Using the FreeStyle Libre systems is easy*1.

Follow these steps to start using your continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system.

Smiling woman checking her blood glucose on a smartphone while out on a bike ride
Smiling woman checking her blood glucose on a smartphone while out on a bike ride
Smiling woman checking her blood glucose on a smartphone while out on a bike ride

The steps to using your sensor

 
Once you’ve downloaded the FreeStyle Libre 3 app or FreeStyle Libre 2 app§ or obtained a reader device, follow these steps to use your sensor:

Step 1: Preparing your skin

Applying your new sensor is a lot easier than you might think. To begin, select an area on the back of your upper arm and:

  • Wash the area using plain soap and water.
  • Pat the area dry with a clean towel.
  • Clean the area with alcohol wipe and allow it to air dry. 

Step 2: Applying your sensor

Once you’ve prepared the back of your upper arm, apply the sensor using either the two-piece or the one-piece applicator:

  • Place the sensor applicator over the prepared site and push down firmly.
  • The sensor should now be attached to your skin.
  • Secure by pressing down gently with your finger around the edge.
 
 

Watch to learn more about preparing your skin and applying your sensor

Quick instructions for applying your sensor:
Download the sensor application guide

Tips for keeping your sensor in place:
Download the adhesion guide

Step 3: Activating your sensor with your reader or app

Follow these steps to activate your sensor with your reader or app, so you can track your glucose levels:

  • Press “Scan New Sensor” on your reader or smartphone.
  • Hold your device near the sensor and slowly scan it.
  • You will hear a beep or feel a vibration upon activation.
  • The sensor can be used to check your glucose after 60 minutes.

Watch to learn more about activating your sensor

Step 4: Removing and replacing your sensor

It’s easy to remove and replace your sensor—follow the steps below to learn how:

  • Your sensor is designed to stay on for up to 15 days. When it's time to remove it, pull up the adhesive edge that keeps the sensor attached to your skin, then slowly peel from your skin in a single motion.
  • When replacing your sensor, remember to choose a different spot on the back of your upper arm to apply the new sensor. This will help avoid skin irritation.
  • Read our sensor application guide to learn about some optional productsII that can be helpful for removing your sensor.

Watch to learn more about removing and replacing your sensor

Use the links below to download the FreeStyle Libre 3 app or FreeStyle Libre 2 app§, or use your reader device.

FreeStyle Libre 3 app
Is my smartphone compatible?
FreeStyle Libre 2 app§
Is my smartphone compatible?

Easily share glucose readings with your healthcare providers to keep them in the loop#.

Use LibreView**††, the cloud-based diabetes management system, to easily share glucose reports with your healthcare provider.

Product images are for illustrative purposes only.

MyFreeStyle

Need more support?

The MyFreeStyle program will guide you through your journey with diabetes and teach you how to use your CGM system.

Learn more about MyFreeStyle

FAQs

Have more questions?

We’ll help you find the answers.

Explore FAQs

The FreeStyle Libre 3 system and FreeStyle Libre 2 system are indicated for use in people with diabetes age 4 and older.

Medicare and other payor criteria may apply. Abbott provides this information as a courtesy and does not guarantee payment or coverage.

* Study was performed with the outside US version of the FreeStyle Libre 14-day system. Data is applicable to FreeStyle Libre 2 and 3 systems, as feature sets are similar as FreeStyle Libre 14-day system, excluding alarms.

† The FreeStyle Libre systems apps are only compatible with certain mobile devices and operating systems. Please check the Support section of our website for more information about device compatibility before using the apps. Use of the FreeStyle Libre systems apps may require registration with LibreView.

‡ The FreeStyle Libre 3 app is only compatible with certain mobile devices and operating systems. Please check our compatibility guide for more information about device compatibility before using the app.

§ The FreeStyle Libre 2 app is only compatible with certain mobile devices and operating systems. Please check our compatibility guide for more information about device compatibility before using the app. Use of the FreeStyle Libre 2 app requires registration with LibreView.

II The information below does not constitute an endorsement of the manufacturer or the product quality. Abbott Diabetes Care is not responsible for the completeness or accuracy of product information. Product availability may vary by country and region. The manufacturer’s instructions for use of each product should be followed.

¶ The user’s device must have internet connectivity for glucose data to automatically upload to LibreView.

# The FreeStyle Libre systems apps are designed to facilitate data sharing between patients and their healthcare providers and caregivers.

** The LibreView data management software is intended for use by both patients and healthcare professionals to assist people with diabetes and their healthcare professionals in the review, analysis and evaluation of historical glucose meter data to support effective diabetes management. The LibreView software is not intended to provide treatment decisions or to be used as a substitute for professional healthcare advice.

†† The user’s device must have internet connectivity for glucose data to automatically upload to LibreView and to transfer to connected LibreLinkUp app users.

♢ Eligible patients will receive one (1) FreeStyle Libre 2 system sensor or (1) FreeStyle Libre 3 system sensor for users with a compatible mobile phone operating system at $0 copay. The expiration date of the voucher is 60 days from the issue date. This program is available for patients with Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes or gestational diabetes. Patients ages 18 and older are eligible to sign up and receive an offer for the (1) FreeStyle Libre 2 system sensor or (1) FreeStyle Libre 3 system sensor. Patients ages 4-17 are eligible to receive an offer for the (1) FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor or (1) FreeStyle Libre 3 sensor through their parent or guardian. Patients ages 2-17 are eligible to receive an offer for the (1) FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus sensor or (1) FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor through their parent or guardian. This offer is void where prohibited by law. Abbott may modify or rescind this offer at any time without notice. The discounts are not available to beneficiaries of Kaiser Permanente, Medicare, Medicaid or other federal or state healthcare programs, residents of Massachusetts, or US territories (other than Puerto Rico). The free (1) FreeStyle Libre 2 system sensor or (1) FreeStyle Libre 3 system sensor is provided as a sample and is limited to one sample per eligible person per product identification number. The FreeStyle Libre 2 system sensor or FreeStyle Libre 3 system sensor cannot be re-sold, traded nor submitted to any third-party payer for reimbursement and is not provided as any inducement for future purchases. The free sample card is not health insurance.

Reference: 1. Haak, Thomas, et al. "Flash Glucose-Sensing Technology as a Replacement for Blood Glucose Monitoring for the Management of Insulin-Treated Type 2 Diabetes: a Multicentre, Open-Label Randomised Controlled Trial." Diabetes Therapy 8, no. 1 (2017): 55-73. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13300-016-0223-6.

ADC-36564 v6.0