What causes SCHEMA_NOT_FOUND?

A schema was dropped or renamed in Unity Catalog without updating downstream queries. The query is running against the wrong catalog (dev vs. prod) where the schema does not exist. A Unity Catalog schema name change during a migration was not propagated to all jobs. The schema was never created in the new environment after a workspace migration. A typo in the schema name in the SQL code or job configuration

How do I fix SCHEMA_NOT_FOUND?

Run SHOW SCHEMAS IN to confirm the available schemas in the current catalog. Check the current catalog context: SELECT current_catalog(). If using Unity Catalog three-part names, verify catalog.schema.table is correct. Re-create the schema if it was accidentally dropped: CREATE SCHEMA IF NOT EXISTS . Update the job configuration or SQL query to use the correct schema name

High severitysql

Power BI Refresh Error:
SCHEMA_NOT_FOUND

What does this error mean?

The SQL statement references a schema (database) that does not exist in the current catalog. The query is rejected at parse time — no data is read.

Common causes

1A schema was dropped or renamed in Unity Catalog without updating downstream queries
2The query is running against the wrong catalog (dev vs. prod) where the schema does not exist
3A Unity Catalog schema name change during a migration was not propagated to all jobs
4The schema was never created in the new environment after a workspace migration
5A typo in the schema name in the SQL code or job configuration

How to fix it

1Run SHOW SCHEMAS IN <catalog> to confirm the available schemas in the current catalog
2Check the current catalog context: SELECT current_catalog()
3If using Unity Catalog three-part names, verify catalog.schema.table is correct
4Re-create the schema if it was accidentally dropped: CREATE SCHEMA IF NOT EXISTS <name>
5Update the job configuration or SQL query to use the correct schema name

Frequently asked questions

Is SCHEMA_NOT_FOUND the same as DATABASE_NOT_FOUND?

Yes — in Databricks, SCHEMA and DATABASE are synonyms. SCHEMA_NOT_FOUND and DATABASE_NOT_FOUND refer to the same object type.

Can a schema be missing due to permissions rather than not existing?

Yes — if a Unity Catalog schema exists but the user or service principal lacks USAGE privilege, it appears to not exist. Grant USAGE ON SCHEMA to the running principal.