FreeStyle Libre Errors and How to Fix Them

8 most common FreeStyle Libre sensor error, how I fix them, and why they happen. Applicable for all sensor versions: FreeStyle Libre 2, FreeStyle Libre 3, and FreeStyle Libre 1.

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I regularly release videos covering diabetes topics. Let me know if you have any questions or topics you would like me to cover. I really appreciate your input!

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional and this video is not medical advice. Please consult your medical professional regarding your diabetes treatment. I am not affiliated with Abbott and the content of this video was not discussed with or approved by them. I just use and love their products and share my experience.

Disclosure: Links in the video description might include affiliate links (I will receive a small provision if you use these links for your purchase).

#typeonetalks

[martinwoodworth]

I've been using the libre 2 for 13 months now. I fit the sensor on my chest. I remember watching your vid of you testing all the places, arm, leg, chest etc. I do get the 'reading is unavailable' message quite a lot but this device has been a god send to me as I do 12 hour shifts doing physical work so sugar levels can move very quick! I've only had 1 sensor pack up in that time. It had been going for 12 days so didn't bother trying to claim a new one. Your vids are great at explaining this device. Thanks.

[benalisonbrown]

Had trouble getting new sensor to scan on Samsung Phone. ( New sensor won't scan ) Tried checking >Settings
>Connections
>Turn ON Wifi
>Turn ON Bluetooth
>Turn ON NFC and Contactless Payments.

Then try scanning new sensor again. If it doesn't work, try turning those settings off then all 3 back on again or shutting the whole phone off then on again... worth a try, worked for us. Hope this helps!

[Agentenaranja]

My son has been using FL2 for about two years now. A lot of sensors stopped reading before the 14 days or simply they never paired with the reader. Abbott always send us a replacement for each faulty sensor (or a voucher when we lost one) but it feels kind of awkward and annoying to be continuously calling to report a malfunctioning sensor and hear the same questions over and over again. Yes, we know that humidity and sweat can damage a sensor. Yes we know how and where to apply the sensor. We take our precautions for all that. It's just that something is not right with them (or the reader). FL2 is a great device tha can make your life and your diabetes control a lot easier. However, these issues have us considering to move to the Omnipod 5 with the Dexcom G6 or G7.

[TypeOneTalks]

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[RSV]

By the way, I use my Freestyle sensor with two devices. With the Freestyle reader and with my smartphone (iPhone). When starting the sensor, I first do it with the Freestyle reader and immediately after with the smartphone. The advantage is that in the smartphone app there is additional information (time on range, estimated HbA1c, etc.) and when I go out I don't need to carry another device. At home I can use both, depending on which one is closer.

[caroljackson]

My old phone- pixel 4, sensor was at the top of my phone! New phone, pixel 7, sensor is at the bottom. Should have watched your video first- lol Learned by trial! Thanks for your videos! You are the best! I refer people to you all the time!

[enargins]

I've gotten free replacements from Abbott and I've never had to get the serial number off the sensor. The software (whether in the reader or in the app) has the sensor serial number recorded, and they always just asked me to read the serial number from the software, along with any error code.

[carriewittbrodt]

Using Libre 2, and it can read 20 points different at times, can't go by it to give medication. Once showed 243, and I checked by blood strip, it was 163. Big difference, but it's always 17-25 points off. The sensor is secure on my arm. Had Nurse at doctors office even apply one, just to make sure.

[kassijayne]

Thank you Tom, Your videos have been great, my pancreas transplant failed not long ago so this is a learning curve for me again. Love the videos very informational.

[msganga]

Thanks for your video! Unfortunately sometimes the app of Libre 2 is a bit annoying with the scan error and I do not think it depends on interference because without changing anything and staying at the same place it stops working for a long time...I hope they will improve this concept of CGM because overall the idea is great but the amount of bugs and problems is still a bit too much .

[mikemahin]

Thank you, Tom.
You make excellent informative videos.

[Karlinberlin]

Upgrading to Libre3 in Germany has been a nightmare. I applied the first time in September. I ran out of Libre 2 sensors 6 weeks ago. I still don't have working Libre3 soolution. I learned something here. Don't upgrade until they make you. That way all bugs can get worked out. If I could i would go back to Libre 2 with the separate reader.

[Luisjusthere]

I upgraded to the libre 3 and it’s been a love/hate relationship with it. When it works it’s so much better and convenient than when I used to use the freestyle libre and with many more features but now it seems like every other sensor is bugging out and/or needing to prematurely remove and apply another one before the cycle ends, then I have to yet again contact the company send another one and so forth.

[jerryneely]

FYI as of now in the US medicare is not covering Libre 3 yet. Thank you for all you do.

[ener]

bro no cacho nada de ingles pero te juro te te entendí todo bro...senkiu prime

[jarretgrathwol]

I figured it out. God bless my good sir. I feel like an idiot, but if you line up the sensor graphic to the centre of the sensor it works every time.

[johnmcrae]

Tom. Very helpful video as usual. The issue I had was that the alarm system on an Android phone had no Dismiss button. Also, the alarms on Android are either off or on very loud. IPhone phones do not have that problem. Abbott denied the problem for awhile and finally said they would try to have it correct for the libre 3. Unfortunately Medicare is not covering the 3 yet. Huge frustration. So I switched back to the Reader for my libre 2.

[doomedspacemarine]

I decided to give the Freestyle Libre a try for my cat, per my vet's recommendation. Tried downloading the app to my phone, but it was a humongous hassle which is probably not worth it (since i presume is designed for human not animal use). I've only used the provided reader. First sensor only lasted 7 days. Had several "check again in 10 min" errors these days, but it would fix itself. Vet had me checking levels every hour so i think maybe theres a limit to how many checks you can do. The cat is a senior but still moves around, and i think the sensor could have been better placed. Its right behind his right front paw. he usually leans on that area, either left or right. A higher placement could be beneficial. But hey I'm no veterinarian or diabetic. I'm just trying to make him feel better.
Any insights are helpful, we are new to the diabetes world.

[rob_h_]

Around 50% of my FL2 sensors don’t work after I wait 1 hour for them to calibrate, I always get error code 366 and it it proceeds to calibrate for another hour. I really hope that they can get to the bottom of this….

[peluszek]

Hi Tom, I've been using Libre2 for over a year and everything was working great until recent app update (android phone), now the alarms are not working. I have done everything under the sun, uninstalled, reinstalled the app, changed the sensor (have gone through 3 different sensors), checked Bluetooth connection, nothing helps, still the same issue, alarms are not working. This didn't start until the update about a 1-2 months ago. For me the alarms are my lifeline, specialy when I'm sleeping. Spoke to customer service twice, both times they blame the sensor or my phone. My phone still gives me the readings but no alarms, still recognize the sensor.
This is a huge drawback for me. Is there a way to revert back to the previous version ?