Free Community Edition license key email not delivered on self-hosted n8n (Docker Desktop, Windows 11)

[KaziAfrozAlam]

Bug Description

When requesting a free Community Edition activation/license key on my self-hosted n8n instance running via Docker Desktop on Windows 11, the UI confirms that the license key is being sent, but no email is ever received.

After navigating to:

Settings → Usage and plan → Unlock selected paid features for free

and entering my email address (afrozalam.8760@gmail.com
), the system displays the success message:

“Your license key is on the way! Check your email, afrozalam.8760@gmail.com
to find your license key.”

Despite this confirmation, no email arrives, even after waiting more than 12 hours. I have verified the email address and checked all folders, including Spam, Promotions, and Updates.

Multiple users are reporting the same issue on the n8n community forum, indicating this may be a platform-wide problem with license email delivery for self-hosted instances:

https://community.n8n.io/t/im-trying-to-generate-a-free-license-but-im-not-receiving-the-email/231091

https://community.n8n.io/t/did-not-receive-activation-license-key-email-for-new-self-hosted-setup/231143

To Reproduce

1. Deploy n8n Community Edition using Docker Desktop on Windows 11 (self-hosted)
2. Open the n8n UI
3. Navigate to Settings → Usage and plan
4. Click “Unlock selected paid features for free.”
5. Enter email address: afrozalam.8760@gmail.com
6. Submit and confirm
7. See success message:
8. “Your license key is on the way! Check your email...”
9. Wait for several hours

Expected behavior

After requesting the free activation/license key, an email containing the activation key should be delivered within a few minutes so it can be activated under Settings → Usage and plan.

Debug Info

• Version: 1.122.5
• Execution mode: main
• Database: SQLite (default)
• Deployment: Docker (self-hosted)

Operating System

Windows 11

n8n Version

1.122.5

Node.js Version

Not explicitly set (Docker default)

Database

SQLite (default)

Execution mode

main (default)

Hosting

self hosted

[n8n-assistant]

Hey @KaziAfrozAlam,

Thank you for reaching out! We’ve received your issue and are looking into it. To help us track this internally, we’ve created a Linear ticket with the reference: "GHC-5805".

We’ll keep you updated as we make progress, but if you have any additional details or context to share, feel free to add them here - it’s always helpful!

Thanks for your patience and for bringing this to our attention.

---

For INTERNAL use only: GHC-5805