Can not refresh data from MS Fabric

[manoplaeli]

I am building Power BI report base on Data Warehouse (connect to SQL end point as import mode) in MS Fabric. I was able to connect to data under the warehouse and refresh from Power BI desktop. When I publish to Power BI Service, I got the error message below when I try to refresh from the BI Service. Under setting >> data source credentials, the option is gray out as well. So how can i set the credentials in this case? 

[Wikkleyn_81 · Accepted solution]

Hi @manoplaeli You need to create a Cloud connection for the Model. 

Go to the Settings of your Semantic Model. Expand Gateway and Cloud Connection.
Under Cloud Connections click on the dropdown at Maps To and select create a connection

Follow the steps to create the connection and click create. 

That will take you back to teh settings of the Semantic Model. Make sure this new connection is selected and click Apply

[manoplaeli]

@Wikkleyn_81 Thank, I am able to refresh the model now. 👍

[Poojara_D12]

Hi @manoplaeli 

When connecting to a Data Warehouse in Microsoft Fabric through the SQL endpoint in **Import mode** in Power BI, you might encounter issues with refreshing in the Power BI Service if the data source credentials aren’t set correctly. The common reason for seeing the data source credentials option grayed out is that Power BI is unable to authenticate or link to the data source in the Power BI Service.

Here's how you can troubleshoot and resolve this:

### 1. **Ensure Correct Authentication Mode in Power BI Desktop**
- When connecting to the SQL endpoint in Power BI Desktop, make sure you're using **OAuth2** or **Microsoft Account** as the authentication type if possible.
- If you've used a different authentication method (like Windows Authentication), this can cause issues in Power BI Service, as it cannot use Windows Authentication for cloud-based services.

### 2. **Use Azure Active Directory (AAD) Authentication**
- Make sure that **Azure Active Directory (AAD)** authentication is enabled for accessing the SQL endpoint in Fabric.
- If your Fabric environment is connected with Azure AD, use your organizational (AAD) account when setting up the connection in Power BI Desktop.

### 3. **Configure Gateway (If Needed)**
- Although Fabric is cloud-based, sometimes Power BI Service may require a **Data Gateway** for SQL-based data sources, even in Fabric.
- Go to the **Settings** of your dataset in the Power BI Service, and under **Gateway connection**, see if you can add a gateway to establish the connection.
- Install and configure an **On-Premises Data Gateway** if required and map the data source credentials within the gateway configuration.

### 4. **Ensure Dataset Permissions in Power BI Service**
- In Power BI Service, ensure you have the right permissions to connect to the SQL endpoint within Fabric.
- Check the **Workspace Permissions** for the Fabric environment to ensure the user account publishing the report has the necessary access.

### 5. **Check Fabric Capacity and Licensing**
- Verify that your Power BI workspace is assigned to a **Power BI Premium or Fabric Capacity**. Connecting to a Fabric SQL endpoint for refresh in the Power BI Service often requires Premium capacity or Fabric licensing.
- In the Power BI Service, navigate to **Settings > Premium Capacity** and make sure your workspace is assigned to the correct Fabric capacity.

### 6. **Clear Cache and Re-Publish the Report**
- In Power BI Desktop, go to **File > Options and settings > Data source settings** and clear any cached credentials for the SQL endpoint.
- After clearing, re-enter the correct credentials, ensure it's set to use organizational credentials, and re-publish the report to Power BI Service.

### 7. **Contact Microsoft Support if Needed**
- If none of the above steps resolve the issue, this may be a configuration problem within your Fabric environment. Contact Microsoft Support for assistance with troubleshooting the connection between Power BI Service and Fabric's SQL endpoint.

These steps should help you enable refresh for your Power BI report in the Service, overcoming the grayed-out credentials issue. Let me know if you encounter any issues or need further help on any specific step!

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Kind Regards,
Poojara
Data Analyst | MSBI Developer | Power BI Consultant

[KPR106]

Hi @manoplaeli ,
 Please try the below steps to resolve the issue:

  1. Check Authentication and Permissions: 

         Ensure you're using Import Mode (not DirectQuery). 

         Verify that your Power BI Service account has sufficient permissions to configure data source credentials. 

  2. Configure a Data Gateway : 

        If you're using an on-premises data source (SQL Server), ensure a Power BI Gateway is installed and           configured. 

       Go to Power BI Service > Settings > Gateway and add the data source if needed. 

  3. Update Data Source Credentials: 

         Go to Settings > Data Source Credentials in the Power BI Service. 

         If credentials are grayed out, ensure you have the correct permissions and re-enter authentication       details SQL credentials etc.

4. Re-publish and Test Refresh: 

     After making changes, re-publish the report to Power BI Service. 

     Trigger a manual refresh to see if the credentials are properly configured. 

If this is helpful for you, please let me know.

Thank You.