Semantic Model Retains Old Tenant Credentials After Cross-Tenant Migration

[Vedanth]

We recently moved a semantic model across tenants, but after updating the connections to point to the new tenant, it still references the old tenant's credentials when accessing the data source.

Even after creating a new connection in the target tenant and ensuring all mappings are updated, the model continues to retain the previous tenant's credentials while authenticating the data source.

Has anyone encountered this behavior? Any suggestions on how to fully refresh the authentication and ensure the model correctly uses the new tenant’s credentials?

[nilendraFabric · Accepted solution]

Hello @Vedanth 

semantic models maintain specific references to the authentication context used during their creation and subsequent data refreshes.

When a semantic model is created, it captures not only the connection string information but also tokens and authentication context specific to the tenant where it was initially developed. This embedded authentication information doesn’t automatically update when migrated across tenant boundaries

did you tried take over method already?

Select Settings > About tab > Take Over

And i am guessing you have changed creds using semantic model’s Settings > Data Source Credentials”

[v-csrikanth]

Hi @Vedanth 

We haven't heard from you since last response and just wanted to check whether the solution provided has worked for you. If yes, please Accept as Solution to help others benefit in the community.
Thank you.

If the above information is helpful, please give us Kudos and mark the response as Accepted as solution.
Best Regards,
Community Support Team _ C Srikanth.

[v-csrikanth]

Hi @Vedanth 
I wanted to follow up since I haven't heard from you in a while. Have you had a chance to try the suggested solutions?
If your issue is resolved, please consider marking the post as solved. However, if you're still facing challenges, feel free to share the details, and we'll be happy to assist you further.
Looking forward to your response!

[v-csrikanth]

Hi @Vedanth 

We haven't heard from you since last response and just wanted to check whether the solution provided has worked for you. If yes, please Accept as Solution to help others benefit in the community.
Thank you.

If the above information is helpful, please give us Kudos and mark the response as Accepted as solution.
Best Regards,
Community Support Team _ C Srikanth.

[v-csrikanth · Accepted solution]

Hi  @Vedanth 
In addition to @nilendraFabric below points you needs to follow to resolve your issue.
Migrating semantic models between tenants may cause issues with credential persistence.
Here are effective solutions to fully refresh the authentication:

Clear all cached credentials:

• Go to Control Panel in your PC -> Credential Manager
• Remove all stored credentials related to Power BI, Microsoft 365, and your data sources.
• Restart your computer after clearing credentials.

Using Power BI Service:

• Access your semantic model in the Power BI service
• Go to Semantic models → Settings → Data source credentials → Edit credentials
• Re-enter the credentials using the new tenant's authentication context

Clear Power BI desktop cache:

• In Power BI Desktop, go to File → Options → Settings → Data source settings
• Select "Clear Permissions" for relevant data sources
• In some cases, you may need to clear all cached files under File → Options → Save → Delete Cached Files. 

If the above information helps you, please give us a Kudos and marked the Accept as a solution.

Best Regards,

Community Support Team _ C Srikanth.

[nilendraFabric · Accepted solution]

Hello @Vedanth 

semantic models maintain specific references to the authentication context used during their creation and subsequent data refreshes.

When a semantic model is created, it captures not only the connection string information but also tokens and authentication context specific to the tenant where it was initially developed. This embedded authentication information doesn’t automatically update when migrated across tenant boundaries

did you tried take over method already?

Select Settings > About tab > Take Over

And i am guessing you have changed creds using semantic model’s Settings > Data Source Credentials”