Row Level Security (RLS) is used to control data access so that users see only the rows they are allowed to see. It is a critical feature for secure dashboards used by managers, regional heads, and teams.
? Key Concepts
Restricts data at row level
Based on user login (email ID)
Implemented using DAX filters
Configured in Power BI Desktop
Enforced in Power BI Service
? Syntax / Theory
RLS = Table Filter + User Identity Power BI evaluates RLS before showing any visual
? Sample Data Used
? View Code Example
// Sales data with region ownership
Region,Sales,ManagerEmail
West,150000,west.manager@company.com
North,120000,north.manager@company.com
South,90000,south.manager@company.com
? Step 1: Create Role
? View Code Example
// Path to create RLS role
Modeling → Manage Roles → Create
? Step 2: Write RLS DAX Filter
? View Code Example
// Filter rows based on logged-in user
Sales[ManagerEmail] = USERPRINCIPALNAME()
? Step 3: Test Role in Desktop
? View Code Example
// Test RLS before publishing
Modeling → View As → Select Role
You will see only rows allowed for the selected role.
? Step 4: Publish & Assign Users
? View Code Example
// Assign users in Power BI Service
Dataset → Security → Add User Email
? Live Output / Explanation
West Manager sees only West data North Manager sees only North data Admin sees full data
? Interactive Example (Conceptual)
User Login → Power BI checks role → Filters rows → Shows visuals This happens automatically without user action
? Use Cases
Region-wise sales dashboards
Department-wise HR reports
Finance reports by cost center
Client-specific reports
Secure multi-user dashboards
?️ RLS "View As" Simulator
Select a user identity to see how the data table is filtered automatically by Power BI.