Cannot connect Power BI to Azure

Question

I cannot connect Power BI to the Azure database. I am able to access the DB and query editor in Azure and SSMS, but I cannot establish a connection from Power BI. I submitted a support ticket in the Power BI service but was told that they cannot help?

Answer 1

Hi ,

Thanks for reaching out to Microsoft Q&A.

If you can connect to your azure database using SSMS and azure Query Editor but not from Power BI, the issue likely lies in network settings, authentication methods, or driver compatibility.

1. Check Firewall Rules in Azure

• Go to Azure Portal > SQL Server (or Synapse, or other DB service) > Networking.
• Ensure that "Allow Azure services and resources to access this server" is enabled.
• Add your client IP (PBI machine's IP) to the Firewall Rules.

2. Verify Authentication Method

• Power BI may require a specific authentication method.
• Check Power BI's authentication settings:
• If using SQL Server Authentication, ensure you’re using the correct credentials.
  • If using AAD, ensure your account has DB access.
  • If using MI, check role assignments in Azure.

3. Use the Correct Connector in Power BI

• Open Power BI Desktop.
• Go to Home > Get Data > Azure.
• Choose the correct connector:
  • Azure SQL DB -> for PaaS SQL DB.
  • SQL Server -> for IaaS VM SQL Server.
  • Synapse Analytics -> for Synapse.
  • ODBC Driver -> for other scenarios.

4. Check Encryption and Connectivity Options

• If your azure SQL requires TLS 1.2, ensure you have the latest ODBC driver installed.
• In PBI, go to advanced options and try:
  • Disable Encryption (Trust Server Certificate = True).
    • Set connection timeout higher (30+ sec).

5. Verify Network & Private Endpoints

• If your DB is using Private Link, ensure Power BI is on the same VNet.
• If using a VPN or ExpressRoute, test a direct internet connection.

6. Test with ODBC

• Install the latest ODBC driver for Azure SQL.
• Configure an ODBC DSN and test it in PBI.

7. Check Service Principal / Role-Based Access

• If using AAD authentication, ensure your account has the "db_datareader" role in Azure SQL.

8. Use Power BI Gateway (If On-Premises DB)

• If your database is on Azure VM (IaaS), install and configure an On prem data gateway.

9. Try Power BI Service Connection

• If publishing to PBI Service, configure Data Source Credentials in PBI Settings.

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Possible next steps:

1. Test connection in PBI with different auth methods.
2. Use ODBC / SSMS connection string.
3. Check Azure network security settings (firewalls, private endpoints, and NSGs).
4. Use Power BI Gateway if connecting to an Azure VM.

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