How to Connect MySQL with Power BI for Dashboards

Power BI on top of MySQL is one of the most common analytics stacks in industry: the database holds the truth, Power BI makes it visual. Connecting them takes minutes.

Key Points

• Install MySQL Connector/NET on the machine running Power BI Desktop
• Get Data → MySQL database → enter server, database, credentials
• Import mode copies data in; DirectQuery queries MySQL live
• Write custom SQL in the connector for pre-shaped datasets
• Schedule refreshes via a data gateway for always-current dashboards
• Pre-aggregate big tables in MySQL views for faster visuals