Deleting resolutions in Jira

[Ron Aisen]

Hi, I'd like to delete a resolution In jira and I have 2 concerns regarding this, 

Thanks In advance for the assistance :)

1. Does deleting the resolution in Jira admin settings prompts you to update the new resolution as you delete the old one?

2. Do I need to first map all of the workflows in my Jira projects to see which resolutions are being used and update them to the new resolutions so I won't have issues and bugs in my workflows?

[Ali Umut Terzi · Accepted solution]

Hi @Ron Aisen 👋

1️⃣ Deleting a resolution in admin settings
Deleting a resolution under Jira Settings → Issues → Resolutions does not automatically prompt you to update workflows or replace it with another value.
If that resolution is currently referenced in a workflow (for example in a “Set Resolution” post-function), Jira won’t auto-replace it — that transition will simply break or throw an error during execution.

2️⃣ Mapping workflows before deleting
Yes, it’s highly recommended to first map where that resolution is used.

• Review your workflows in System → Workflows and check transitions leading to “Done” or similar statuses.
• Update those transitions to your new resolution value.
• Also, run a quick JQL search like:
• resolution = "Old Resolution Name"

to find issues still using that resolution, and bulk-update them if needed.

✅ Safe process suggestion

1. Create the new resolution first.
2. Update workflows to use it.
3. Bulk-update existing issues.
4. Then safely delete the old resolution.

That way, you’ll avoid any broken workflows or inconsistent reporting across your projects.

Hope this helps! 🙂

[Ron Aisen]

Hi Ali!

Thanks for the swift response, 

Do you have suggestions how can I bulk update the resolution field?

Since the field is dependent on workflow resolution Im unable to update it on the regular bulk actions. 

[Gor Greyan · Accepted solution]

Hi @Ron Aisen

You can do a bulk change via Automation.

Add Resolution filed on the Edit Screen of the issue types.

Create Automation.

Trigger - Scheduled.
Write the JQL, which tickets should be changed.

Action. Edit fields --> Resolution, and select the new resolution.

[Ali Umut Terzi]

Hi @Ron Aisen 👋

The Resolution field is indeed workflow-dependent, so it can’t be changed through the regular bulk edit feature.

Here are a few safe ways to handle this:

1️⃣ Temporary transition approach (recommended)

• Create a temporary workflow transition (for example, “Fix Resolution”) from Done → Done (or whichever status the issues are currently in).
• Add a post function to that transition to set the new resolution you want.
• Publish the workflow, perform a bulk transition on those issues to trigger the new resolution, and then remove this temporary transition afterward.

2️⃣ Use an automation rule (for admins)
If you’re on Jira Cloud, you can create a simple automation like:

When: Issue matches JQL resolution = "Old Resolution"
Then: Edit issue → Resolution = "New Resolution"

Run it manually or via “Run rule for existing issues.”

3️⃣ Last-resort manual method
If you prefer not to modify workflows, you can temporarily reopen and re-close the issues using a workflow path that has a Set Resolution post-function with your new value.

For detailed technical help, AI will help you for sure :)

Hope this helps!