Easy Tech TutsHow to Change Issue Status in Jira
By Impran M N
Changing an issue's status is one of the most frequent actions in Jira, and there's more than one way to do it depending on where you're working. This guide covers the common methods for moving an issue forward.
01Drag the card on a board
On a Scrum or Kanban board, drag the issue's card from its current column to the new one that matches the desired status.
02Use the status dropdown on the issue
Open the issue directly and click its status field to select an available transition.
03Follow workflow transition rules
Only statuses allowed by the current workflow will appear as options, so some transitions may require passing through intermediate steps.
04Complete any required fields
Some transitions prompt for additional information, like a resolution or comment, before the status change is finalized.
05Confirm the update
Check the issue or board to make sure the status change was saved and reflects correctly.
Frequently asked questions
Why can't I move an issue to a certain status?
The workflow may not allow a direct transition from the current status, requiring the issue to pass through an intermediate step first.
Can I change status without opening the full issue?
Yes, dragging the card on a board or using quick status controls on the issue list both work without opening the full detail view.
Does changing status trigger notifications?
Often yes, depending on your project's notification scheme, watchers and assignees may be notified of the change.
Can status changes be automated?
Yes, Jira automation rules can be set up to change status automatically based on triggers like linked issue completion.
Watch the full walkthrough
The same steps, demonstrated on screen from start to finish.
