Sharepoint online list implementation 1.0 - cloud connection is greyed out.

[Happytravel2025]

Could you do me a favor?

What I have done

1. Sharepoint Online 2.0 : some columns were empty

2. OData feed : cloud connections was greyed out.

3. Sharepoint online 1.0 : Cloud connections was greyed out again.

I am wondering what the solution is.  

[v-dineshya]

Hi @Happytravel2025 ,

Thank you for reaching out to the Microsoft Community Forum.

Thank you @pankajnamekar25  for sharing the response. 

Hi @Happytravel2025 , In addition to @pankajnamekar25 response, i am adding some more points.

Please follow below chances, When cloud connections are greyed out, it usually means:

1. The data source is not supported for cloud connection in your current context.
2. You are using a connection method that Power BI Service doesn’t map directly to a cloud connection, so it expects an on-premises data gateway instead.
3. Your tenant may have restrictions or certain features are not enabled at the tenant or service level.
4. No supported credentials are stored or not properly set in Data Source Credentials in the Power BI Service.

To Fix the issue, Please follow below steps.

1. Use SharePoint Online List (2.0) and Fix Missing Columns

a. Ensure the SharePoint list columns aren't complex types (e.g multi-select choice, lookup, person fields with multiple users, managed metadata).

b. Use Implementation 2.0, but open Advanced options > change View Mode to Default or All and test again.

c. You may need to manually expand columns in Power Query to see full nested content.

2. Cloud Connection for SharePoint (1.0/2.0)

Cloud connection only works if, Power BI recognizes the source as SharePoint Online (not OData feed). You are using a supported connector (like SharePoint Online List 2.0). You map it explicitly to the "SharePoint Online List" connector in the Power BI Service.

Check below things:

a. Go to Manage Connections and Gateways > Ensure a cloud connection exists for SharePoint Online List and is configured properly.

b. Dataset Settings > Data source credentials > Confirm a credential is stored and valid.

3. Avoid OData Feed

Using OData often disables cloud connection mapping, as Power BI sees it as a generic connector. If you use OData: You will typically need an On-premises Data Gateway, even though the source is online.

Please try below steps.

In Power BI Desktop: Use SharePoint Online List (2.0). Load data, ensuring View Mode is set to All or Default and expand nested columns if needed. Publish to Power BI Service.

In Power BI Service: Go to Settings > Datasets > Data Source Credentials. Set credentials (OAuth2, organizational account).

Then go to Manage Connections and Gateways. Ensure the SharePoint Online List connection is listed and mapped. In your dataset settings, confirm the mapping under Cloud connections.

Note: Try editing your source in Power Query to use the SharePoint.Tables(siteURL) method rather than the SharePoint List connector wizard. This gives you more control over the data structure.

Please refer Microsoft official articles. 

Power Query SharePoint Online list connector - Power Query | Microsoft Learn

Cloud hybrid search service (Cloud SSA) FAQ - SharePoint Server | Microsoft Learn

If my response has resolved your query, please mark it as the "Accepted Solution" to assist others. Additionally, a "Kudos" would be appreciated if you found my response helpful.

Thank you

[pankajnamekar25 · Accepted solution]

Hello @Happytravel2025 

Issue	Symptom	Fix
No Gateway Installed	Cloud Connection greyed out	Install personal/on-prem gateway
Credentials Missing	“Not configured correctly”	Set OAuth2 credentials in dataset settings
Version 1.0 vs 2.0	2.0 shows empty columns, 1.0 greys out	Clean column types in 2.0 or use OData
Data source not mapped	"Maps to" dropdown inactive	Map source in “Manage Connections and Gateways”

You can explore in details here

Accessing a Single File in SharePoint with Power BI

Thanks,
 Pankaj Namekar | LinkedIn

If this solution helps, please accept it and give a kudos (Like), it would be greatly appreciated.