How to Use FreeStyle Libre | FreeStyle Libre US

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

Before you get started, download the Libre app^†.

Once you’ve downloaded the Libre app or obtained a reader device, follow these steps to use your sensor.

Preparing your skin

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.

Applying your sensor

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

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Download the sensor adhesion guide

Quick instructions for applying your sensor and keeping it in place.
Download the Sensor Application and Adhesion Guide

Activating your sensor with your reader or app

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

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Removing and replacing 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 and Adhesion Guide to learn about some optional products that can be helpful for removing your sensor.

Use the links to download the Libre app, or use your reader device.

Libre app

Is my smartphone compatible?

Download the Libre app

LibreView cloud-based diabetes management software showing daily glucose trends

Shareable^‡§ glucose readings

Use LibreView^|| cloud-based diabetes management software to easily share^§ glucose reports with your healthcare provider.

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

Have more questions?

We’ll help you find the answers.

Explore FAQs

Medicare and other payor criteria may apply.

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

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

|| 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.

♢ Eligible patients will receive one (1) FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus sensor or (1) FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus 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 Plus sensor or (1) FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor. 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 Plus sensor or (1) FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor is provided as a sample and is limited to one sample per eligible person per product identification number. The FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus sensor or FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus 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.

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Important Safety Information

FreeStyle Libre 14 day, FreeStyle Libre 2 and FreeStyle Libre 3 systems: Failure to use FreeStyle Libre systems as instructed in labeling may result in missing a severe low or high glucose event and/or making a treatment decision, resulting in injury. If glucose reading and alarms (if enabled) do not match symptoms or expectations, use a fingerstick value from a blood glucose meter for treatment decisions. Seek medical attention when appropriate or contact Abbott at 855-632-8658 or FreeStyleLibre.us for safety info.

The product images are for illustrative purposes only.

The sensor housing, FreeStyle, Libre, and related brand marks are marks of Abbott. Other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

No use of any Abbott trademark, trade name, or trade dress in this site may be made without prior written authorization of Abbott Laboratories, except to identify the product or services of the company.

This website and the information contained herein is intended for use by residents of the United States.

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© 2025 Abbott. All rights reserved. The sensor housing, FreeStyle, Libre, and related brand marks are marks of Abbott. Other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.