> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://v2.dataos.info/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://v2.dataos.info/concepts/foundations/activation/bi-tools/power-bi/service.md). # Service ## Power BI Service: Reference Guide This page covers everything beyond the initial setup. If you're just getting started, see the [Power BI Service guide](/consume/activate/bi-tools/power-bi/service.md). To understand more about the supported types and joins, follow the [Power BI Desktop reference](/concepts/foundations/activation/bi-tools/power-bi/desktop.md). ### How the connection works When a report in Power BI Service queries a DataOS semantic model: 1. Power BI Service sends the query to the on-premises data gateway. 2. The gateway routes the query through the DataOS connector to the mysql proxy. 3. Mysql proxy forwards it to the API, API sends to Transpiler, which translates it into native SQL via semantic models. 4. The data source executes the SQL and returns results along the same path. *** ### Limitations | Limitation | Detail | | ------------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **No direct publishing from activate tab** | Semantic model updates cannot be published directly to Power BI Service. Manual download and re-publish from Desktop are required. | | **Gateway required** | Power BI Service cannot connect to DataOS without an on-premises data gateway. The gateway machine must be on a network that can reach DataOS on port `3306`. | | **Schema changes** | Do not propagate automatically. Must re-publish from Power BI Desktop. | *** #### Report distribution When a Power BI report is published to Power BI Service, data policies from the original publisher's credentials are applied to all viewers. *** #### Semantic model shows no data in Power BI Service The gateway connection hasn't been mapped to the semantic model yet. * Go to the semantic model in your workspace → **three-dot menu → Settings → Gateway and cloud connections**. * Select the correct connection from the dropdown and click **Apply**. *** #### Schema changes not reflected after refresh Schema changes to the semantic model do not propagate automatically to Power BI Service. You must: 1. Download the updated `.pbip` ZIP from Data Product Hub. 2. Replace `.SemanticModel` folder and `.pbip` file. 3. Re-publish from Power BI Desktop. *** ### FAQs **Can I sync a semantic model directly to Power BI Service without Power BI Desktop?** No. The semantic model must first be synced and a report created in Power BI Desktop. Direct synchronisation to Power BI Service is not supported. *** **Does each data product need its own gateway connection?** Yes. Each model-first data product requires a separate gateway connection in Power BI Service, with its own host, database reference, and credentials. *** **What credentials do I use for the gateway connection?** Your DataOS Id as the username and your DataOS API token as the password. *** **Do data policy restrictions apply in Power BI Service?** Yes. Column-level and row-level policies configured in Vulcan are enforced based on the identity of the user who created the gateway connection. All report viewers see data filtered through those policies. *** **Do semantic model changes reflect automatically in Power BI Service?** No. Any changes to the semantic model in semantic models require a manual re-publish from Power BI Desktop. Changes do not propagate automatically. *** **What connection mode is used?** DirectQuery. Power BI Service queries the DataOS semantic model live through the gateway. No data is imported or cached in Power BI. *** **What data sources can be synced to Power BI Service?** All data sources compatible with vulcan can be synced. See the Vulcan documentation for the full list of supported sources. *** **Is scheduled refresh supported?** DirectQuery does not require scheduled refresh. It queries live. However, the gateway machine must remain online and the gateway service must be running at all times for reports to stay accessible. *** **Can I use Import mode instead of DirectQuery?** No. Only DirectQuery is supported for model-first data products connected through the gateway. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://v2.dataos.info/concepts/foundations/activation/bi-tools/power-bi/service.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.