FreeStyle Libre Basics

Living with diabetes on your terms is about to begin. Here, you’ll discover just how easy FreeStyle Libre systems are to apply, activate, and use^4,20.

Heading “FreeStyle Libre Basics” beside a smartphone showing a glucose graph and a FreeStyle Libre sensor on a white background.

What you need to know.

Applying your new sensor is a lot easier than you might think – and it doesn’t require painful routine 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:

Step 1

Select site on back of upper arm.

Step 2

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

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 two-piece or the one-piece applicator.

Illustration showing placing the glucose sensor applicator on the prepared area of the upper arm and pressing firmly.

Step 1

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

Step 2

The sensor should now be attached to your skin.

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 app¹³.

Step 1

Press “Scan New Sensor” on your app¹³.

Step 2

Hold your device near the sensor and slowly scan it.

Step 3

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

Step 4

The sensor can be used to check your glucose after 60 minutes.

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

Step 1

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

Step 2

A soft moisturizer can make it easier to remove.

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:

Step 1

Select site on back of upper arm.

Step 2

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

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 two-piece or the one-piece applicator.

Step 1

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

Step 2

The sensor should now be attached to your skin.

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 app¹³.

Step 1

Press “Scan New Sensor” on your app¹³.

Step 2

Hold your device near the sensor and slowly scan it.

Step 3

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

Step 4

The sensor can be used to check your glucose after 60 minutes.

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

Step 1

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

Step 2

A soft moisturizer can make it easier to remove.

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.

Quick Start Guide PDF (1.5mb)

Sensor Adhesion Guide PDF (1.1mb)

FreeStyle Libre is easy.

MyFreeStyle makes it even easier.

Join the over 70,000 Canadians today to get the most out of your FreeStyle Libre system. You will get co-pay and insurance information, dedicated customer care, educational support on your FreeStyle journey and much more.

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Person standing in a kitchen looking at a smartphone, with text about using digital apps to track how food, medicine, and exercise affect glucose.

Put our digital tools to work for you.

Use our apps¹³ to learn how food, medicine and exercise impact your glucose. Share²⁶ these insights with your loved ones and healthcare team if you wish.

Learn More About Our Apps

Two people walking outdoors; one wears a glucose sensor on the upper arm and holds an apple, with FreeStyle Libre text.

Every glucose reading tells a story.

FreeStyle Libre systems give you a complete picture¹⁷ of where your glucose is and where it’s headed so you can see what affects your glucose levels.

Understand Your Data

Person exercising outdoors on a park path, with text emphasizing support at every step and encouragement to seek help.

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

The FreeStyle Libre 2 flash glucose monitoring system is indicated for measuring interstitial fluid glucose levels in people aged 4 years and older with diabetes mellitus. Always read and follow the label/insert.

The FreeStyle Libre 3 Flash Glucose Monitoring System (FreeStyle Libre 3 Reader or FreeStyle Libre 3 app used with FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus Sensor) is indicated for measuring interstitial fluid glucose levels continuously in people aged 2 years and older with diabetes mellitus. Always read and follow the label/insert.

ADC-97477 v3.0

What you need to know.

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

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

Once your sensor is applied, you need to pair it with your app¹³.

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

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

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

Once your sensor is applied, you need to pair it with your app¹³.

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

View video for full details.

FreeStyle Libre is easy.

MyFreeStyle makes it even easier.

You might also like:

Put our digital tools to work for you.

Every glucose reading tells a story.

Here for you. At every step.

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FreeStyle Libre basics

What you need to know.

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

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

Once your sensor is applied, you need to pair it with your app13.

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

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

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

Once your sensor is applied, you need to pair it with your app13.

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

View video for full details.

FreeStyle Libre is easy. MyFreeStyle makes it even easier.

You might also like:

Put our digital tools to work for you.

Every glucose reading tells a story.

Here for you. At every step.

Once your sensor is applied, you need to pair it with your app¹³.

Once your sensor is applied, you need to pair it with your app¹³.

FreeStyle Libre is easy.

MyFreeStyle makes it even easier.