diff --git a/adafruit_ht16k33/segments.py b/adafruit_ht16k33/segments.py
index 95424b3..b2dc03e 100644
--- a/adafruit_ht16k33/segments.py
+++ b/adafruit_ht16k33/segments.py
@@ -182,6 +182,8 @@ def _put(self, char, index=0):
         character = ord(char) * 2 - 64
         self._set_buffer(index * 2, CHARS[1 + character])
         self._set_buffer(index * 2 + 1, CHARS[character])
+        if self._auto_write:
+            self.show()
 
     def _push(self, char):
         """Scroll the display and add a character at the end."""
@@ -255,6 +257,8 @@ def _put(self, char, index=0):
         else:
             return
         self._set_buffer(index, NUMBERS[character])
+        if self._auto_write:
+            self.show()
 
 class BigSeg7x4(Seg7x4):
     """Numeric 7-segment display. It has the same methods as the alphanumeric display, but only