How Can I Configure My SharePoint Connection to Authenticate Without User Credentials?

Question

How can I configure my SharePoint connection so that it is not tied to an individual user's credentials or affected by password resets?

Environment

Connector: SharePoint

Answer

To avoid relying on individual user credentials, you can configure your SharePoint connection to use a Microsoft Entra app registration in Microsoft Entra ID.

This method uses a service principal with the client credentials flow. The connection authenticates with the app's client ID and secret (or certificate), rather than a user's identity. As a result, it is not affected by password resets, user offboarding, or account changes. You can also scope access to specific SharePoint sites and reuse the same app across multiple connections.

For setup instructions, see Set up granular access using your own Microsoft Entra App.

To update an existing connection:

1. In Fivetran, go to your SharePoint connection page.
2. Select the Setup tab.
3. Click Edit connection.
4. Under Access Type, select either Customer-registered app - Client secret or Customer-registered app - Client certificate.
5. Under Connect, enter your Tenant ID and app credentials.
6. Click Save & Test.