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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 is to apply, activate, and use4,20.
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 fingersticks10. 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:

Illustration of Step 1 showing the recommended application area on the back of the upper arm for the sensor.
Step 1

Select site on back of upper arm.

Illustration of Step 2 showing washing the application area with soap and water before drying.
Step 2

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

Illustration of Step 3 showing cleaning the application area with an alcohol wipe and letting it air 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 either 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.

Illustration of Step 2 showing the glucose sensor now attached to the back of the upper arm after application.
Step 2

The sensor should now be attached to your skin.

Illustration of Step 3 showing gently pressing around the glucose sensor to ensure it is securely attached to the upper arm.
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 reader43 or app13.

Illustration of Step 1 showing a finger tapping “Scan a new sensor” in the mobile app to start sensor setup.
Step 1

Press “Scan New Sensor” on your reader43 or app13.

Illustration of Step 2 showing a person holding a smartphone close to the sensor and scanning it slowly with the app.
Step 2

Hold your device near the sensor and slowly scan it.

Illustration of Step 3 showing a phone near the sensor, indicating activation with a sound or vibration.
Step 3

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

Illustration of Step 4 showing a butterfly icon and text indicating the sensor will be ready to use in 60 minutes.
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:

Illustration of Step 1 showing peeling the adhesive edge and slowly removing the glucose sensor from the upper arm.
Step 1

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

Illustration of Step 2 showing applying moisturizing lotion to the arm to help remove the glucose sensor.
Step 2

A soft moisturizer can make it easier to remove.

Illustration of Step 3 showing discarding the used sensor and applying a new glucose sensor to the upper arm.
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:

Illustration of Step 1 showing the recommended application area on the back of the upper arm for the sensor.
Step 1

Select site on back of upper arm.

Illustration of Step 2 showing washing the application area with soap and water before drying.
Step 2

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

Illustration of Step 3 showing cleaning the application area with an alcohol wipe and letting it air 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 either 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.

Illustration of Step 2 showing the glucose sensor now attached to the back of the upper arm after application.
Step 2

The sensor should now be attached to your skin.

Illustration of Step 3 showing gently pressing around the glucose sensor to ensure it is securely attached to the upper arm.
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 reader43 or app13.

Illustration of Step 1 showing a finger tapping “Scan a new sensor” in the mobile app to start sensor setup.
Step 1

Press “Scan New Sensor” on your reader43 or app13.

Illustration of Step 2 showing a person holding a smartphone close to the sensor and scanning it slowly with the app.
Step 2

Hold your device near the sensor and slowly scan it.

Illustration of Step 3 showing a phone near the sensor, indicating activation with a sound or vibration.
Step 3

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

Illustration of Step 4 showing a butterfly icon and text indicating the sensor will be ready to use in 60 minutes.
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:

Illustration of Step 1 showing peeling the adhesive edge and slowly removing the glucose sensor from the upper arm.
Step 1

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

Illustration of Step 2 showing applying moisturizing lotion to the arm to help remove the glucose sensor.
Step 2

A soft moisturizer can make it easier to remove.

Illustration of Step 3 showing discarding the used sensor and applying a new glucose sensor to the upper arm.
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)

You might also like:

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
A man and woman walk outdoors while he eats an apple, with a FreeStyle Libre sensor visible on his upper arm.

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
ADC-101693 v3.0 Feb 2026