Error 'Unable to convert lead that is in use by workflow' on Lead conversion

To resolve this error, identify and clear the automation currently holding the Lead record. Work through each possible cause below.

Cause 1: Pending Time-Based Workflow, Process Builder Action, or Flow Scheduled Action

Time-Based Workflow

1. Go to Setup | Monitoring | Time-Based Workflow.
2. Filter on criteria related to the Lead record that encountered the error. Use "Contains" instead of "Equals" in the operation for better search results.
3. Once you've verified the pending action, check the checkbox beside it and click Delete.

Process Builder with Scheduled Action

Navigate to the paused actions:

• Lightning Experience: Gear icon → Setup → Process Automation → Paused Flow Interviews
• Salesforce Classic: Setup → Create → Workflow & Approvals → Flows

Delete or allow the pending action to clear before retrying the conversion.

Record-Triggered Flow with Scheduled Path

A Record-Triggered Flow that includes a scheduled path (also called an "async path" in older API versions) can hold the Lead record in the same way as a Process Builder scheduled action.
Navigate to the paused flow interviews:

• Lightning Experience: Gear icon → Setup → Process Automation → Paused and Failed Flow Interviews

Locate any paused interview associated with the Lead record and delete it before retrying the conversion.

Cause 2: Lead is in an Active Approval Process

1. Add the Approval History related list to the page layout of the Lead record being converted.
2. Check whether there is a "Pending" entry in the Approval History related list.
   1. If a pending entry exists, recall the approval from the approval process.
   2. Otherwise, wait until the approval process completes before performing the conversion

Cause 3: Post-Conversion Workflow Triggering a Validation Rule

This error can also appear after conversion if a workflow fires and one of its field update actions changes a field referenced in a validation rule. Review any workflow rules that fire on Lead conversion and check for conflicts with existing validation rules.