The relationship only shows up in the UI if the user can see both issues.
When you try to close an issue that has open blockers, a warning is displayed.
TIP: **Tip:**
To manage related issues through our API, see the [API documentation](../../../api/issue_links.md).
## Adding a related issue
> - [Introduced](https://gitlab.com/gitlab-org/gitlab/-/issues/2035) in [GitLab Starter](https://about.gitlab.com/pricing/) 12.8.
> - [Improved](https://gitlab.com/gitlab-org/gitlab/-/issues/34239) in [GitLab Starter](https://about.gitlab.com/pricing/) 13.0.
> - [Improved](https://gitlab.com/gitlab-org/gitlab/-/issues/34239) to warn when attempting to close an issue that is blocked by others in [GitLab Starter](https://about.gitlab.com/pricing/) 13.0.
> When you try to close an issue with open blockers, you'll see a warning that you can dismiss.
You can relate one issue to another by clicking the related issues "+" button
in the header of the related issue block. Then, input the issue reference number
or paste in the full URL of the issue.
1. Relate one issue to another by clicking the related issues "+" button
in the header of the related issue block.
1. Input the issue reference number or paste in the full URL of the issue.
Additionally, you can select whether the current issue relates to, blocks, or is blocked by the issues being entered.
1. Select whether the current issue relates to, blocks, or is blocked by the issues being entered.
![Adding a related issue](img/related_issues_add_v12_8.png)
![Adding a related issue](img/related_issues_add_v12_8.png)
Issues of the same project can be specified just by the reference number.
Issues from a different project require additional information like the
group and the project name. For example:
Issues of the same project can be specified just by the reference number.
Issues from a different project require additional information like the
group and the project name. For example:
- same project: `#44`
- same group: `project#44`
- different group: `group/project#44`
- same project: `#44`
- same group: `project#44`
- different group: `group/project#44`
Valid references will be added to a temporary list that you can review.
When you have added all the related issues, click **Add** to submit.
Valid references will be added to a temporary list that you can review.
Once you have finished adding all related issues, you will be able to see
1. When you have added all the related issues, click **Add** to submit.
When you have finished adding all related issues, you will be able to see
them categorized so their relationships can be better understood visually.