Run an n8n workflow days later

1. 1

   Step 1: Create workflow 2 and copy its URL

   1. Create a new workflow, for example Invoice follow-up (runs later).
   2. Add a Webhook trigger node. Set HTTP Method to POST.
   3. Open the Production URL tab and copy the URL. Do not use the Test URL: it only answers while the editor is listening.
   4. Save, then activate the workflow (the Active toggle, or Publish in newer versions). The Production URL only answers while the workflow is active.

   When it worked: the workflow is active and you have a URL like https://your-name.app.n8n.cloud/webhook/….

   Self-hosted n8n

   The URL must be public HTTPS on the default port 443, with a domain name. localhost, an IP address, or a port such as :5678 are refused. Put n8n behind a domain with HTTPS first. All rules: Target URL rules.

2. 2

   Step 2: Get your Webhook Scheduler API key

   1. Create a free account (or sign in).
   2. Open Dashboard → API keys, name the key n8n, and click Create key.
   3. Copy the key. It starts with wh_live_ and is shown only once.

   When it worked: the page shows Copy your key now.
3. 3

   Step 3: Add an HTTP Request node to workflow 1

   Open the workflow that should start the wait, or a new one with a manual trigger for the test. Add an HTTP Request node and fill it in:

   HTTP Request

   Method

   POST

   URL

   https://webhookscheduler.com/api/v1/schedule

   Authentication

   None

   Send Headers

   On

   Header → Name

   Authorization

   Header → Value

   Bearer wh_live_YOUR_KEY, with your key in place of wh_live_YOUR_KEY. Keep the word Bearer and the space.

   Send Body

   On

   Body Content Type

   JSON

   Specify Body

   Using JSON

   JSON

   The JSON below.

   JSONjson

   Copy

   {
     "url": "https://YOUR_N8N_HOST/webhook/YOUR_PATH",
     "runAt": "{{ $now.plus({ minutes: 2 }).toISO() }}",
     "reference": "invoice:test-123",
     "body": {
       "invoiceId": "test-123",
       "email": "test@example.com"
     }
   }

   • url: replace the example with workflow 2’s Production URL.
   • runAt: two minutes from now, for the test. n8n computes it when the node runs. The JSON field must be in Expression mode (the Fixed / Expression switch above it): in Fixed mode the {{ }} part is sent as plain text and the API answers 400.
   • reference and body: test values for now. Workflow 2 receives body.

   Keep the key out of the node

   Instead of Send Headers you can set Authentication to a Header Auth credential with the same name and value. The key is then stored once, in n8n’s credentials.

4. 4

   Step 4: Send a test that arrives in 2 minutes

   1. In workflow 1, run the HTTP Request node (Execute step, or Execute workflow).
   2. The node’s output shows an id and status: PENDING.
   3. Wait about two minutes, then open workflow 2’s Executions. A new execution appears; its Webhook node shows body.invoiceId and body.email.

   When it worked: workflow 2 ran with your data. In its next nodes, map {{ $json.body.invoiceId }} and {{ $json.body.email }}.

   The node shows an error?

   401: the Authorization header is missing or the key is wrong. 400: the JSON is not valid or url is not a public HTTPS address; the response says which field. Details in API errors.

5. 5

   Step 5: See it Delivered

   Open Dashboard → Jobs. The top row goes to your n8n host with the status Delivered. Click it: the attempt shows HTTP 200 and n8n’s answer.

   When it worked: the job is Delivered.

   Failed with HTTP 404?

   n8n answers 404 when workflow 2 is not active or the URL is the Test URL. Activate the workflow, copy the Production URL, then edit and reschedule.

6. 6

   Step 6: Switch to the real delay and real data

   1. In the JSON, replace $now.plus({ minutes: 2 }) with $now.plus({ days: 3 }).
   2. Replace each test value with a field from your trigger: delete test-123 (keep the quotes) and drag the invoice ID from the input panel in its place. Same for the email and the reference.
   3. Activate workflow 1.

   Map IDs, not free text

   A value containing a double quote breaks the JSON. reference accepts letters, digits and : . _ / - only. Free schedules up to 7 days ahead; Pro and Scale up to 365.

   When it worked: the next real run creates a job that Jobs shows as Scheduled, three days ahead.
7. 7

   Step 7: Optional: cancel the call when the customer acts

   With the job id

   Store the id from step 4’s output with the invoice. In the workflow that handles the payment, add an HTTP Request node:

   HTTP Request · cancel by id

   Method

   POST

   URL

   https://webhookscheduler.com/api/v1/jobs/JOB_ID/cancel, with the stored id in place of JOB_ID

   Send Headers

   On

   Header → Name

   Authorization

   Header → Value

   Bearer wh_live_YOUR_KEY, with your key in place of wh_live_YOUR_KEY. Keep the word Bearer and the space.

   Send Body

   Off

   With your own reference

   Add an HTTP Request node with Method GET, URL https://webhookscheduler.com/api/v1/jobs, the same header, and two query parameters: reference = invoice: plus the invoice ID, and state = open. Then a Split Out node on the field jobs, then the cancel node above with {{ $json.id }} in place of JOB_ID.

   When it worked: the cancel answers 200 with status: CANCELED, and Jobs shows Canceled.

   A webhook can be canceled while it is Scheduled or Retrying. Canceled webhooks still count toward your monthly quota (100 a month on Free).

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