Can You Use The FreeStyle Libre 2 Reader With The FreeStyle Libre 3?
In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses whether or not the FreeStyle Libre 2 reader is compatible with the FreeStyle Libre 3 system.
Hello, I am using the FreeStyle Libre 2 with a reader, not a phone. Will the reader also work with the FreeStyle Libre 3? I understand both systems are about the same price. Thank you!
Oct 13, 2022- The FreeStyle Libre 2 reader is not compatible with the FreeStyle Libre 3 system.
- The FreeStyle Libre 3 works only with a smartphone app and does not have a standalone reader available.
- You must use the FreeStyle Libre 3 app specifically, as the FreeStyle Libre 2 app is also not compatible with the newer system.
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 Libre 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.
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Blood sugar readings
- Measurements of glucose levels in your bloodstream at a specific point in time.
- Sensor
- A small wearable device that continuously monitors and measures glucose levels under the skin.
- Glucose data
- Information about your blood sugar levels collected and recorded by the monitoring system.
- Alarms
- Alerts sent to notify you or caregivers when blood sugar levels go too high or too low.
- Compatible
- Able to work together or function properly with another device or application.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Doctor of Pharmacy, board certified clinical pharmacist (BCPS), American Herbalist Guild, Medication Therapy Management certified
Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS, is a licensed pharmacist with more than 13 years of experience across retail pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, medication safety, pharmacy program development, and healthcare administration. He is the founder of HelloPharmacist.com, where he helps patients...
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