Error connecting to a public MY SQL db on power bi service

[Fern_21]

Hi all!

I connect from Power BI Desktop to a public MySQL database with a server and database.

I publish the report to the service and get this error Failed to update data source credentials: The credentials provided for the MySql source are invalid.

Since it is public, I am not using a gateway. How can I resolve this?

Thanks

[pankajnamekar25 · Accepted solution]

Hello @Fern_21 

Power BI Service does not support anonymous access for MySQL, even if the database is public.

After publishing, go to Dataset → Settings → Data source credentials and re-enter credentials.

Use Basic authentication (username + password) and set Privacy level = Public.

Create a read-only MySQL user if needed and use those credentials.

No gateway is required as long as the MySQL server is internet-facing and port 3306 is open

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[v-ssriganesh]

Hello @Fern_21,

Hope everything’s going great with you. Just checking in has the issue been resolved or are you still running into problems? Sharing an update can really help others facing the same thing.

Thank you

[v-ssriganesh]

Hello @Fern_21,
Thank you for posting your query in the Microsoft Fabric Community Forum, and thanks to @SaiTejaTalasila, @cengizhanarslan & @pankajnamekar25 for sharing valuable insights.

Could you please confirm if your query has been resolved by the provided solutions? This would be helpful for other members who may encounter similar issues.

Thank you for being part of the Microsoft Fabric Community.

[SaiTejaTalasila · Accepted solution]

Hi @Fern_21 ,

If the MySQL database is public, Power BI Service cannot refresh anonymously. To make it work:

Create a dedicated MySQL user with SELECT permission and allow remote access from the machine running the Service.

Ensure the MySQL user uses a supported authentication plugin (mysql_native_password or caching_sha2_password).

If using a gateway (personal or on-premises), install MySQL Connector/NET 8.x (64-bit) on the gateway machine.

Enter the MySQL credentials in Power BI Service → Dataset → Data source credentials.

Public access alone is not enough — credentials and proper connectivity are required.

Thanks,

Sai Teja 

[cengizhanarslan]

Power BI Service cannot refresh MySQL without credentials, even if the database allows anonymous connections or is publicly reachable.

Even for a public DB, you must:

1. Create a read-only MySQL user

2. Grant SELECT permissions

3. Use that user in Power BI Service

Steps:

1. Dataset → Settings

2. Data source credentials

3. Edit credentials

4. Authentication method: Basic

5. Enter MySQL username & password

No gateway needed if the server is internet-reachable.

[pankajnamekar25 · Accepted solution]

Hello @Fern_21 

Power BI Service does not support anonymous access for MySQL, even if the database is public.

After publishing, go to Dataset → Settings → Data source credentials and re-enter credentials.

Use Basic authentication (username + password) and set Privacy level = Public.

Create a read-only MySQL user if needed and use those credentials.

No gateway is required as long as the MySQL server is internet-facing and port 3306 is open

If my response helped you, please consider clicking
Accept as Solution ✅ and giving it a Like 👍 – it helps others in the community too.


Thanks,


Connect with me on:

LinkedIn