Vercel deploy failing on Node.js 20? It was deprecated on October 1, 2026
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Source checked 24 Oct 2026 · Published 29 Oct 2026 · Last reviewed 29 Oct 2026 · By Ctrl+Z Therapy (how we test)
The short answer
Check your Node.js version. Vercel's changelog says that, following the Node.js 20 end of life on April 30, 2026, Vercel deprecated Node.js 20 for Builds and Functions on October 1, 2026. Existing projects using 20 as the version for Functions display an error when a new deployment is created. Existing deployments are not affected: your live site keeps working, and only new deployments are.
What to do
- Change the Node.js version in Project Settings, where Node.js 20 is disabled. Vercel's docs list 24.x (the default) and 22.x.
- Or upgrade with one click from the dashboard: team owners and members can move projects on Node.js 20 or earlier to Node.js 24.
- If your package.json also sets a version in the engines field, update it there manually. Also check .nvmrc and .node-version files.
- Ask your AI tool: "Upgrade this Vercel project from Node.js 20 to 24: set engines in package.json to 24.x, update any .nvmrc or .node-version file, then run the build and tests."
Source
- Vercel changelog: Node.js 20 is being deprecated
- Vercel changelog: One-click upgrade for deprecated Node.js versions
- Vercel docs: Node.js versions
Checked on 24 Oct 2026. Prices, limits and settings change, so check the source before you rely on them.