Sensor application & adhesion at a glance
Apply the sensor to a flat area on the back of your upper arm, prep skin with gentle cleansing and thorough drying, then press the applicator firmly to place the sensor. To improve staying power, keep the site dry, avoid snagging during daily activities, and consider recommended over-bandage products when needed.
Key specifications & requirements
| Sensor placement site | Back of upper arm; flat area with no bending or folding |
| Distance from insulin injection site | At least 1 inch (2.5 cm) away |
| Water resistance (sensor) | Up to 1 meter (3 feet) of water |
| Maximum continuous immersion | Do not immerse longer than 30 minutes |
| FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor/applicator preparation | Align marks on applicator and sensor pack; press down firmly until it stops |
| FreeStyle Libre 3 sensor/applicator preparation | Unscrew cap from applicator and set cap aside |
| After applying (adhesion) | For Libre 3: press firmly, listen for the click, then pull back slowly after a few seconds |
| Skin prep cleanser | Non-moisturizing, fragrance-free soap only |
| Skin prep wipe | Alcohol wipe to remove oily residue |
| Drying requirement | Skin must be completely dry, especially after showering/swimming/working out |
| Hair consideration | Consider shaving the application area |
| Adhesion area must be free of | Soap, lotion, shampoo, or conditioner |
Quick setup & use
- Choose the site: Select a flat area on the back of your upper arm (avoid bending or folding) and place it at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) from an insulin injection site. If you get irritation, use the other arm next time.
- Prep your skin: Wash with non-moisturizing, fragrance-free soap. Use an alcohol wipe to remove oily residue. Let the skin dry completely (pay extra attention after showering, swimming, or working out). Keep the area free of soap, lotion, shampoo, or conditioner. Consider shaving if there’s hair.
- Prepare the sensor: FreeStyle Libre 2: Align the mark on the sensor applicator with the mark on the sensor pack, then press down firmly on a hard surface until it comes to a stop. FreeStyle Libre 3: Unscrew the cap from the applicator and set it aside.
- Apply the sensor: Press firmly. For Libre 3, listen for the click, then pull back slowly after a few seconds. (Do not touch inside the applicator.)
- Remove when needed: Lift the adhesive edge and slowly peel away from your skin. To help removal, you may use moisturizing products (e.g., baby oil) or adhesive removers such as Uni-Solve.
- Dispose: Dispose of the sensor according to local regulations for electronics, batteries, sharps, and body-fluid exposed materials.
Sensor Application & Adhesion Guide
Where to place the sensor
- Select a flat area on the back of your upper arm (no bending or folding).
- Choose a place that is at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) away from an insulin injection site.
- To avoid irritation, we recommend moving your next sensor to the other arm.
How to prep your skin
- WASH Only use non-moisturizing, fragrance-free soap to wash the area where you’ll apply the sensor.
- CLEAN Use an alcohol wipe to remove any oily residue.
- DRY Skin must be completely dry. Take extra care after showering, swimming* or working out.
Top prep tips for extra stickiness
MOISTURE
Application area needs to be completely dry
HAIR
Consider shaving the application area
OILY RESIDUE
Application area should be free of soap, lotion, shampoo, or conditioner
*Sensor is water-resistant in up to 1 meter (3 feet) of water. Do not immerse longer than 30 minutes.
Prepare the sensor
FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor
Line up the mark on the sensor applicator with the mark on the sensor pack. On a hard surface, press down firmly on the sensor applicator until it comes to a stop.
NOTE: Sensor pack and sensor applicator codes must match or glucose readings may be inaccurate.
CAUTION: Sensor applicators will contain a needle. Do not touch inside the sensor applicator or put it back into the sensor pack.
FreeStyle Libre 3 sensor
Unscrew cap from applicator and set cap aside.
Apply the sensor
To apply the sensor, press firmly and listen for the click. Pull back slowly after a few seconds.
NOTE: The needle does not stay in your arm.
Remove and replace your sensor
- Pull up the adhesive edge and slowly peel it away from your skin.
- You can use products with moisturizing properties to help remove your sensor including baby oil or adhesive removers like Uni-Solve*.
- To dispose of your sensor, follow your local regulations for electronic equipment, batteries, sharps, and materials that are exposed to body fluids.
*The information above does not constitute an endorsement of the manufacturer or the product quality. Abbott Diabetes Care is not responsible for the completeness or accuracy of product information. Product availability may vary by country and region. The manufacturer’s instructions for use of each product should be followed.
Tips for keeping your sensor in place
EASY DOES IT
Be careful not to catch your sensor on objects such as doorways, car doors, seat belts, and furniture edges.
SLOW DOWN
When dressing or undressing, be careful not to catch your undergarments on the sensor.
PAT DRY
After a shower or swim†, take extra care when toweling off to avoid catching or pulling off your sensor.
PLAY IT SAFE
For contact sports and heavy exercise, select a sensor site on the back of your upper arm that minimizes the risk of the sensor being knocked off.
DRESS FOR SUCCESS
Give your sensor room to breathe by wearing loose-fitting clothing§ and lightweight materials.
HANDS OFF
Try not to play with, pull, or touch the sensor while wearing it.
Products that add extra stickiness*
OVER-BANDAGE
A medical-grade adhesive; bandage or tape†
TEGADERM I.V. (OVERBANDAGE)
A transparent film that provides adhesive strength
TORBOT SKIN TAC™
A hypoallergenic and latex-free “tacky” skin barrier
SKIN-PREP® PROTECTIVE BARRIER WIPES
Protective liquid dressing that allows skin to breathe so tapes and films adhere better
MASTISOL® LIQUID ADHESIVE
Clear, non-irritating, non-water-soluble liquid adhesive that secures dressings even in moist areas
*The information above does not constitute an endorsement of the manufacturer or the product quality. Abbott Diabetes Care is not responsible for the completeness or accuracy of product information. Product availability may vary by country and region. The manufacturer’s instructions for use of each product should be followed. †Over-bandage must be applied at the time of sensor application. The opening/hole in the center of the sensor must not be covered. Additional medical grade bandages/tape can be applied, but do not remove bandages/tape once applied until sensor is ready for removal. ‡Sensor is water-resistant in up to 1 meter (3 feet) of water. Do not immerse longer than 30 minutes. §The app can capture data from the sensor when it is within close proximity of the sensor. The proximity and orientation of the antenna in phones varies and the phone will have to be moved around to find the best position for scanning the sensor.
Staying on top of your glucose doesn’t have to be a pain
The FreeStyle Libre 3 CGM system shows readings in real time
You can easily see your glucose levels, where they’re going, and where they’ve been — for more informed decisions*† without painful fingersticks†.
BGM shows readings at a single point in time
Even with multiple daily fingersticks, highs and lows may go undetected.
CGM measures glucose levels via interstitial fluid, not from blood.
We’re here to help. For further assistance with sensor adhesion, please contact Abbott Customer Care Team at 1-855-632-8658.
The team is available 7 days a week from 8AM to 8PM Eastern Time, excluding holidays.
*Study was performed with the outside US version of the FreeStyle Libre 14 day system. Data is applicable to FreeStyle Libre 3 system, as feature sets are similar to FreeStyle Libre 14 day system, excluding alarms. †Fingersticks are required if your glucose alarms and readings do not match symptoms or when you see Check Blood Glucose symbol during the first twelve hours.
References: 1. Fokkert, M. BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care (2019). https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjdrc-2019-000809. 2. Tarini, C. Glucose Sensor Use in Children and Adolescents (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-42806-8_2.
Important Safety Information
Product for prescription only, for Important Safety Information please visit FreeStyleLibre.us
The sensor housing, FreeStyle, Libre, and related brand marks are marks of Abbott.
© 2026 Abbott. ADC-ADC-2698543 v1.0
Troubleshooting sensor adhesion & staying in place
- Sensor irritation or poor comfort: Move your next sensor to the other arm.
- Sensor won’t stay stuck or may lift: Confirm the application area is completely dry, especially after showering/swimming/towel drying. Keep the site free of soap, lotion, shampoo, or conditioner.
- Sensor catches or peels during daily activities: Be careful not to snag the sensor on objects such as doorways, car doors, seat belts, or furniture edges. When dressing/undressing, avoid snagging undergarments on the sensor.
- After shower/swim the sensor seems at risk: Take extra care when toweling off to avoid catching or pulling off the sensor.
- Contact sports/heavy exercise: Select a site on the back of your upper arm that minimizes the risk of being knocked off.
- Consider extra adhesion: If needed, over-bandage options described include medical-grade adhesive/bandage or tape (over-bandage), TEGADERM I.V. (overbandage), TORBOT SKIN TAC, SKIN-PREP PROTECTIVE BARRIER WIPES, or MASTISOL liquid adhesive.
FAQ
- Where should I place the sensor on my body?
- Place it on a flat area on the back of your upper arm, avoiding bending or folding. Choose a spot at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) away from an insulin injection site.
- What should I do to prep my skin before applying the sensor?
- Wash the area with non-moisturizing, fragrance-free soap, then use an alcohol wipe to remove any oily residue. Make sure the skin is completely dry before applying, especially after showering, swimming, or working out. Keep the area free of soap, lotion, shampoo, or conditioner; consider shaving if there’s hair.
- How do I apply the FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor?
- Line up the mark on the sensor applicator with the mark on the sensor pack, then press down firmly on a hard surface until it stops. Ensure the sensor pack and sensor applicator codes match, or glucose readings may be inaccurate. The applicator contains a needle—do not touch inside it or put it back into the sensor pack.
- How do I apply the FreeStyle Libre 3 sensor?
- Unscrew the cap from the applicator and set the cap aside. Press firmly to apply the sensor, listen for the click, then pull back slowly after a few seconds. The needle does not stay in your arm.
- What are some tips to keep the sensor from getting knocked off?
- Be careful not to catch the sensor on doorways, car doors, seat belts, or furniture edges. Slow down when dressing/undressing to avoid snagging undergarments. After showering or swimming, towel carefully. For contact sports or heavy exercise, choose a site on the back of your upper arm that minimizes the risk of being knocked off.
Documents / Resources
 | FreeStyle Libre Sensor |
References
- FreeStyle Libre Continuous Glucose Monitoring | FreeStyle Libre USfreestylelibre.us
- Safety Information | The FreeStyle Libre Systemwww.freestyle.abbott
- User Manualmanual.tools