AKS Cluster Login Access

Overview

Before managing or deploying workloads in the Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS), you must gain access to the relevant cluster using Azure CLI and kubectl.

Prerequisites

• Install Azure CLI
• Install kubectl
• If the cluster restricts inbound IPs, your client IP must be allowlisted (or you must be on the required network/VPN).

Gaining Cluster Access

1. Navigate to the relevant AKS cluster.
2. Use Privileged Identity Management (PIM) to assign yourself the role: TRG Custom Role - MGMT AKS Cluster Administrator.
3. Open the Azure CLI and run the following commands.
   • Log in to Azure

    az login
   

   • Set the correct subscription:

    az account set --subscription <SUBSCRIPTION_ID>
   

   • Retrieve the AKS Cluster Credentials:

    az aks get-credentials –-resource-group <RESOURCE_GROUP> --name <AKS_CLUSTER_NAME>
   

   • Verify the connection:

    kubectl cluster-info
   

If successful, the Kubernetes control plane and services should be visible. If not, recheck the prerequisites and ensure PIM role assignment is complete.