Disabled users can be mentioned in Confluence

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

After disabling a user, you're still able to mention it. Sometimes when trying to save a page containing a mention to a disabled user you receive:

  • Can’t reach the server. Check you’re connected to the internet and Confluence is up and running

Diagnosis

Access Confluence using your browser's incognito (private) mode. Usually

Ctrl + Shift + N

.

New mentions to a disabled user should no longer work.

Cause

The username suggestion still cached in the browser. Notice that odd things happen depending on how many characters you type after @, that's because not all combinations are cached.

Solution

Resolution

Clear your browser's cache completely.

Updated on April 2, 2025

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