Local Time Functions and Publishing to Server

Hi laurahoff97 ,
Thanks for reaching out to the Microsoft fabric community forum.

I encountered the common challenge where NOW() returns UTC time in Power BI Service, while it provides local time in Desktop. To ensure precise local time (such as IST or PST) is displayed on a report without needing a gateway, I implemented a reliable solution using a public time API

Steps to Achieve This -

Create a Blank Query

Navigate to: Home - Transform Data - Transform Data - Home - New Source - Blank Query

Use Advanced Editor

Select the query (e.g., Query1)

Go to Advanced Editor

Insert this M code (for Asia/Kolkata timezone):

let
    Source = Json.Document(Web.Contents("https://timeapi.io/api/Time/current/zone?timeZone=Asia/Kolkata")),
    datetime = Source[dateTime],
    DateTimeConverted = DateTimeZone.FromText(datetime)
in
    DateTimeConverted

Configure Authentication

When prompted, select Anonymous and click Connect.

Apply Your Changes

Rename the query to CurrentLocalTime.

Click Close & Apply.

Add to Report

Insert a Card visual

Drag the CurrentLocalTime field onto the card

Customize the Card

In the Format pane: Disable Category label , set Display units to None, adjust text size as preferred

This method retrieves the actual local time via HTTPS with no gateway required. Functions seamlessly in both Desktop and Power BI Service. Eliminates the NOW() UTC offset issue. Automatically adjusts for DST and works globally.

Please find the attached .pbix file for your reference.

If the response has addressed your query, please Accept it as a solution and give a 'Kudos' so other members can easily find it

Best Regards,
Sreeteja.
Community Support Team