User is not valid for this user picker

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

An error occurs when attempting to create an issue: CustomField: User 'username' is not valid for this user picker.

Diagnosis

This error will be displayed on the Create Issue screen and no errors will appear within the logs.

Cause

This is a result of a deleted or disabled user being the Default value for a Custom Field of the User Picker type.

Solution

  1. Go to 'Jira Administration -> Issues -> Custom Fields'.

  2. Locate the custom field that reported the error when attempting to create the issue.

  3. Under the 'Actions' column, select 'Configure'.

  4. Select 'Edit Default value'.

  5. Remove or replace the user with an Active user.

Updated on March 10, 2025

Still need help?

The Atlassian Community is here for you.