Semantic Model Using Shareable Cloud Connection (Service Principal) – Why Does the Connection Break

[MuizzHaque]

Hello Community,

I'm trying to understand whether the behavior I'm seeing is expected when using a shareable cloud connection with fixed identity (Service Principal) for a Power BI / Fabric semantic model.

Scenario

• A semantic model is configured to use a shareable cloud connection.
• The connection authenticates through a Service Principal (fixed identity).
• The Service Principal has Contributor access to the workspace.
• The semantic model itself is owned by another user.
• I have Admin permissions on the workspace and can edit the semantic model.

Issue

When I edit the semantic model, the data connection mapping appears to be lost or requires reconfiguration. However, when the semantic model owner makes changes, the connection remains intact.

Previously, when the model was using SSO, this behavior did not occur.

My Question

1. Is the binding between a semantic model and a shareable cloud connection tied to the semantic model owner in some way?
2. Is it expected that a workspace Admin who is not the semantic model owner can edit the model but subsequently lose the cloud connection mapping?
3. Is there a way to successfully implement a setup where multiple admins can modify a semantic model using a Service Principal-based shareable cloud connection without requiring the model owner to rebind the connection?

Any clarification or documented guidance would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[GilbertQ]

Hi @MuizzHaque 

You would need to ensure that anyone edited me semantic model also has got access to the shared cloud connection so that when the semantic model is updated they will also have the same permissions to the same shared cloud connection and should work successfully. Here is also a blog post Baccarat Web expanding how you can do a hint. https://blog.crossjoin.co.uk/2026/05/03/connecting-power-bi-semantic-models-to-data-sources-automati... 

[MuizzHaque · Accepted solution]

Thanks for the reply. It pointed me in the right direction, and the official documentation helped me understand the root cause and ultimately solve the issue.
Create a Semantic Model Connection in a Plan - Microsoft Fabric | Microsoft Learn