SSMS cannot connect to azure sql db using Microsoft Entra MFA

Question

I just recently updated ssms to 20.1 and am trying to connect to the azure sql via pt-dw.database.windows.net. When I press the "Connect" button, it takes a long time for the browser window to pop up and allow me to choose which account to use to connect to the database but even after selecting an account and the browser window telling me that the authentication was complete and that I could close the browser window, the connect dialog will still take a long time to fail with no error.

I can connect using another sql client like azure data studio and datagrip but I still use SSMS for job/agent administration.

Answer 1

Hi Ferdinand Tomale •,

Welcome to Microsoft Q&A forum.

As I understand, you cannot connect to azure sql db using Microsoft Entra MFA in SSMS.

In December 2021, releases of SSMS prior to 18.6 will no longer authenticate through Microsoft Entra ID with MFA.

To continue utilizing Microsoft Entra authentication with MFA, you need SSMS 18.6 or later.

Since you are using latest version already, please check if for older versions cache is cleared here: %AppData%\Microsoft\SQL Server Management Studio

Restart SSMS and try connecting again.

Important:

A server listens on port 1433. To connect to a server from behind a corporate firewall, the firewall must have this port open.

Similar Stackoverflow post which could be helpful: https://stackoverflow.com/questions/62420406/connect-to-azure-sql-database-using-ssms-via-aad-mfa-when-account-is-guest-of-an

Let us know your findings and result.

Thanks.