Data Connection

[PowerBINoob24]

Hello all,

I recently started creating a PBI dashbord using a data source from an online service.  The data connection is via an API call.  I was informed by the vendor that in order to pull other data that I need, I need to use another data source.  I'm trying to add the additional source; however, it doesn't allow me to add it.  It just automatically goes to the navigator screen and shows the existing data being pulled.  This doesn't happen when pulling from an excel backend, so I'm asssuming it's got something to do with it being pulled via an API call.  Even if I try to create a new dashbaord using just the new data source, it will still take me to the navigator screen and show the existing data.

Anyone have any idea how I get the new data source integrated?

Thanks in advance.

[Anonymous]

Hi @PowerBINoob24 ,

Thanks for the reply from rajendraongole1 .

Your problem seems to occur when calling multiple data sources, one of which is the API.

I have the suggestion for multiple API calls in Power BI:

You can store multiple API addresses in a spreadsheet and then select Invoke Custom Function in Power Query >> Query Editor to “read” those URLs.

You can refer to this post for more information:

Solved: Multiple API Calls as Source - Microsoft Fabric Community

If you have any other questions please feel free to contact me.

Best Regards,
Yang
Community Support Team

If there is any post helps, then please consider Accept it as the solution  to help the other members find it more quickly.
If I misunderstand your needs or you still have problems on it, please feel free to let us know. Thanks a lot!

[rajendraongole1]

Hi @PowerBINoob24 - This issue occurs because Power BI treats certain data sources differently, especially when connecting through APIs. When you establish a connection to an online service or API, Power BI might cache the connection and restrict the addition of other datasets from the same service due to the way the connection is configured. 

Check Data Source Settings:

In Power BI Desktop, go to File > Options and settings > Data source settings.
Look for the existing connection to the API in the list.
If you see the existing connection listed, you might need to clear or modify it before adding the new source.
Use Advanced Query Editor:

Go to the Home tab in Power BI Desktop and click on Transform data.
In the Power Query Editor, use the Advanced Editor to manually add a new source.

let
NewSource = Json.Document(Web.Contents("https://new-api-endpoint.com/data"))
in
NewSource

If you can't add the new source to the existing file, create a new Power BI file.
Connect only to the new source, and export the data to a file format (e.g., Excel or CSV).
Import this exported data back into your original dashboard.

Combine the APIs Using Power Query:

If the API vendor allows multiple endpoints to be queried in the same session, you can use Power Query's Web.Contents function with dynamic URLs to fetch data from both endpoints.

let
Source1 = Json.Document(Web.Contents("https://api-endpoint.com/source1")),
Source2 = Json.Document(Web.Contents("https://api-endpoint.com/source2"))
in
[Source1 = Source1, Source2 = Source2]

Check API Authentication and Permissions:

Ensure the API credentials or tokens allow access to the new source.
Some APIs require specific permissions for each endpoint. Verify with the vendor that your API key or token has access to both datasets.
Use Parameters for API Connections:

Create parameters in Power Query for the API endpoints.
This allows flexibility in switching between sources without being restricted by the Navigator screen.
Clear Cache:

Go to File > Options and settings > Options > Data Load and clear the cache.
This can help reset Power BI’s connection behavior.