Can't access Azure Databricks account console as Account Admin

Question

Can't access Azure Databricks account console as Account Admin

Ethan Zawadzke 0

I am encountering an issue with Azure Databricks account management.

--I am the owner of the Azure subscription that hosts my Databricks resources.

--I am also a Global Administrator in Microsoft Entra ID for this tenant.

Problem: Despite having these roles, I am unable to access the Azure Databricks account console at https://accounts.azuredatabricks.net to assign or verify the “Account Admin” role for myself or others. I only see the workspace-level UI, and there is no option visible to manage metastores or account-level features.

Troubleshooting Steps Tried:

--Verified my roles in the Azure portal (Subscription Owner and Entra Global Admin).

--Attempted to access the Databricks account console directly; redirected to the workspace selector or do not see account admin controls.

--Ensured “Access management for Azure resources” is enabled in the subscription settings.

--Checked documentation regarding role assignment (Microsoft Docs).

--Tried to Elevate access to manage all Azure subscriptions and management groups

Questions:

--What steps do I need to take to enable or grant myself the Databricks Account Admin role?

--Are there additional Azure or Databricks configuration requirements for a Global Admin or subscription owner to appear as an Account Admin within Databricks?

--Is this a known limitation or bug, and how can I resolve this to manage Unity Catalog and metastores?

Venkat Reddy Navari 5,255 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-08-11T12:59:46.2666667+00:00

Ethan Zawadzke Just checking in to see if the below answer provided by @Obinna Ejidike helped.

If this answers your query, do click Accept Answer and Yes for was this answer helpful. And, if you have any further query do let us know.

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Venkat Reddy Navari 5,255 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-08-11T12:59:46.2666667+00:00

Ethan Zawadzke Just checking in to see if the below answer provided by @Obinna Ejidike helped.

If this answers your query, do click Accept Answer and Yes for was this answer helpful. And, if you have any further query do let us know.

Answer 1

Obinna Ejidike 2,855

Hi Ethan Zawadzke

Thanks for using the Q&A platform.
Being a Global Administrator in Entra ID and Subscription Owner does not automatically make you an Azure Databricks Account Admin.

Azure documentation clearly outlines role distinctions:

Account Admins: Manage Unity Catalog, metastores, and other account-level settings via the Databricks Account Console.

Workspace Admins: Handle workspace-specific configurations and access.

Global Admin or Subscription Owner alone does not grant access to account-level features. These roles are separate and must be explicitly assigned in the account console.

Find documentation: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/databricks/admin/

Also, to enable access to the account console, your account’s first account admin must be a Microsoft Entra ID Global Administrator when they first log in. After that, Global Admins no longer automatically have access.

https://kb.databricks.com/administration/unable-to-access-azure-databricks-account-as-an-admin?

If the response was helpful, please feel free to mark it as “Accepted Answer” and consider giving it an upvote. This also benefits others in the community.

Regards,

Obinna.

Ethan Zawadzke 0 Reputation points

2025-08-09T16:13:46.47+00:00

Thank you for the reply. I guess the issue is that I was the first login (as a Microsoft Entra ID Global Administrator and the only account in this tenant at all) and I wasn't given account admin permissions. I followed the steps in your second link to elevate access on my account and still couldn't get it to work. Is this just something I need to talk to support about?
Obinna Ejidike 2,855 Reputation points

2025-08-10T18:27:05.1333333+00:00
If no valid Account Admin was ever set up, you’ll need to reach out to Microsoft support. They can help re-establish Account Admin rights for a Global Admin in your tenant.

Alternatively, you can :

Create a new external user (e.g., B2B guest).

Assigning that new user the Global Administrator role.

Logging in via that user to the Databricks account console, which then establishes them as the first Account Admin.

Let me know if that helps.

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Can't access Azure Databricks account console as Account Admin

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