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Understanding Microsoft Graph API Costs in Teams Workflows with M365 E5
Question details
The user needs to understand if there are additional costs or premium licensing requirements for making Microsoft Graph API requests within Teams Workflows while using a Microsoft 365 E5 license.
- Product
- Microsoft Teams / Power Automate
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Setting up or executing Teams Workflows that utilize Microsoft Graph API calls.
- Observed behavior
- Uncertainty regarding whether standard E5 licenses cover the workflows, or if run-only users and specific connectors trigger Power Automate premium licensing costs.
Before proceeding, review your organization's Microsoft 365 E5 subscription details and identify exactly which connectors your Teams Workflows are utilizing.
Verify Power Automate Premium License Requirements for Graph API
Determine whether your specific Microsoft Graph API workflow triggers premium connector charges based on workflow ownership and user execution context.
While Microsoft 365 E5 includes substantial Power Automate capabilities, certain Microsoft Graph API requests inside Teams Workflows might be classified as premium connectors. Licensing requirements heavily depend on whether the workflow utilizes standard or premium connectors, who owns the workflow, and how it is executed.
Open your workflow in Power Automate and check if the Microsoft Graph API HTTP actions are labeled as 'Premium'. Premium connectors generally require a standalone Power Automate license.
If the workflow is triggered by other users (run-only users), verify how connections are authenticated. If run-only users provide their own connections to a premium connector, each user may require their own premium license.
Log into the Microsoft 365 Admin Center, navigate to 'Billing' and then 'Licenses', to verify if Power Automate Per User or Per Flow licenses are currently active in your tenant.
Because enterprise licensing scenarios can be complex, reach out to your Microsoft account representative or IT licensing provider to clarify if your specific Graph API usage falls under your existing E5 entitlements.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are all Microsoft Graph API calls in Power Automate considered premium?
Not necessarily all, but many direct HTTP requests to Microsoft Graph API using the 'HTTP' or 'HTTP with Microsoft Entra ID' connectors are classified as premium. You must check the specific action's badge in the Power Automate designer.
Does Microsoft 365 E5 include Power Automate Premium?
Microsoft 365 E5 includes standard Power Automate use rights meant to extend and customize Office 365 applications. However, it does not universally include standalone premium connectors. You may still need to purchase Per User or Per Flow plans for premium API integrations.
What happens if a run-only user triggers a premium Teams workflow?
If a workflow uses a premium connector and requires the run-only user to authenticate with their own credentials, that user will generally need a premium Power Automate license to successfully execute the workflow.
How can I avoid extra licensing costs for basic Teams automations?
Whenever possible, use the standard out-of-the-box Microsoft Teams, Outlook, and SharePoint connectors included in your E5 license instead of making custom HTTP Graph API calls, as these standard connectors do not typically incur premium charges.
