Can You Use The FreeStyle Libre 2 Reader With The FreeStyle Libre 3?

Answer

The Freestyle Libre 3 system does not come with a standalone reader (unlike the other FreeStyle Libre systems), but rather, connects to your smartphone to transfer your blood sugar readings. Unfortunately, the FreeStyle Libre 2 reader does not work with the FreeStyle Libre 3 system and there is no standalone reader available for FreeStyle Libre 3.

According to the manufacturer (Abbott), the FreeStyle Libre 3 sensors only work with the smartphone app, and, again, will not connect the reader of either the FreeStyle Libre 2 or FreeStyle Libre. Per Abbott:

The FreeStyle Libre 3 Sensor is compatible only with the FreeStyle Libre 3 app.

It is important to specify here that you must use the FreeStyle Libre 3 app with the FreeStyle 3 system. The FreeStyle Libre 2 app is not compatible (nor is the reader, as mentioned).

What About The LibreLinkUp App?

The LibreLinkUp app, which allows caregivers and other individuals to receive glucose data and alarms of connected individuals using the FreeStyle Libre 3 sensor, is compatible with the FreeStyle Libre 3 system.

Final Words

I hope this answer helped and I'm sorry to deliver the bad news that your reader from the Freestyle Libre 2 system won't work with the Freestyle Libre 3!

We wrote a more comprehensive comparison of the two different systems (which can be found here) if you are interested.