Confluence dashboard shows weird contents after upgrade

Platform Notice: Data Center Only - This article only applies to Atlassian products on the Data Center platform.

Note that this KB was created for the Data Center version of the product. Data Center KBs for non-Data-Center-specific features may also work for Server versions of the product, however they have not been tested. Support for Server* products ended on February 15th 2024. If you are running a Server product, you can visit the Atlassian Server end of support announcement to review your migration options.

*Except Fisheye and Crucible

Summary

Problem

Confluence dashboard displaying a weird arrow << on the top bar.

Sometimes, Site Spaces might not be displaying at all.

(Auto-migrated image: description temporarily unavailable)

Diagnosis

Environment

  • Happens after upgrade to Confluence 5.9.x

Cause

  1. There's an incompatible plugin(s)..

  2. There's a faulty customization.

Solution

Resolution

Solution 1 (Incompatible plugin)

  1. Go to

    (Auto-migrated image: description temporarily unavailable)

    >> Manage Add-Ons and update all the plugins to the latest compatible version. Disable/uninstall those that are not compatible.

  2. If it's still not working, Enable Safe Mode and see if the dashboard is displaying correctly.

  3. If it's displaying correctly, maintain the safe mode and enable back your plugins 1 by 1 to identify on which plugin is causing the problem.

Solution 2 (Faulty customization)

  1. Remove all customization by following this documentation. ⚠️Remember to backup your Confluence Home Directory and database before proceeding

    - https://confluence.atlassian.com/confkb/how-do-i-clear-customisations-from-confluence-314447086.html

Updated on April 8, 2025

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