Atlassian

Migrating from Connect to Forge

Last updated: July 2026 · Applies to: all MWF apps built on Atlassian Connect

Action required before September 2026
Atlassian is ending support for the Connect platform in Q4 2026. After this date, Connect-based apps will no longer receive security updates and may stop functioning. Migrating to the Forge version of your app takes less than 5 minutes.

Why is this happening?

Atlassian is unifying its app ecosystem on a single, modern platform called Forge. Unlike Connect, which required apps to run on external servers outside Atlassian's infrastructure, Forge apps run natively inside Atlassian's cloud. This shift delivers stronger security guarantees, better performance, and first-class compliance features with no extra effort on your part.

Connect will reach end of support in Q4 2026. We have migrated all of our apps to Forge so your teams can continue to work without disruption.

Benefits of Forge

Benefit

What it means for you

🔒 Stronger security

Forge runs in an isolated, sandboxed environment with built-in authentication, egress controls, and automatic vulnerability patching. Forge has completed ISO 27001 and SOC 2 evaluations.

🏠 Native Atlassian hosting

Apps run entirely inside Atlassian's infrastructure. No third-party servers, no external requests for your data. Eligible apps earn the "Runs on Atlassian" badge.

🌏 Data residency

Forge respects your Atlassian data residency settings automatically. App data is pinned to your chosen region alongside the rest of your Atlassian data.

⚡ Better performance

Forge invocations execute from the same region as your Atlassian instance, reducing latency and improving reliability compared to externally hosted Connect apps.

🗺️ Atlassian's long-term roadmap

New Atlassian platform features, including AI capabilities and deeper integrations, are being built for Forge first. Connect will not receive new capabilities.

🚫 No external infrastructure

Forge removes the dependency on third-party hosting entirely, simplifying your security audits and vendor reviews.

What changes for you

Your data and configuration carry over automatically
All existing data, settings, and configurations are preserved during the migration. You do not need to reconfigure the app or re-enter any settings after updating.

Area

Before (Connect)

After (Forge)

App data & settings

Stored on external servers

Migrated automatically; no action needed

Configuration

Configured in Connect app

Carries over as-is; no reconfiguration needed

User interface

Connect UI

Same experience; Forge UI is functionally equivalent

Permissions

Connect OAuth scopes

Forge scopes; may prompt for re-approval if elevated permissions are required (app-dependent)

On-premises / Data Center

Supported via Connect

Forge is a cloud-only platform. Data Center customers should remain on the current version and contact support for guidance.

Downtime during update

N/A

None expected. The app switches from Connect to Forge in the background.

App-specific limitations
Certain advanced configurations may behave slightly differently on Forge. Where known differences exist, they are documented in each app's individual release notes. Check your app's Confluence space for app-specific notes.

How to update: step-by-step

The migration is triggered by a standard app update in your Atlassian admin panel. For most apps this takes under 5 minutes and requires no downtime.

  1. Open Manage apps
    Log in to your Jira or Confluence instance Administration Connected apps section.
    For Jira, go to Settings > Marketplace apps > Manage apps > Take me there
    For Confluence go to Settings > Manage apps > Take me there

    image-20260707-005959.png
  2. Find the app and check for an update
    In the app list, locate the app you want to migrate. If a Forge version is available, you will see an Update button next to the app name.

    image-20260707-011153.png
  3. Click Update
    Click the Update button. Atlassian will uninstall the Connect version and install the Forge version in its place.

    • The process typically completes within 30 to 60 seconds.

    • You may be asked to review and accept updated permission scopes before confirming.

    • No data is lost during this process.

    image-20260707-011422.png

Automatic updates (some apps)
For apps where the Forge version does not request elevated permissions compared to the Connect version, Atlassian may roll out the update automatically, with no admin action required. You'll receive a notification from Atlassian when this happens.

Frequently asked questions

Will my data be lost during the migration?

No. All existing data and configuration carry over automatically when you update to the Forge version. You do not need to back up or re-enter any settings.

Do I need to reconfigure the app after updating?

In most cases, no. Your existing settings are preserved. If an app-specific reconfiguration is required, it will be documented in that app's release notes. Check the relevant app space on this Confluence site for details.

What happens if I don't update before the Connect end-of-support date?

After Q4 2026, Atlassian will no longer provide security updates or patches for Connect. App functionality may degrade or stop working entirely as Atlassian infrastructure changes. We strongly recommend updating as soon as the Forge version is available to avoid disruption.

Does this affect Atlassian Data Center (on-premises) customers?

Forge is a cloud-only platform. If you are running an Atlassian Data Center (self-managed) deployment, this migration guide does not apply. Please contact our support team for guidance specific to your setup.

Will there be any downtime during the migration?

No downtime is expected. The update process replaces the Connect version with the Forge version in the background. Users may briefly see the app as unavailable during the switch, but this typically resolves within 60 seconds.

I have multiple apps - do I need to update each one separately?

Yes, each app is updated individually from the Manage apps screen. The process is the same for each: find the app, click Upgrade, and confirm. In some cases where automatic updates are enabled, Atlassian may handle the rollout without any action from you.

Who can perform the update?

The update must be performed by a Jira or Confluence admin (Site admin or Organisation admin). Standard users do not have access to Manage apps.

Where can I get help if something goes wrong?

Contact our support team via our support portal.