Retry on Fail Except for Known Errors

## Purpose This workflow snippet allows for advanced error catching during retry attempts. There are cases where you want to check if an item exists first, so you can determine the following actions. Some APIs do not support an endpoint (e.g., Todoist: completed tasks) to do so, which is why you would work with the error branch, only that this does not work well in combination with the retry functionality. ## How it works - Instead of the built-in retry function of a Node, a custom loop is used to get more granular control in between the iterations. - If the main executed node fails, the error can be filtered for an expected error, which can trigger a separate action. - The retries only happen if an unexpected error happened. - The workflow only stops if the defined amount of retries is exceeded. ## Setup - Copy the nodes into your existing workflow. - Replace the “Replace me” placeholder with the Node you want to apply the retry logic on. - Follow the sticky notes for more instructions and optional settings.

n8n

Purpose

This workflow snippet allows for advanced error catching during retry attempts.

There are cases where you want to check if an item exists first, so you can determine the following actions. Some APIs do not support an endpoint (e.g., Todoist: completed tasks) to do so, which is why you would work with the error branch, only that this does not work well in combination with the retry functionality.

How it works

  • Instead of the built-in retry function of a Node, a custom loop is used to get more granular control in between the iterations.
  • If the main executed node fails, the error can be filtered for an expected error, which can trigger a separate action.
  • The retries only happen if an unexpected error happened.
  • The workflow only stops if the defined amount of retries is exceeded.

Setup

  • Copy the nodes into your existing workflow.
  • Replace the “Replace me” placeholder with the Node you want to apply the retry logic on.
  • Follow the sticky notes for more instructions and optional settings.
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Last updated October 3, 2026
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How to import this workflow into n8n

  1. 1Purchase or download the workflow to get the n8n workflow JSON file.
  2. 2In your n8n instance, open Workflows and choose "Import from File" (or paste the JSON with Ctrl+V on the canvas).
  3. 3Open each node marked with a credential warning and connect your own accounts and API keys.
  4. 4Run the workflow once manually to verify the data flow, then toggle it to Active.

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