N8n AI ask and build issue

Questions
1

Describe the problem/error/question

Issue with my n8n AI

What is the error message (if any)?

Unable to connect to n8n’s AI service (Could not retrieve access token).

Please share your workflow

There is no workflow involved in the process

Share the output returned by the last node

NA

Information on your n8n setup

  • n8n version: Version 1.123.9
  • Database (default: SQLite): Yes
  • n8n EXECUTIONS_PROCESS setting (default: own, main): own
  • Running n8n via (Docker, npm, n8n cloud, desktop app): n8n cloud
  • Operating system: Mac OS
2

Hi @megpatakota

Hope you’re doing well.

To help narrow this down, we’ll need a bit more detail:

  • Where does the error appear?
    • In the “AI Ask & Build” sidebar in the n8n UI?
    • Inside an AI-related node in a workflow (for example, AI Agent, Chat, etc.)?
    • Does it show up immediately when opening the AI panel, or only after a specific action (logging in, clicking “Ask”, etc.)?
  • Are you using only one n8n Cloud account, or multiple accounts in the same browser?
  • Have you tried a different browser or an incognito/private window to rule out cache or cookies?
  • Has this feature worked before on the same account/workspace?
  • Have there been any recent changes, such as:
    • Changing the email on your n8n Cloud account?
    • Switching workspaces or teams?
    • Changes to user permissions (for example, no longer being owner/admin)?
  • When the error appears, can you:
    • Open the browser DevTools,
    • Check the Console tab for any additional errors (401/403, CORS, etc.),
    • And share those messages (with sensitive data removed)?
  • Since you’re on n8n Cloud, if you have access to any instance or support logs mentioning AI service or access token, that would also be helpful.
3

Hello,

  • Where does the error appear?

    • In the “AI Ask & Build” sidebar in the n8n UI?

      • Yes, in the sidebar

    • Inside an AI-related node in a workflow (for example, AI Agent, Chat, etc.)?

      • No, this is just for the workflow, n8n’s AI ask and build feature

    • Does it show up immediately when opening the AI panel, or only after a specific action (logging in, clicking “Ask”, etc.)?

      • when I click on “Ask” or “Build”

  • Are you using only one n8n Cloud account, or multiple accounts in the same browser?

    • One account

  • Have you tried a different browser or an incognito/private window to rule out cache or cookies?

    • Yes, still the same

  • Has this feature worked before on the same account/workspace?

    • Yes, worked 2 weeks ago

  • Have there been any recent changes, such as:

    • Changing the email on your n8n Cloud account? Not that I am aware of

    • Switching workspaces or teams? Not that I am aware of

    • Changes to user permissions (for example, no longer being owner/admin)? Not that I am aware of

  • When the error appears, can you:

    • Open the browser DevTools,

    • Check the Console tab for any additional errors (401/403, CORS, etc.),

    • And share those messages (with sensitive data removed)?

  • Since you’re on n8n Cloud, if you have access to any instance or support logs mentioning AI service or access token, that would also be helpful.

    • I am not sure how to acquire this but to add more details
      • When I use AI build this is the error: Failed to connect to LLM Provider: License validation failed
      • When I use AI Ask this is the error: Unable to connect to n8n’s AI service (Could not retrieve access token)
4

@megpatakota

Your errors suggest n8n can’t validate your cloud license or the AI backend can’t issue an access token for your workspace.

Since this worked two weeks ago and you’ve tried different browsers, check a few things:

  • Confirm you’re logged into the same n8n Cloud workspace where the trial/plan is active.
  • Go to Settings > Usage and plan and verify your license/trial is still active.
  • If you’re in a team workspace, confirm with the owner/admin that your role/permissions haven’t changed, as AI Assistant is tied to the workspace and plan.

If the error persists…

Since this is a cloud-side AI/license issue and not a workflow problem, you’ll likely need n8n Cloud support to investigate. When you contact them, mention:

  • The exact errors: “Failed to connect to LLM Provider: License validation failed” (Build) and “Unable to connect to n8n’s AI service (Could not retrieve access token)” (Ask)
  • That it worked ~2 weeks ago and now fails in all browsers
  • Include a screenshot of Settings → Usage and plan if possible
  • Any Console errors (401/403 or failed calls to AI/LLM endpoints), with sensitive data removed

There’s no client-side setting to fix “license validation failed” it almost certainly needs a check/fix on the n8n Cloud side for your license/AI access.

5

Hello,

I am on an active plan and not trail. Our organization has n8n for over 3 months now. My role has not changed.

I got an email from Aya from n8n as follows but my AI features are still not working “Regarding the errors you’re seeing “Unable to connect to n8n’s AI service (Could not retrieve access token).” - it looks like AI features weren’t enabled in your instance. I’ve now enabled them so you should have access to these.“

I am not sure how to contact n8n cloud support, could you please provide details.

Thanks

6

Hi @megpatakota

I understand your frustration. Since the features were “enabled” but still aren’t working, there may be something additional that needs to be configured on your instance’s backend.

To contact n8n Cloud support directly, you can send an email to [email protected]

The technical support team will have access to the internal logs to investigate this further.

I hope they can resolve this quickly for you! :slightly_smiling_face:

Recomendation

In the email, I recommend including:

  • Clear subject line: something like “AI Ask & Build - Error persists after enablement”
  • Reference to your previous conversation with Aya (for context)
  • The specific errors you’re still seeing:
    • “Failed to connect to LLM Provider: License validation failed” (on Build)
    • “Unable to connect to n8n’s AI service (Could not retrieve access token)” (on Ask)
  • Details about your active plan and workspace
  • If possible, screenshots showing the errors