Easy Tech TutsHow to Read Data From an API in Power BI & Get it Easily 2026
By Impran M N
Manually copying raw JSON strings from an API response is slow and breaks the moment a server schema shifts. Power BI's Web data source combined with Power Query's transformation tools lets you build a direct, repeatable connection to external APIs. This guide covers setting up the connection and shaping the returned data.
01Format the endpoint URL
Set up the request URL, including the base route and any relative paths, inside Power BI's connector window.
02Add authorization headers
Insert custom authorization tokens or API keys as request headers so secured endpoints accept the connection.
03Convert JSON into a table structure
Use Power Query to convert the raw JSON elements returned by the API into a proper tabular list structure.
04Expand layered records
Expand any nested records or lists within the JSON response into individual columns you can use in your data model.
05Publish and schedule refresh
Publish the report to the cloud service and configure a scheduled refresh so the API data stays current automatically.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need coding skills to connect Power BI to an API?
Basic familiarity with URLs and headers helps, but Power Query's interface handles most of the JSON transformation without requiring code.
How do I authenticate with a secured API?
You typically add a token or API key as a custom header in the Web connector's advanced options.
Why is my JSON data showing as a single column of records?
This is normal at first; you need to expand the nested record or list column in Power Query to break it into individual usable columns.
Can scheduled refresh work with an authenticated API?
Yes, as long as your credentials are properly saved in the data source settings, scheduled refresh can continue authenticating automatically.
Watch the full walkthrough
The same steps, demonstrated on screen from start to finish.
