Jira cloud - free edition - move task to a new epic

[Paul Cooper]

A strange issue, I cannot move a Task from one epic to another.

To workaround this I make the task a sub-task of something, then make it a task again then set the new epic.

Am I missing something?

[Gor Greyan]

Hi @Paul Cooper

Welcome to the Atlassian Community!

In some Jira configurations, the Epic Link field is not shown or editable in certain screens or workflows (especially for company-managed projects).
Fix for this:

• Go to the Screen Configuration for the issue type (Task).

• Ensure the field Epic Link (or Parent) is included in the edit screen.

• Try editing the task again — you should see the Epic field available to change.

Team-Managed vs Company-Managed Projects

If you’re trying to move a Task between different project types, Jira treats their epics and issue hierarchies differently.

• Team-managed projects use a “Parent” field.

• Company-managed projects use “Epic Link.”
  You can’t directly move issues between them without Jira converting or resetting fields — hence why your “make it a sub-task” workaround might work.

Fix:

• Move the issue via the “Move” action (⋯ menu → Move) instead of trying to just change the epic.

• This triggers Jira’s guided migration wizard, allowing field mappings.

[Tara Pathirana]

Hi @Paul Cooper 

What steps are you taking? You should be able to do this in the task itself. Open the Task and fine the Epic Link Field (if you can't find it  click "More Fields") - change it to the new epic and save. 

If you can't find epic link maybe try Parent link? or add it to issue layout

Hope that helps

[Paul Cooper]

Thanks Tara,

It's strange, when I open the task and got to the three dots I was expecting to see Move Parent, but it is not there (I know it was there on other installations so maybe its a free issue edition and cloud thing).

Interestingly I cannot drag to reorder issues in list view, only on the Kanban board, so I suspect limited functions on free tier.

Thank you for responding.

Paul