# Carbon Voice + n8n

> **About this integration**
>
>[Why Carbon Voice?](../concepts/why-carbonvoice.md)
>
>- **Talk to n8n workflows** — Record voice messages to trigger n8n workflows instantly while on-the-go with the mobile app
>- **Talk to it with a desktop shortcut** — Start talking to your n8n workflow with a single keyboard shortcut
>- **Visual workflow building** — Use n8n's node editor to create complex AI-powered voice workflows

## 1 - Create an Agent Account and Get PAT

1. [Create an agent](../api-how-to/how-to-create-a-voice-agent-account.md)
2. Generate a Personal Access Token (PAT) for that agent
3. Copy the PAT - you'll need it for configuration

> Note: if you are wanting to create an automation for things you do in your account and not an agent, you will need to create a PAT for your account instead.  Look under profile menu "integrations" to find access tokens for your account.

## 2 - Connect your agent

```
SELF-HOSTED ONLY

Install the node first via **Settings → Community Nodes** 
Select "Install as community node"
Paste in `@carbonvoice/n8n-nodes-carbonvoice` into the npm Package Name field
OR Via command line: `npm install @carbonvoice/n8n-nodes-carbonvoice`
Restart n8n. 
```

### Set Up Carbon Voice Credentials in n8n

1. In n8n, hit **"+"** in top left and **"New Credential"**
2. Search for and select **"Carbon Voice API"**
3. Paste in your Personal Access Token
4. Save the credential

### Build Your Workflow

1. Create a new workflow in n8n
2. Click **"+"** and search for **"Carbon Voice"**
3. Select the **Carbon Voice Trigger** node
4. Choose your saved credential and configure message filters as needed
5. Add downstream nodes to process the incoming message

The incoming payload has the `transcript_txt` field containing the transcribed text of what was said or typed.

## 3 - Talk to your n8n Workflow

Get desktop app to setup hotkeys to talk to your agent.
Get mobile app to talk to your agent on the go.
[Download Carbon Voice](https://carbonvoice.app/download)

## Troubleshooting

| Problem | Solution |
| ----- | ----- |
| Replies go to wrong channel | Confirm the HTTP Request node uses the `conversation_id` from the incoming trigger payload, not a hardcoded channel ID |
| n8n execution errors | Open the **Executions** tab in n8n to inspect the full payload and identify which node failed |
| Carbon Voice node not appearing | Restart n8n after installing the package; check the n8n logs for install errors |
| Community node install fails | Ensure your n8n instance has internet access and that you're running a version of n8n that supports community nodes (v0.187+) |

**Need help?** Reach out in Carbon Voice: Settings → Help → Support

> **Security Notes**
>
> - Your Carbon Voice PAT is stored in n8n's credentials. Keep your n8n instance secure.
> - Never commit your PAT to version control
> - If you suspect your PAT has been compromised, revoke it immediately from the developer portal and create a new one