Fix 'Internal Server Error' on Transition Screen in Jira Cloud

Platform Notice: Cloud Only - This article only applies to Atlassian apps on the cloud platform.

Summary

Sometimes, when you use the workflow post function Clear Field Value for the Assignee field, and also transition the issue that uses a work item screen, the error message "Internal server error" is displayed when confirming the entered screen data.

For example:

Acknowledge Dialog Screen, with only the error "Internal server error"

Solution

In order to resolve this issue, access the affected issue type workflow:

  1. Select ⚙ > Work Items

  2. Select Workflows

  3. Select the workflow transition that's facing the "Internal server error" message and click Edit

  4. In the Workflow Editor, select the transition

  5. Select 'Post Functions' in the properties panel

  6. Remove post function Clear Field Value for the Assignee field

  7. Add the Assign the issue to the lead developer post function

  8. Publish the workflow

  9. Edit the workflow again

  10. Delete the Assign the issue to the lead developer post function

  11. Add the post function Clear Field Value for the Assignee field

  12. Publish the workflow

This will re-sync the post-function data, allowing the successful transition of the issue to the target status.

Why can this happen

This issue occurs because the database mistakenly points the assignee field to a user who is no longer part of your site. While in the UI, there is no such configuration inside the post function; however, it is still recorded in the database. This means the configuration did exist at one point but wasn't properly deleted from the database when removed from the UI.

Relevant links

Updated on April 29, 2025

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