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How to remove inactive users WITH NO ISSUES ASSIGNED from the backlog?

Gleyson Borges
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January 8, 2026

My project had a user removed from it, but their avatars still show up in the backlog section in software boards. 

I followed these steps but they didn't help because there is no issue assigned to the inactive user.

Any ideas how to solve this?

Thank you in advance.

2 answers

1 vote
Williams Welsh
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January 8, 2026

Inactive users may still appear in Jira boards if they are referenced in issues, projects, or custom fields, even with no visible assignments. To remove them:

Use JQL (assignee in (inactiveUsers())) to find any remaining issues linked to inactive users and reassign if needed.

Check all projects connected to the board, as the user may exist elsewhere.

Verify custom fields or automation rules that might reference the inactive user.

Reindex the board if avatars or references still appear.

This ensures inactive users are fully cleared from the backlog.

0 votes
Trudy Claspill
Community Champion
January 8, 2026

Hello @Gleyson Borges 

How did you determine that there are no issues assigned to the user?

Does your board display work items from more than one project?

Has Issue Security been implemented in the project(s) from which the work items are selected?

 

Gleyson Borges
I'm New Here
I'm New Here
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January 9, 2026

Hey Trudy!

When I select the inactive user on the backlog, there are no issues there (see attached file)
Captura de tela 2026-01-09 101434.png
My space display work from my project only

And I don't kno nothing about Issue Security :\


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