The Libre app* connects your smartphone to your Libre 3 Plus sensor. After downloading the app, you will need to sign in or create an account. Then, you will be guided through a few steps to finish setup.
How to set up and get started with FreeStyle Libre systems
Follow these simple steps to download and set up the Libre app* and apply your sensor—so you can manage your diabetes with more confidence†1.
Jump to:
Download and set up the Libre app*.
Once your app is set up and sensor is connected, you can:
Check to see if your smartphone is compatible here.
Apply and start the sensor.
Now that you’ve downloaded the Libre app*, it’s time to apply your sensor. It’s easy to apply2, comfortable to wear2,†3, and easy to use2.
Step 1: Prepare your skin.
Choose a spot on the back of your upper arm:
- Wash it with plain soap and water.
- Pat skin dry with a clean towel.
- Clean skin with an alcohol wipe and let it air dry.
Step 2: Apply your sensor.
Next, apply your sensor using the applicator provided:
- Place the applicator over the area of skin you cleaned and push down firmly.
- Gently press around the edge of the sensor with your fingers to secure it.
- Your sensor should now be attached to your skin.
Read our Sensor Application and Adhesion Guide to learn more helpful tips.
Step 3: Activate your sensor.
Once your sensor is in place, you’re ready to finish setting up the Libre app*.
- Press “Scan New Sensor” on your Libre app* or reader#.
- Hold your device near the sensor and slowly scan it.
- You will hear a beep or feel a vibration upon activation.
- You can start using your sensor after 60 minutes**.
Step 4: Get your first reading.
After you’ve connected your sensor to your smartphone*, you’ll start receiving
continuous, real-time glucose readings.
- You’ll see your current glucose level along with a trend arrow on the home screen.
Step 5: Set up alarms§.
Customize your experience by setting alarms that help you stay on top of your glucose levels.
- You can set up optional, real-time glucose alarms§ to get alerts the minute your glucose is too low or too high.
- You can also choose to silence†† alarms for up to 6 hours.
Ready to remove or replace your sensor?
After 15 days, your sensor should be removed or replaced. Remove your sensor by pulling up the adhesive edge and slowly peeling it off in a single motion. When replacing your sensor, choose a different spot on the back of your upper arm to avoid skin irritation.
You’re all set! Start using Libre systems today.
To learn even more about understanding your glucose, read our Getting Started Guide.
“Getting started on the FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor was easy. I got a prescription from my doctor, I applied the sensor, and it started working with my compatible insulin pump.”
— Arnie
The views expressed should not be used for medical diagnosis or treatment or as a substitute for professional medical advice. Individual symptoms, situations and circumstances may vary.
Answers to help you get more from Libre systems
Yes. The Libre app* includes a free feature called Libre Assist‡‡ that can help you understand how food might impact your glucose§§. Just take a photo of your meal in the app and Libre Assist‡‡ will predict its potential glucose impact§§. It will also provide personalized suggestions|||| you can use to make informed food choices.
Learn more about Libre Assist‡‡.
* 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.
‡‡ Libre Assist is a feature within Libre app that uses generative artificial intelligence to provide information on how foods could impact your glucose levels. Generative artificial intelligence may not always be accurate, and it should not be used to make treatment decisions.
§§ Predicted glucose impact is based on user-provided food data and may differ from actual impact, which depends on sensor readings and factors like activity, stress, medication, and alcohol. For personalized advice, consult your healthcare provider.
|||| Personalized food suggestions are based on food preference information inputted by the user.
Yes. The Libre app* makes it easy to share|| glucose readings with your healthcare team or loved ones¶, so they can stay informed and support your care.
Data is stored in a secure, cloud-based storage system¶¶ to help keep your information private.
You have two ways to share your glucose data with apps that connect seamlessly with the Libre app* or reader#:
- LibreView¶¶—Share|| glucose readings with your healthcare provider, so they can monitor your progress and support your treatment decisions. You can set up an account in the Libre app* or at LibreView.com.
- LibreLinkUp##—Share|| glucose readings with friends, family, and caregivers, so they can stay informed and support you when you need it. Visit LibreLinkUp.com for more information.
* 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 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 FreeStyle Libre systems apps and the FreeStyle Libre systems readers have similar but not identical features. Fingersticks are required for treatment decisions when you see Check Blood Glucose symbol and when your glucose alarms and readings from the system do not match symptoms or expectations.
¶¶ 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.
## Check the support section of www.librelinkup.com for information about mobile device and operating system compatibility. LibreLinkUp is not intended to be used for dosing decisions or to replace self-monitoring practices as advised by a physician and requires registration with LibreView.
Yes. Libre is the only 15-day CGM technology that connects to all leading pump brands in the US4.
The Libre 3 Plus sensor is authorized to work with Omnipod® 5, Tandem t:slim X2TM, iLet Bionic Pancreas, and twiistTM AID system.
When connected to a CGM sensor like the Libre 3 Plus sensor, compatible AID systems are designed to precisely adjust your insulin as your glucose goes up and down.
Learn more about our compatible insulin pumps.
AID = automated insulin delivery; CGM = continuous glucose monitor(ing)
Reference: 4. Data on file. Abbott Diabetes Care, Inc.
The FreeStyle Libre 3 system includes the Libre 3 Plus sensor, Libre 3 sensor, Libre 3 app, Libre app, and the Libre 3 reader.
The FreeStyle Libre 2 system includes the Libre 2 Plus sensor, Libre 2 sensor, Libre 2 app, Libre app, and the Libre 2 reader.
FreeStyle Libre 3 system is cleared to be used by children 4 years and older with Libre 3 sensor and 2 years and older with Libre 3 Plus sensor.
FreeStyle Libre 2 system is cleared to be used by children 4 years and older with Libre 2 sensor and 2 years and older with Libre 2 Plus sensor.
Medicare and other payor criteria may apply.
* 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.
† Study was performed with the outside US version of the FreeStyle Libre 14 day system. Data is applicable to FreeStyle Libre 3 and 2 systems, as feature sets are similar as FreeStyle Libre 14 day system, excluding alarms.
‡ The Libre app works with Libre 2, Libre 2 Plus, Libre 3 and Libre 3 Plus sensors and glucose data updates automatically without scanning the sensor.
§ Alarm notifications will only be received when alarms are turned on and the sensor is within 20 feet (FreeStyle Libre 2) or 33 feet (FreeStyle Libre 3) unobstructed of the reading device.
|| 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 FreeStyle Libre systems apps and the FreeStyle Libre systems readers have similar but not identical features. Fingersticks are required for treatment decisions when you see Check Blood Glucose symbol and when your glucose alarms and readings from the system do not match symptoms or expectations.
** 60-minute warm-up required when starting the sensor.
†† Silent mode allows users to silence their signal loss and glucose alarms, including urgent low glucose alarm for up to six hours. You will not hear your glucose and signal loss alarms even if you've turned on Override Do Not Disturb but may still get the visual and vibratory notifications based on your phone's settings.
‡‡ Libre Assist is a feature within Libre app that uses generative artificial intelligence to provide information on how foods could impact your glucose levels. Generative artificial intelligence may not always be accurate, and it should not be used to make treatment decisions.
References: 1. Fokkert, Marion, et al. “Improved Well-Being and Decreased Disease Burden After 1-Year Use of Flash Glucose Monitoring (FLARE-NL4).” BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care 7, no. 1 (2019): e000809. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjdrc-2019-000809. 2. Alva, Shridhara, et al. “Accuracy of a 15-day Factory-Calibrated Continuous Glucose Monitoring System With Improved Sensor Design.” Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology (2025): 19322968251329364. https://doi.org/10.1177/19322968251329364. 3. 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 (2017): 55–73. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13300-016-0223-6.
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