If your Power BI reports using DirectQuery to a MySQL database are not refreshing automatically on the Power BI Service, it's likely due to missing or misconfigured gateway settings. Unlike Import mode, DirectQuery requires an on-premises data gateway to maintain a live connection between the Power BI Service and your local or private database. Without a properly installed and configured gateway, the service cannot query your MySQL source in real time or on schedule, which explains why refreshes fail and only work manually in Power BI Desktop. To resolve this, install the on-premises data gateway, configure it in the Power BI Service under "Manage Gateways," ensure the data source credentials are valid, and map your dataset to use this gateway. Once set up correctly, your reports should refresh automatically or on-demand without needing manual intervention from Desktop.