Easy Tech TutsHow to Add Backlog View to a Jira Kanban Board
By Impran M N
Kanban boards don't show a backlog view by default the way Scrum boards do, which can make forward planning harder. This guide covers turning on the backlog view for a Kanban board in Jira.
01Open your Kanban board settings
Go to the board and find its settings menu where general board features are configured.
02Enable the backlog feature
Turn on the backlog option so a separate view is created for unscheduled or unstarted work.
03Move issues into the backlog
Send lower-priority or unplanned issues to the backlog view so the main board stays focused on active work.
04Prioritize the backlog list
Reorder backlog issues so the most important upcoming work sits at the top.
05Pull issues onto the board when ready
Move issues from the backlog onto the active Kanban board as capacity opens up.
Frequently asked questions
Is a backlog view available on every Kanban board?
It needs to be enabled specifically, since Kanban boards don't show a backlog view by default.
How is the Kanban backlog different from a Scrum backlog?
The Kanban backlog holds unscheduled work without sprint boundaries, while a Scrum backlog is organized around sprints.
Can I set work-in-progress limits from the backlog view?
WIP limits are typically set on the active board's columns rather than in the backlog view itself.
Do backlog issues show up in reports?
Some reports include backlog issues if your filter captures them, though most reporting focuses on active board columns.
Watch the full walkthrough
The same steps, demonstrated on screen from start to finish.
