How to prevent Closing Issues with Open Sub-Tasks in Jira

Platform Notice: Cloud and Data Center - This article applies equally to both cloud and data center platforms.

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

Learn how to ensure all sub-tasks are completed before closing a parent issue or work item in Jira.

Environment

Jira Cloud and Jira Server/Data Center on any version

Solution

  1. Log in to Jira's admin screen: Click the settings icon (⚙)

  2. Select Issues or Work Items

  3. Choose Workflows.

  4. Select the workflow where you want to add the condition and click Edit to get started.

  5. Click on the transitions that leads to the Close status and click on Conditions. In the example below, the condition will be added in the All to Done transition.

    Workflow diagram with a red box on the All transition to the Done status and on the option Conditions
  6. On the next screen, click Add Condition and select Sub-Task Blocking Condition. Select the sub-task statuses required to allow parent issue (or work item) transitions.

  7. Publish the updated workflow.

Updated on September 25, 2025

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