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How to Fix Power Apps SQL Server Connector Permission Error

Guest Writer Oct 8, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user needs to resolve an error indicating they lack the minimum required permissions for a SQL Server connection in Power Apps.

Fixing the Power Apps SQL Server Connector Permission Error

Product: Microsoft Power Apps
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Connecting a Power Apps application to a SQL Server database using the shared_sql API.
Observed behavior: Power Apps displays an error stating that the caller lacks the minimum required permission for the SQL Server connection under API shared_sql.

Before you start

Ensure you have administrative access to both the Power Apps environment and the target SQL Server database to review and modify user permissions.

Solution 1Recommended

Review SQL Permissions and Re-create the Power Apps Connection

Verify that the database user has the correct read and write roles, then re-establish the connection within Power Apps.

Often, permission errors occur because the credentials used to authenticate the SQL connection lack the necessary database roles, or the connection token has become invalid.

Verify SQL Server Permissions

Access your SQL Server via SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS). Ensure the user account tied to the connection is granted both db_datareader and db_datawriter roles for the specific database.

Check Environment Privileges

Log into the Power Platform admin center. Verify that your user account has the appropriate security roles, such as Environment Maker, to create and manage connections in the current environment.

Re-create the Connection

In the Power Apps maker portal, navigate to 'Data' > 'Connections'. Locate your existing SQL Server connection, click the three dots (...), and select 'Delete'. Then, click 'New connection', search for SQL Server, and enter your credentials to create a fresh connection.

Review SQL Permissions and Re-create the Power Apps Connection

Solution 2

Consult the Microsoft Power Apps Community

If standard permission checks do not resolve the error, escalate the issue to experts in the official Power Apps forum as this is a specific platform connector issue.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does the API shared_sql permission error mean?

This error means the credentials or account used to establish the SQL Server connection in Power Apps does not have the required access privileges (such as read/write) on the backend database.

Can I share a Power App without giving users direct SQL permissions?

If you use an implicitly shared SQL connection, the app runs under the connection creator's credentials. However, if explicit connections are used, every user accessing the app must have their own valid SQL server permissions.

Why did my SQL connection in Power Apps suddenly stop working?

Connections can fail abruptly if the password for the SQL account expires, backend database roles are modified by a database administrator, or if there are new Data Loss Prevention (DLP) policies enforced in your Power Platform environment.

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