What causes Unable to connect (credentials are required)?

The dataset was published but credentials were never configured in Power BI Service. Credentials were removed when the gateway was reconfigured. The data source URL or server name changed, breaking the match to stored credentials. Credentials were configured under a different user account that no longer has access to the workspace

How do I fix Unable to connect (credentials are required)?

Open the dataset in Power BI Service → Settings → Data source credentials.. Click 'Edit credentials' next to each data source that shows a warning.. Enter valid credentials and save — then trigger a manual refresh to verify.. Ensure you are logged in as a user who has edit rights on the dataset.. If the data source shows as 'Not configured', the connection string in Desktop may not match the gateway source — republish from Desktop after re-entering source details.

High severitycredentials

Power BI Refresh Error:
Unable to connect (credentials are required)

What does this error mean?

Power BI Service cannot find stored credentials for this data source. The data source connection in the cloud is not bound to any saved credentials, so every refresh attempt fails immediately.

Common causes

1The dataset was published but credentials were never configured in Power BI Service
2Credentials were removed when the gateway was reconfigured
3The data source URL or server name changed, breaking the match to stored credentials
4Credentials were configured under a different user account that no longer has access to the workspace

How to fix it

1Open the dataset in Power BI Service → Settings → Data source credentials.
2Click 'Edit credentials' next to each data source that shows a warning.
3Enter valid credentials and save — then trigger a manual refresh to verify.
4Ensure you are logged in as a user who has edit rights on the dataset.
5If the data source shows as 'Not configured', the connection string in Desktop may not match the gateway source — republish from Desktop after re-entering source details.

Frequently asked questions

Does this error affect all users or just the dataset owner?

All users — scheduled and manual refreshes run under the credentials stored in the dataset settings, not individual user accounts.

Can expired OAuth tokens cause this error?

Yes — if the data source uses OAuth (SharePoint, Dynamics 365, Azure), the token expires periodically and must be re-authorized by the dataset owner.

Will this error clear itself after I update the credentials?

Yes — once you re-enter valid credentials in the dataset settings, the next refresh (scheduled or triggered manually) will succeed.

How do I know which dataset is using which credentials?

Go to Power BI Service → Settings → Datasets → Data source credentials for the affected dataset. Each connection shows the credential type and the account it's stored under.

Source · learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/connect-data/service-troubleshooting-sign-in