You update an app, open it as usual, and later discover that auto-renewal is enabled again. You never turned it back on, yet the billing setting has changed.
This is not always a user mistake. App updates can reset or resync billing preferences, especially when subscription data is managed externally.
When auto-renewal changes after an update, it is often caused by a system-level refresh — not a manual action.
Why App Updates Can Reset Billing Settings
- The update forces a new sync with the app store or billing server
- Subscription data is reloaded from a cached account state
- Permissions or settings are reauthorized after the update
- Multiple accounts trigger a fallback subscription profile
- The app resets defaults during major version changes
How to Check If the Update Caused the Change
- Compare the update date with the billing status change
- Check subscription settings directly on the app store
- Review system or email notifications sent after the update
- Confirm whether other settings were also reset
What to Do to Prevent It Next Time
- Recheck auto-renewal immediately after major updates
- Disable billing from the primary platform, not the app only
- Keep screenshots of subscription confirmations
- Avoid managing subscriptions across multiple accounts
App updates can silently affect billing behavior. A quick check after updating can prevent unexpected charges later.