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Is my phone compatible with FreeStyle Libre sensor in India, or do I need a reader?

Answered byDr. Pavan Kumar UppulaMBBS, MD (General Medicine), DM (Endocrinology)
Fact checked byDiabetes.co.in medical review team
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Patient's Query

56 years old • Female

Doctor, I am working in a software company and my mother has diabetes with frequent up’s and down’s in sugar. She stays with us, but her mobile phone is not very advanced. 

It is a decent smartphone, but I am not sure whether it will support the FreeStyle Libre sensor. One of my doctor friends suggested CGM for better monitoring, but I am confused about phone compatibility.

How do I check whether her phone can scan the Libre sensor? And if her phone is not compatible, does that mean we cannot use the sensor at all? Do we need to buy something else like a reader? I want a clear answer before we invest in this.

Doctor Answers

Dr. Pavan Kumar Uppula
Dr. Pavan Kumar Uppula
Endocrinologist

This is a very common and very practical doubt. Let me clarify it simply.

In India, the FreeStyle Libre sensor can be scanned either by a compatible smartphone or by a separate Libre reader. Both options are valid.

Is Your Phone Compatible with FreeStyle Libre? Here’s a Quick Way to Check!

First, about phone compatibility.

To scan the Libre sensor using a phone, the phone must:

  • Support NFC (Near Field Communication)
  • Allow installation of the LibreLink app
  • Run a supported Android or iOS version

The simplest way to check compatibility is not technical at all.

Just do this:

If the app installs normally, the phone is likely compatible.

If it shows “not compatible with this device” or does not allow installation, that phone cannot be used for scanning.

Now the most important clarification.

If the phone is NOT compatible, the sensor is still perfectly usable.

You can simply use the FreeStyle Libre reader device instead of the phone.

The reader:

  • Is designed only for Libre scanning
  • Works reliably in all patients
  • Does not depend on phone model, updates, or NFC issues

So phone incompatibility does not block CGM use. It only changes how you read the sensor.

For many patients, especially elderly patients or those not comfortable with smartphones, I actually find the reader more practical and stress-free.

If you are unsure how to check the phone:

  • Ask a technically aware neighbour or family member
  • Or ask the diabetes clinic staff to check the app installation

The FreeStyle Libre system is developed by Abbott, and both phone scanning and reader scanning are approved options.

Final takeaway

  • Phone compatible → you can scan using LibreLink app
  • Phone not compatible → use the Libre reader
  • Sensor accuracy remains the same in both cases

References:

  1. https://www.freestyle.abbott/en-in/home.html
  2. FreeStyle Libre User Manual - Sections on smartphone scanning and reader use.
  3. https://idf.org/about-diabetes/continuous-glucose-monitoring/
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Disclaimer: The information provided in this Q&A is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical guidance and treatment recommendations.