Type 1 Getting a mobile phone to work with Freestyle Libre 2.

DougalMR

Member
Messages
7
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
Before knowing that some phones are compatible and some are not. I bought a Google Pixel 7a and reading Libre 2 was hit and miss and gradually got worse.
I got the Libre 2 reader and it works OK but it is a nuisance connecting to the internet to transfer the readings. It is limited in facilities compared to a working phone.

I bought a refurbished Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra from Giffgaff but it was faulty. Giffgaff changed it with ease. The second S22 Ultra was a bit temperamental with NFC reading and didn’t work on bluetooth! Not happy. I sent it back and got a full refund.

Abbott assured me the S22 Ultra was compatible and sent me another sensor. I swapped the sensor to find the same problem. 2 sensors wasted!

I gave up and went back to my old Samsung S7 Edge.

Abbott have tested some phones and provide a list of those that work. It’s a bit more hassle trying to choose a phone though.

What problems have you come across and have you found a trouble free phone?

Doug
 

Jaylee

Oracle
Retired Moderator
Messages
18,627
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
Hi,

I’m using the Galaxy note 10 plus.
Prior to that I had the Note 9.
I find periodically clearing the Bluetooth cache helps with BT stability with Libre 2 sensors.
 
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rayq81

Member
Messages
15
Type of diabetes
LADA
Treatment type
Insulin
I'm using a Oppo Reno 8, previously used a One plus Nord, both worked without any issues
 
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lawrence21360

Member
Messages
18
Before knowing that some phones are compatible and some are not. I bought a Google Pixel 7a and reading Libre 2 was hit and miss and gradually got worse.
I got the Libre 2 reader and it works OK but it is a nuisance connecting to the internet to transfer the readings. It is limited in facilities compared to a working phone.

I bought a refurbished Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra from Giffgaff but it was faulty. Giffgaff changed it with ease. The second S22 Ultra was a bit temperamental with NFC reading and didn’t work on bluetooth! Not happy. I sent it back and got a full refund.

Abbott assured me the S22 Ultra was compatible and sent me another sensor. I swapped the sensor to find the same problem. 2 sensors wasted!

I gave up and went back to my old Samsung S7 Edge.

Abbott have tested some phones and provide a list of those that work. It’s a bit more hassle trying to choose a phone though.

What problems have you come across and have you found a trouble free phone?

Doug
i have a mini 13 apple i phone and never a problem
 
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Lakeslover

Well-Known Member
Messages
466
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Insulin
I’m using an iPhone 15 pro with no problems. My previous iPhone 13 Pro also worked without problems.
 
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barrym

Well-Known Member
Messages
828
Type of diabetes
LADA
Treatment type
Insulin
I’m surprised that the pixel 7a gave you trouble. The pixel range are ‘the’ definition of an android phone. I’ve had a 3a and 6a with out any issues, and there are other on here and .org.uk with other pixels, so I reckon you might have to look at your setup or the environment which theoretically can affect Bluetooth.

Also, you should find that the 7a has a good resale value if you really find it won’t do the job.

hth
 

DougalMR

Member
Messages
7
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
I’m surprised that the pixel 7a gave you trouble. The pixel range are ‘the’ definition of an android phone. I’ve had a 3a and 6a with out any issues, and there are other on here and .org.uk with other pixels, so I reckon you might have to look at your setup or the environment which theoretically can affect Bluetooth.

Also, you should find that the 7a has a good resale value if you really find it won’t do the job.

hth
The Pixel 7a is not listed on the compatibility list from Abbott Freestyle.
For me it worked ok for a few months but then required cache clearing, which work for short while then became very frustrating when it became erratic.
 

barrym

Well-Known Member
Messages
828
Type of diabetes
LADA
Treatment type
Insulin
The Pixel 7a is not listed on the compatibility list from Abbott Freestyle.
For me it worked ok for a few months but then required cache clearing, which work for short while then became very frustrating when it became erratic.
The list indicates that Abbott have tested the app on that phone, not that if your phone isn’t on the list it won’t work! I ran it originally on a phone you wouldn’t even had heard off.
 

DougalMR

Member
Messages
7
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
It is great to read all the positive experiences. I guess that I’ve been unlucky.

The Pixel 7a (new when purchased) ran the Libre 2 app. well for a few months but then started to have problems.

It seems that those that answered have had good experiences with a wide variety of phones. This is reassuring.

I change my sensor today and have the quandary: should I continue to use the Freestyle Libre 2 reader? Or go back to my old phone, Samsung S7 Edge, with the app. It worked last time. Or buy that new phone, which make, model etc.?

I think the old phone wins. It offers more facilities than the reader.

Thanks for all the help and advice.

Doug.
 

LittleGreyCat

Well-Known Member
Retired Moderator
Messages
4,380
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Dislikes
Diet drinks - the artificial sweeteners taste vile.
Having to forswear foods I have loved all my life.
Trying to find low carb meals when eating out.
realme 6 Pro here.
Works fine.
Prior to that I had a Samsung Galaxy but can't recall which number. Also worked fine.
 

barrym

Well-Known Member
Messages
828
Type of diabetes
LADA
Treatment type
Insulin
It is great to read all the positive experiences. I guess that I’ve been unlucky.

The Pixel 7a (new when purchased) ran the Libre 2 app. well for a few months but then started to have problems.

It seems that those that answered have had good experiences with a wide variety of phones. This is reassuring.

I change my sensor today and have the quandary: should I continue to use the Freestyle Libre 2 reader? Or go back to my old phone, Samsung S7 Edge, with the app. It worked last time. Or buy that new phone, which make, model etc.?

I think the old phone wins. It offers more facilities than the reader.

Thanks for all the help and advice.

Doug.
Why not rest the Pixel to factory defaults and then just install LibreLink, nothing else. The slowly change anything you want to add, and see what does the damage?

I had to do similar on a new iPad recently. I bought it, loaded loads of stuff, and then discovered it would
do a random reboot right in front of my eyes. So I did as above until I found what I think was doing it. I have found a way to get my work flow around that app and now all is well with world.
 

DougalMR

Member
Messages
7
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
Why not rest the Pixel to factory defaults and then just install LibreLink, nothing else. The slowly change anything you want to add, and see what does the damage?

I had to do similar on a new iPad recently. I bought it, loaded loads of stuff, and then discovered it would
do a random reboot right in front of my eyes. So I did as above until I found what I think was doing it. I have found a way to get my work flow around that app and now all is well with world.
Too late, I sold the Pixel 7a and returned the S22 Ultra 5G.
Currently using the Freestyle reader but may change back to the old phone S7 Edge.

Thanks, Doug
 

barrym

Well-Known Member
Messages
828
Type of diabetes
LADA
Treatment type
Insulin
Too late, I sold the Pixel 7a and returned the S22 Ultra 5G.
Currently using the Freestyle reader but may change back to the old phone S7 Edge.

Thanks, Doug
I hope you didn’t lose too much. A shame ‘cos it was a good phone. Ah well…. it’s only money:(.
 

DougalMR

Member
Messages
7
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
I hope you didn’t lose too much. A shame ‘cos it was a good phone. Ah well…. it’s only money:(.
Yes, it was a sad loss. But not worth keeping a phone that doesn’t do what I wanted.
Now back on my old, tatty Samsung S7 Edge, it works.
 
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Jaylee

Oracle
Retired Moderator
Messages
18,627
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
Yes, it was a sad loss. But not worth keeping a phone that doesn’t do what I wanted.
Now back on my old, tatty Samsung S7 Edge, it works.
From memory, the S7 has a “gorilla glass” front & back?
With some sort of alloy (aluminum) frame?
Both my Note 9 & 10 plus has a gorilla glass curved screen & curved edge back which works & looks great but not that practical to hold..
So I bought a case.
I even spilt spray gun cleaner which is caustic on the note 10 melting the first case leaving rubbery residue on the phone, which buffed off leaving no blemishing marks?

If your phone works for you. Stick with it.
They seem cheap enough to source from a reconditioned, “pre-loved” outfit, if ever you need to replace?

Try a cheap phone case to snazz it up, if you feel the aesthetics a little tired… :)
 
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