diff --git a/docker/startup_scripts/start.sh b/docker/startup_scripts/start.sh
index fa068a42f..00fdc5f89 100755
--- a/docker/startup_scripts/start.sh
+++ b/docker/startup_scripts/start.sh
@@ -339,10 +339,15 @@ resolve_cache_backend() {
 }
 
 # 3. Ensure the REDIS_CACHE waffle switch row exists (default: off).
+#    Uses get_or_create so the value is only set on first creation —
+#    subsequent restarts do NOT overwrite what the operator configured.
+#    (waffle_switch … off --create always writes off, breaking manual flips.)
 configure_redis_cache() {
   [[ -z "${REDIS_URL:-}" ]] && return 0
   log "Ensuring REDIS_CACHE waffle switch exists (default: off)..."
-  python3 manage.py waffle_switch REDIS_CACHE off --create || true
+  python3 manage.py shell -c \
+    "from waffle.models import Switch; Switch.objects.get_or_create(name='REDIS_CACHE', defaults={'active': False})" \
+    || true
 }
 
 # 4. Block until Redis is reachable (or give up gracefully).