5-Minute SSL Guide: Secure Docker Apps with Nginx Proxy Manager

Introduction: The Easy Way to SSL

Running apps like n8n or Portainer on http://ip:5678 is dangerous. You need HTTPS. But setting up Nginx config files manually is a headache.

Meet Nginx Proxy Manager (NPM). It gives you a simple graphical interface to handle all your domains and SSL certificates automatically.

Step 1: Install NPM (Docker)

Create a folder and a docker-compose.yml file.

mkdir nginx-proxy && cd nginx-proxy
nano docker-compose.yml

Paste this code to set up the proxy server:

version: '3.8'
services:
  app:
    image: 'jc21/nginx-proxy-manager:latest'
    restart: unless-stopped
    ports:
      - '80:80'      # Public Web Port
      - '81:81'      # Admin Panel Port
      - '443:443'    # SSL Port
    volumes:
      - ./data:/data
      - ./letsencrypt:/etc/letsencrypt

Run it:

docker compose up -d

Step 2: Login to Dashboard

Open your browser and go to: http://your-server-ip:81

Login and immediately change your email and password.

Step 3: Add SSL to Your App

Now let's secure your app (e.g., n8n running on port 5678).

1. Click "Proxy Hosts" ->"Add Proxy Host".
2. Domain Names: Enter your domain (e.g., n8n.mysite.com).
3. Forward Hostname / IP: Enter your server's local IP (e.g., 172.17.0.1 for Docker gateway or your public IP).
4. Forward Port: Enter the app port (e.g., 5678).
5. Go to the "SSL" tab.
6. Under "SSL Certificate", select "Request a new SSL Certificate".
7. Toggle on "Force SSL" and "HTTP/2 Support".
8. Enter your email and click Save.

Success! You can now visit https://n8n.mysite.com. Your connection is secure, and the lock icon is visible.

Conclusion: Secure & Professional

No more "Not Secure" warnings. You can repeat Step 3 for unlimited domains and apps.