diff --git a/glue/viewers/image/viewer.py b/glue/viewers/image/viewer.py
index c4ffb3b0f..142cd09ef 100644
--- a/glue/viewers/image/viewer.py
+++ b/glue/viewers/image/viewer.py
@@ -86,6 +86,10 @@ def add_data(self, data):
             self._set_wcs()
         return result
 
+    def _update_data(self, *args, **kwargs):
+        super()._update_data(*args, **kwargs)
+        self.state._reference_data_changed(force=True)
+
     def _on_slice_change(self, event=None):
         if self._changing_slice_requires_wcs_update:
             self._set_wcs(relim=False)