MYSQL cloud database gateway setup

[Uzi2019]

Hey Experts,

I need some help understanding an issue with Power BI refresh setup.

I have two databases:

1. SQL Server installed on a separate RDP/VM, where the Power BI On-Premises Gateway is also installed.

   • This setup is working correctly and scheduled refresh runs without any issues.

2. A MySQL database hosted on AWS.

   • The database is up and running, and I can connect to it locally.

As per Microsoft documentation, if a database is hosted on a cloud service, an on-premises gateway should not be required.
However, when I try to set up scheduled refresh for the MySQL dataset in Power BI Service, I get an error stating that Power BI is unable to connect to the data source.

My questions:

• Why is Power BI Service unable to connect to the MySQL database hosted on AWS without a gateway?

• Is a gateway actually required for AWS-hosted MySQL databases?

• Are there any specific network, firewall, SSL, or connector settings that need to be configured?

• What is the recommended approach to resolve this issue?

Any guidance or best practices would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

[Tahreem24 · Accepted solution]

@Uzi2019 ,

This issue usually occurs due to firewall rules, network security, and encryption settings on the cloud-hosted MySQL database.
Even though the database is hosted on AWS, Power BI Service cannot directly connect to it in many cases because:
The MySQL instance is behind VPC / firewall restrictions
SSL / encryption settings are enforced
Power BI Service IPs are not allowed in the database security group
Recommended Solution:
Create an intermediate VM/RDP instance(for example, on AWS or your internal network).
Ensure this VM has network access to the MySQL cloud database (via firewall rules, VPN, or security group configuration).
Install the latest version of the Power BI On-Premises Data Gateway on this RDP/VM.
Configure the MySQL data source in Power BI Service to use this gateway connection.
Once Power BI Service connects to the MySQL database through the gateway, the refresh works without issues.

I faced the same issue, and this approach successfully resolved it.

[Uzi2019]

HI @Tahreem24 

Thank you for your quick response. Appreciate your help.

Our network support team have also suggested similar approach. That's why checking on community for confirmation.