-server-tools-reference
updated: 2026-09-29
---

# 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.

```json
{ "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.