Can't add approval step to a workflow in Jira Service Management Cloud

Summary

Sometimes, when adding an approval step to a workflow, the checkbox to include the approval step may not display. This article helps identify what causes this behavior and how to solve it.

Solution

The workflow is inactive

Only active workflows can have approval steps. Associate the workflow with an issue type used in a project (and publish the changes) to ensure it is currently in use.

You can identify the status of a workflow when editing it by checking the gray label next to its name:

• Inactive workflows state "INACTIVE"

• Active workflows state "SHARED BY X PROJECTS"

When you access all the workflows in your site through System > Settings > Workflows, they are clearly separated into active and inactive.

Approvals are available for service projects

Approvals can only be used in service projects. If your project is of the software or business type, you won't be able to configure approvals for it.

There is a feature request for this:

• JRACLOUD-62053 - Ability to add approval feature to JSW and JWM projects' workflows

Relevant articles

For more details about managing workflow and issue-type schemes, refer to the following documentation:

• Manage issue workflows

• Add an approval step to a workflow