---
title: "Troubleshooting Dashboard Access and \"Initialization Error\" in Dashboard Hub"
canonical: "https://support.appfire.com/space/SUPPORT/3387197502/Troubleshooting%20Dashboard%20Access%20and%20%22Initialization%20Error%22%20in%20Dashboard%20Hub"
format: markdown
---
## Summary

This article addresses two primary scenarios related to user access in Dashboard Hub for Confluence:

1. **Granting user access:** How to add specific users to the app when the primary administrator is unavailable.
2. **Resolving "Initialization Error - Error loading init data":** Troubleshooting steps for when users have dashboard permissions but can't view data due to app versioning or data source configurations.

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## Scenario 1: Granting user access to Dashboard Hub

### Problem

A user needs access to Dashboard Hub, but the internal team member who usually manages permissions is unavailable. The requester may see a blank screen or restricted access when trying to manage the app.

### Cause

Access to Dashboard Hub settings and user management requires specific Jira or Project Administrator permissions.

### Solution

To grant a new user access, a **Jira Administrator** or **Project Administrator** must perform the following steps:

1. Navigate to **Dashboard Hub** > **People settings**.
2. Click **Add people**.
3. Enter the user's email address.
4. Assign the appropriate role (for example, *User* or *Admin*) and save.

> ℹ️ If you can't see these options, ensure you're logged in with an account that has administrative privileges. Try using an Incognito/Private window to rule out browser caching issues.

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## Scenario 2: Resolving "Initialization Error - Error loading init data"

### Problem

Users receive an **"Initialization Error - Error loading init data"** message when attempting to view a dashboard, even though the dashboard and data source are configured for "everyone" to have view access.

### Cause

This error typically occurs due to one of the following:

- The Dashboard Hub app is outdated.
- The data source permissions are set to "Private."
- Gadgets are configured to "Run as Viewer" instead of "Run as Owner," causing permission conflicts for users without direct access to the underlying data.

### Solution

Follow these steps in order to resolve the initialization error:

### 1. Update the app

Ensure you're running the latest version of Dashboard Hub for Confluence.

- Go to **Confluence Administration** > **Manage apps**.
- Locate **Dashboard Hub for Confluence**.
- If an update is available, click **Update**.

### 2. Update data source permissions

Even if a dashboard is public, the underlying data source must allow access.

- Open **Dashboard Hub** in Confluence.
- Click the **three dots (...)** menu and select **Manage datasources**.
- Locate the relevant data source (for example, the Confluence instance) and click **...** > **Edit datasource**.
- Change the permission from **Private** to **My organization** (or add specific users/groups).
- Click **Update**.

### 3. Configure gadget execution settings

Ensure gadgets use the dashboard creator's permissions to fetch data.

- Edit the dashboard and open the settings for the affected gadgets.
- Ensure the gadget is set to *Run as Owner* (instead of *Run as Viewer*).
- This allows the gadget to use the dashboard owner's permissions to display data, preventing "Initialization Errors" for viewers who may not have direct access to the data source.

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