Forum Discussion
Preventing Scheduled Refresh Pause for Semantic Model Used Only via Email Subscriptions
Hi SBegum ,
Thanks for reaching out to the Microsoft fabric community forum.
Workaround 1: Use a Power BI API to Simulate ActivityCreate a scheduled task or script (e.g., using PowerShell or Azure Logic Apps) to programmatically access the report or dashboard at least once every 1-2 months.
Example using Power BI REST API:
You can use the Get Reoprt In Group API to simulate a report being viewed.
-
Tool: PowerShell / Azure Function / Scheduled Logic App
-
Authentication: Service Principal or Admin account with proper API permissions
-
Frequency: Every 25–30 days (just to be safe)
-
This activity will keep the model "active" in Microsoft’s system, thereby preventing the pause.
Relevant Microsoft Docs:
Power BI REST API Overview
Reports - Get Report in GroupAuthenticate with Power BI Service
Workaround 2: Setup a Dummy Report with Auto-Refresh Access
-
Create a minimal report that uses the semantic model.
-
Embed it in a SharePoint page or website.
-
Use a scheduled script or service (like Selenium, Python, etc.) to "visit" the report's embed URL every few weeks.
Relevant Microsoft Docs:
Embed Power BI Reports Securely
Workaround 3: Create a Real or Bot Account to View the Report
-
Have a service account or bot user open the report on a schedule via browser automation (e.g., Power Automate Desktop or Selenium).
-
This counts as activity.
Relevant Microsoft Docs:
Automate user login and report viewing using Power Automate
Use service accounts and automation with Power BI
Scheduled Cloud FlowsIf 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-
Hi SBegum ,
Thanks for reaching out to the Microsoft fabric community forum.
Workaround 1: Use a Power BI API to Simulate Activity
Create a scheduled task or script (e.g., using PowerShell or Azure Logic Apps) to programmatically access the report or dashboard at least once every 1-2 months.
Example using Power BI REST API:
You can use the Get Reoprt In Group API to simulate a report being viewed.
-
Tool: PowerShell / Azure Function / Scheduled Logic App
-
Authentication: Service Principal or Admin account with proper API permissions
-
Frequency: Every 25–30 days (just to be safe)
-
This activity will keep the model "active" in Microsoft’s system, thereby preventing the pause.
Relevant Microsoft Docs:
Power BI REST API Overview
Reports - Get Report in Group
Authenticate with Power BI Service
Workaround 2: Setup a Dummy Report with Auto-Refresh Access
-
Create a minimal report that uses the semantic model.
-
Embed it in a SharePoint page or website.
-
Use a scheduled script or service (like Selenium, Python, etc.) to "visit" the report's embed URL every few weeks.
Relevant Microsoft Docs:
Embed Power BI Reports Securely
Workaround 3: Create a Real or Bot Account to View the Report
-
Have a service account or bot user open the report on a schedule via browser automation (e.g., Power Automate Desktop or Selenium).
-
This counts as activity.
Relevant Microsoft Docs:
Automate user login and report viewing using Power Automate
Use service accounts and automation with Power BI
Scheduled Cloud Flows
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
Here is how i fixed it.
Used Power BI REST API to “ping” the report
Automate using PowerShell script + Task Scheduler
MattBossertHelper II
Would you mind sharing the PowerShell script you developed? I'm having the same issue as you, except I'm displaying report metrics in a scorecard. The scorecards are heavily used, but it doesn't count towards report viewership since nobody accesses the reports directly.
Hi SBegum ,
Just wanted to check if you had the opportunity to review the suggestion provided?
If the response has addressed your query, please Accept it as a solution and give a 'Kudos' so other members can easily find it.
Hi SBegum ,
May I ask if you have resolved this issue? If so, please mark the helpful reply and Accept it as the solution and give a 'Kudos'. This will be helpful for other community members who have similar problems to solve it faster.
