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FreeStyle Libre basics

Living with diabetes on your terms is about to begin. Here, you'll discover just how easy FreeStyle Libre system is to apply, activate, and use2,4.
A smartphone displaying a FreeStyle Libre glucose reading of 112 mg/dL with a trend graph, shown beside the FreeStyle Libre sensor device.

What you need to know.

Applying your new sensor is a lot easier than you might think – and it doesn’t require 
painful finger pricks10. So, why wait another moment? Let’s get started. 

To begin, select an area on the back of your upper arm and follow these steps:

An illustration of a woman with the back of her arms circled to show where a FreeStyle Libre sensor would be applied.
Step 1

Select site on back of upper arm.

An outlined bell icon indicating optional alerts that notify users when sugar levels become too low or too high during monitoring.
Step 2

Wash site using plain soap and water, then towel dry.

An outlined target icon symbolizing accurate glucose readings, even in low ranges, where reliable data matters most for management.
Step 3

Clean the area with an alcohol wipe and air dry.

Once you’ve prepared the back of your upper arm,
apply the sensor using the applicator.

An illustration of a woman placing a FreeStyle Libre sensor on the back of her upper arm.
Step 1

Place the sensor applicator over the prepared site and push down firmly.

An illustrated woman with a newly attached sensor on the upper arm, representing the step where the sensor is now secured to the skin.
Step 2

The sensor should now be attached to your skin.

An illustrated woman pressing gently around the edge of the applied sensor, demonstrating how to secure it after placement.
Step 3

Secure by pressing down gently with your finger around the edge.

Once your sensor is applied, you need to pair it with your FreeStyle LibreLink app12

A smartphone screen showing the Scan New Sensor option in the Libre app, representing the first step in starting a new sensor.
Step 1

Press “Scan New Sensor” on your app12.

An illustrated woman holding a smartphone near the sensor on the upper arm, demonstrating how to slowly scan to begin activation.
Step 2

Hold your device near the sensor and slowly scan it.

An illustrated woman holding a smartphone close to the sensor with motion lines, indicating a beep or vibration during activation.
Step 3

You will hear a beep or feel a vibration upon activation.

A smartphone screen displaying a 60‑minute countdown, showing the warm‑up time before the sensor can be used for sugar checks.
Step 4

The sensor can be used to check your sugar after 

60 minutes. 

Your device will alert you when it’s time to replace your sensor. To remove it:

An illustrated woman lifting the edge of an applied sensor on the upper arm, showing how to slowly peel it away from the skin.
Step 1

Pull up the adhesive edge, then slowly peel it off the skin.

An illustrated woman applying a soft moisturizer around the sensor area, demonstrating how it can help make removal easier.
Step 2

A soft moisturizer can make it easier to remove.

An illustrated person holding a new sensor near the upper arm, representing discarding the old sensor and applying a replacement.
Step 3

Discard the used sensor and apply the new one as you did before.

To begin, select an area on the back of your upper arm and follow these steps:

An illustration of a woman with the back of her arms circled to show where a FreeStyle Libre sensor would be applied.
Step 1

Select site on back of upper arm.

An outlined bell icon indicating optional alerts that notify users when sugar levels become too low or too high during monitoring.
Step 2

Wash site using plain soap and water, then towel dry.

An outlined target icon symbolizing accurate glucose readings, even in low ranges, where reliable data matters most for management.
Step 3

Clean the area with an alcohol wipe and air dry.

Once you’ve prepared the back of your upper arm,
apply the sensor using the applicator.

An illustration of a woman placing a FreeStyle Libre sensor on the back of her upper arm.
Step 1

Place the sensor applicator over the prepared site and push down firmly.

An illustrated woman with a newly attached sensor on the upper arm, representing the step where the sensor is now secured to the skin.
Step 2

The sensor should now be attached to your skin.

An illustrated woman pressing gently around the edge of the applied sensor, demonstrating how to secure it after placement.
Step 3

Secure by pressing down gently with your finger around the edge.

Once your sensor is applied, you need to pair it with your FreeStyle LibreLink app12

A smartphone screen showing the Scan New Sensor option in the Libre app, representing the first step in starting a new sensor.
Step 1

Press “Scan New Sensor” on your app12.

An illustrated woman holding a smartphone near the sensor on the upper arm, demonstrating how to slowly scan to begin activation.
Step 2

Hold your device near the sensor and slowly scan it.

An illustrated woman holding a smartphone close to the sensor with motion lines, indicating a beep or vibration during activation.
Step 3

You will hear a beep or feel a vibration upon activation.

A smartphone screen displaying a 60‑minute countdown, showing the warm‑up time before the sensor can be used for sugar checks.
Step 4

The sensor can be used to check your sugar after 

60 minutes. 

Your device will alert you when it’s time to replace your sensor. To remove it:

An illustrated woman lifting the edge of an applied sensor on the upper arm, showing how to slowly peel it away from the skin.
Step 1

Pull up the adhesive edge, then slowly peel it off the skin.

An illustrated woman applying a soft moisturizer around the sensor area, demonstrating how it can help make removal easier.
Step 2

A soft moisturizer can make it easier to remove.

An illustrated person holding a new sensor near the upper arm, representing discarding the old sensor and applying a replacement.
Step 3

Discard the used sensor and apply the new one as you did before.

View video for full details.

You may also download these 

helpful guides for more information.
Sensor Adhesion Guide PDF (870kb)

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A woman wearing a Freestyle Libre sensor balancing on an exercise ball while smiling broadly.

You might also like:

A person seated outdoors at a table using a smartphone near plates of food, illustrating how digital tools support daily glucose monitoring.

Put our digital tools to work for you.

Use the FreeStyle LibreLink app12 to learn how food, medicine and exercise impact your sugar levels. Share25 these insights with your loved ones and healthcare team if you wish.  
Learn More About Our Apps
A person standing outside looking at a smartphone with a FreeStyle Libre sensor on the upper arm, showing real‑time sugar tracking.

Every sugar reading tells a story.

FreeStyle Libre systems give you a complete picture17 of where your sugar is and where it’s headed so you can see what affects your sugar levels.  
Understand Your Data
A woman sitting on the floor indoors using a smartphone, representing ongoing support and access to glucose information anytime.

Here for you. At every step.

We want you to live life freely – without any barriers. So, if you have questions, or need further support, all you need to do is ask. 
Get Support Now

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