Easy Tech TutsHow to Unpublish App in Power BI (Service Admin Tips) Easily 2026
By Impran M N
Unpublishing an app in Power BI Service is a routine but important task for anyone managing content distribution to a team. This guide covers the navigation and steps required to take an app offline, along with why service admins rely on this control during updates. It's written for people already comfortable in the Power BI service admin area.
01Know why you'd unpublish an app
Unpublishing is typically used before pushing revisions live, correcting inaccurate data, or retiring a workspace app that's no longer needed by your team.
02Navigate to the app settings
Go to the workspace that owns the app and locate the app management or update app screen where publishing controls live.
03Unpublish the app
Use the option in the app settings to remove the app from general access, which takes it out of users' apps list without deleting the underlying workspace content.
04Confirm the change took effect
Check with a test account or ask a team member to verify the app is no longer visible before communicating the change to your organization.
Frequently asked questions
Does unpublishing an app delete the underlying reports?
No, unpublishing removes the app from users' access but the workspace content itself remains intact so you can edit and republish later.
Who is allowed to unpublish an app in Power BI?
Typically workspace admins or members with the right permissions can unpublish an app; regular viewers won't see this option.
Can I unpublish an app without warning users?
Technically yes, but it's best practice to notify users beforehand since they'll lose access to the app immediately once it's unpublished.
How do I bring the app back after unpublishing it?
You can republish the app from the same workspace once you've made your updates, and users will regain access using the same link.
Watch the full walkthrough
The same steps, demonstrated on screen from start to finish.
