Which App For Freestyle Libre 2 Plus - Guide | Cured Pharmacy

Which App For Freestyle Libre 2 Plus

Freestyle Libre 2 Plus Sensor

Featured Product

Freestyle Libre 2 Plus Sensor

£50.99UK-based prescribers · Discreet delivery · Free private prescription
🛒 Buy Now✓ Lowest price guarantee
Tarun Kumar, Prescribing Pharmacist at Cured Pharmacy

Medically reviewed by

Tarun Kumar, Prescribing Pharmacist (GPhC 2233073)

Reviewed on: 21 June 2026

Last Updated: 12 August 2026

If you have recently started using the Freestyle Libre 2 Plus sensor and found yourself staring at your phone wondering which app to download, you are absolutely not alone. Thousands of people across the UK face the same confusion every week, and the good news is that the answer is simpler than you might think — once you know where to look. Whether you are newly diagnosed with diabetes, switching from an older Libre model, or simply upgrading your glucose monitoring kit, getting the right app set up correctly from day one can transform how confidently you manage your blood sugar day to day.

Quick Summary

The Freestyle Libre 2 Plus sensor works with Abbott's free LibreLink app, available on both iPhone and Android. This guide walks you through exactly which app to download, how to set it up, which phones are compatible, and how to get the very best from your sensor — covering everything from optional integrations to solving the most common technical problems UK users encounter.

  • The official app for the Freestyle Libre 2 Plus is the LibreLink app by Abbott
  • It is free to download on the App Store (iOS) and Google Play (Android)
  • Your phone must support NFC to scan the sensor via the app
  • LibreLinkUp allows family members or carers to remotely monitor your glucose readings
  • The app stores up to 90 days of glucose data and supports optional alarm alerts for low and high readings

📱 LibreLink App Compatibility Checker

Check whether your smartphone is compatible with the LibreLink app for the Freestyle Libre 2 Plus sensor.

Table of Contents

Which App for Freestyle Libre 2 Plus: The Official Answer

The answer to which app for Freestyle Libre 2 Plus is the LibreLink app, developed by Abbott — the same company that manufactures the sensor. This is the only officially supported and clinically validated app designed to work directly with the Freestyle Libre 2 Plus sensor in the UK. It is entirely free to download and works by using your smartphone's NFC (Near Field Communication) technology to scan the sensor worn on the back of your upper arm, delivering real-time interstitial glucose readings to your phone screen in under a second.

It is important to clarify that LibreLink is not the same app as the one used for the original Freestyle Libre or the newer Libre 3. While they share a family resemblance and are all made by Abbott, each app is designed for a specific sensor generation. The Freestyle Libre 3 sensor uses a different version of the app that supports continuous automatic readings without the need to manually scan. With the Libre 2 Plus, you still need to actively scan the sensor to see your reading — but alerts for high and low glucose levels can be set to notify you proactively, which is a major improvement over the earlier models.

Using the wrong app version is one of the most common pain points UK users report. If you accidentally download an older LibreLink version designed for the original Libre 2 sensor, you may find that certain features — including the improved 15-day wear period and enhanced alarm settings specific to the Libre 2 Plus — simply do not appear or function correctly. Always check that you are downloading the most current version of LibreLink from your device's app store in 2026.

  • The official app is LibreLink by Abbott — free on iOS and Android
  • Designed exclusively for the Freestyle Libre 2 Plus sensor in the UK
  • Different from apps for Libre 1, original Libre 2, and Libre 3
  • Always download the latest version to access all 2 Plus features
  • Compatible with NFC-enabled smartphones only

How to Download and Set Up LibreLink Step by Step

Many people struggle with the initial setup, so here is a clear, step-by-step walkthrough to get your LibreLink app running smoothly with your Freestyle Libre 2 Plus sensor without any frustration. Before you begin, make sure NFC is turned on in your phone settings — on Android, this is usually found under Settings > Connections > NFC. On iPhone, NFC is always active on compatible models and requires no manual enabling.

Start by opening the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android) and searching for "LibreLink" — the app icon is white with a blue and green wave symbol. Make sure the developer is listed as Abbott. Tap install and wait for the download to complete. Once installed, open the app and create a free Abbott LibreLink account using your email address. This account also integrates with LibreView, Abbott's cloud-based data platform, which your diabetes nurse or consultant can access if you grant them permission — a feature increasingly used across NHS and private diabetes clinics across the UK.

Once your account is set up, the app will guide you through activating your new sensor. Apply the sensor to the back of your upper arm using the applicator, then open LibreLink and tap "Start New Sensor." Hold your phone over the sensor and the app will begin a 60-minute warm-up period. During this time, no readings are available — this is completely normal and not a sign of malfunction. After the warm-up completes, scan the sensor again to see your first glucose reading. From this point onwards, scan whenever you want a reading by opening the app and holding your phone near the sensor.

  • Search "LibreLink" on App Store or Google Play and verify the developer is Abbott
  • Enable NFC on Android before scanning; iPhones manage NFC automatically
  • Create a free LibreLink account — this links to LibreView for clinical data sharing
  • Apply the sensor, tap "Start New Sensor," then wait 60 minutes for warm-up
  • Scan at least every 8 hours to ensure no glucose data gaps in your record

Phone Compatibility: Which Devices Work with LibreLink

One of the most frequent questions people search for after asking which app for freestyle libre 2 plus is which phones actually work with it. Not every smartphone is compatible, and this causes real frustration — particularly for users with older devices. The LibreLink app requires NFC hardware in your phone, and Abbott maintains a specific list of approved devices on its website. As a general rule, most flagship and mid-range Android phones manufactured from 2018 onwards include NFC, as do iPhones from the iPhone 7 onwards. Budget Android handsets, however, sometimes omit NFC, so it is worth confirming before you apply your sensor.

For iPhone users, you will need iOS 15 or later and an iPhone 7 or newer. For Android users, the requirement is Android version 9.0 (Pie) or later. Importantly, some Android devices that appear on Abbott's incompatible list include certain Samsung, Huawei, and Sony models from specific production years — even though they have NFC — due to differences in how the NFC chip communicates with medical-grade sensors. Abbott updates this compatibility list regularly, so if you are unsure, visiting the official Abbott LibreLink compatibility page before purchasing a new sensor pack is wise. If your phone is incompatible, you can alternatively use the dedicated Freestyle Libre Reader flash glucose monitoring device, which is a standalone handheld scanner that requires no smartphone at all.

  • iPhone 7 or newer running iOS 15 or later
  • Android 9.0 or later with NFC hardware enabled
  • Check Abbott's official compatibility list for specific Android model approval
  • Some NFC-enabled Androids are still incompatible — always verify before using
  • No compatible phone? Use the standalone Freestyle Libre Reader as an alternative

Once you have the app set up and your sensor running, LibreLink offers a genuinely impressive set of features that go well beyond simply displaying your current glucose number. Understanding these features helps you get real value from your Freestyle Libre 2 Plus sensor 1 kit and manage your condition with far more precision than traditional fingerprick testing alone. One of the most valued features is the glucose trend arrow, which shows not just your current level but the direction and speed at which it is moving — critical information for making safe decisions about insulin doses or carbohydrate intake.

The app also displays a colour-coded time-in-range (TIR) summary, showing what percentage of the past day, week, or longer you spent within your target glucose range. This metric is increasingly used by NHS diabetes teams in 2026 as a more meaningful measure of glucose control than HbA1c alone. LibreLink's logbook feature lets you manually add notes about meals, exercise, insulin doses, and health events, creating a rich picture of how lifestyle factors affect your readings. Optional customisable alarms can alert you when glucose levels fall below or rise above thresholds you set yourself, giving an important safety net — particularly overnight.

Data from LibreLink automatically syncs to the LibreView cloud platform, meaning your consultant or diabetes nurse can review up to 90 days of detailed glucose data ahead of appointments, saving clinical time and improving the quality of your care conversations. The app is available in multiple languages, including Welsh, which is particularly relevant for users receiving care through Betsi Cadwaladr or other Welsh health boards.

  • Real-time glucose reading with trend arrow showing direction and rate of change
  • Time-in-range (TIR) summaries for daily, weekly, and 90-day periods
  • Customisable high and low glucose alarms, including overnight alerts
  • Logbook for recording meals, exercise, and insulin — useful for pattern spotting
  • Automatic LibreView sync allows your diabetes team remote data access

LibreLinkUp: Sharing Your Glucose Data with Carers and Family

A feature that is often overlooked — but genuinely life-changing for many families — is LibreLinkUp. This is a separate companion app, also free, that allows up to 20 trusted contacts such as parents, partners, or professional carers to remotely view your glucose readings in near-real time. If you are a parent managing a child's type 1 diabetes, or an adult carer supporting an elderly relative, LibreLinkUp provides enormous peace of mind without requiring the person wearing the sensor to do anything extra.

The person wearing the sensor sets up sharing via the LibreLink app itself — in the settings menu, there is a "Connected Apps" option where you can invite contacts by email. Your invited contacts then download LibreLinkUp and accept the invitation. From that point, they receive glucose readings updated every minute and can see the same trend arrows and data that you see on your own phone. They also receive the same alarms you have configured, meaning if your glucose drops dangerously low at 3am, a parent in another room — or even another city — will receive an alert instantly.

It is worth noting that LibreLinkUp is a monitoring tool only. Contacts viewing the data cannot change your settings or intervene remotely — the purpose is to provide situational awareness and prompt them to check in with you directly if a concern arises. Many UK schools now use LibreLinkUp to help school nurses monitor diabetic children during the school day without needing to interrupt lessons for manual fingerprick checks.

  • LibreLinkUp is a free companion app for family, carers, and healthcare contacts
  • Up to 20 contacts can view your readings remotely in near real-time
  • Contacts receive the same high/low glucose alarms you have configured
  • Set up sharing via the Connected Apps section within your LibreLink app settings
  • Widely used in UK schools and care settings to support safe monitoring

Common LibreLink Problems and How to Fix Them

Even when you know which app for freestyle libre 2 plus to use, technical problems can still derail your experience. The most reported issue is the sensor not being detected when you scan it. This is almost always caused by one of three things: NFC being disabled on your device, scanning at the wrong angle, or wearing the sensor in a location that is too close to a joint or affected by excessive movement. Hold your phone flat and directly over the sensor, keep it still for two to three seconds, and make sure no phone case is blocking the NFC chip — some thick cases, especially wallet-style ones with metallic components, can interfere with the signal.

Another common complaint is the app showing "Sensor Error" or "Sensor Expired" unexpectedly before the 15-day wear period ends. This can occasionally happen if the sensor becomes partially detached, gets wet for a prolonged period beyond its water resistance rating, or if it was applied over skin that was not properly cleaned and dried first. If a sensor fails prematurely, Abbott has a free sensor replacement programme — contact Abbott customer services directly via the LibreLink app or their UK helpline. If you regularly experience early sensor failures, ensure skin is cleaned with an alcohol wipe and fully dried before application.

The app crashing on older Android devices is another frustration. In most cases, clearing the app cache (Settings > Apps > LibreLink > Clear Cache), ensuring the app is updated to the latest version, and restarting the phone resolves this. If your phone's operating system is below Android 9.0 or iOS 15, you will need to update it or switch to a compatible device. For persistent issues, Abbott's UK technical support team is available Monday to Friday and provides specialist assistance for LibreLink setup problems.

  • Sensor not detected: check NFC is on, scan flat and still, remove thick phone cases
  • Sensor error before 15 days: contact Abbott for free sensor replacement
  • App crashing: clear cache, update the app, and update your phone's operating system
  • Incorrect readings: allow 60-minute warm-up; avoid scanning during rapid temperature changes
  • No alarms received: check app notifications are enabled in your phone settings

Freestyle Libre App and Sensor Comparison Table

Sensor App Required Wear Duration Reading Method Alarm Feature NHS Prescribable
Freestyle Libre 1 LibreLink (older version) 14 days Manual scan only No alarms Limited availability
Freestyle Libre 2 (original) LibreLink 14 days Manual scan with optional alarms Yes (optional) Yes
Freestyle Libre 2 Plus LibreLink (latest version) 15 days Manual scan with optional alarms Yes (enhanced) Yes
Freestyle Libre 3 LibreLink (Libre 3 version) 14 days Automatic continuous (every 1 min) Yes (real-time) Yes

As the table above shows, the Freestyle Libre 2 Plus sits between the original Libre 2 and Libre 3 in terms of technology. Its 15-day sensor life is the longest of the current UK range, and the enhanced alarm functionality makes it a strong choice for people who need reliable alerts but do not yet require the fully continuous automatic readings of the Libre 3. The Freestyle Libre Two Plus sensor is also available as a standalone option if you need a single sensor rather than a multi-pack.

Key Takeaways

  • The LibreLink app by Abbott is the correct and only officially supported app for the Freestyle Libre 2 Plus sensor in the UK
  • It is free to download on the App Store and Google Play, and requires an NFC-enabled smartphone running iOS 15 or Android 9.0 or later
  • LibreLinkUp is a companion app that allows up to 20 carers or family members to remotely view your glucose readings in real-time
  • Common problems such as sensor detection failures, app crashes, and alarm issues are all resolvable with simple troubleshooting steps
  • If your phone is incompatible with LibreLink, the dedicated Freestyle Libre Reader device is a reliable alternative that requires no smartphone

When to Seek Professional Advice

While the LibreLink app is a powerful self-management tool, it is important to know when to involve your diabetes care team. You should contact your GP, diabetes nurse, or consultant if you are consistently seeing glucose readings outside your target range despite following your treatment plan, if you experience hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) that does not resolve with standard treatment, or if you are unsure how to interpret the trend data the app is showing you.

If your sensor repeatedly fails within the 15-day wear period and Abbott's replacement process has not resolved the issue, raise this with your prescriber — there may be a technique or skin preparation issue that a specialist can help address. If you are newly prescribed the Freestyle Libre 2 Plus through the NHS and are unsure whether LibreLink is the right setup for your situation, your local diabetes service can provide structured training. In 2026, many NHS Trusts in England and Wales now offer dedicated Libre app onboarding sessions as part of their structured diabetes education programmes.

If you experience any reading from LibreLink that does not match how you feel — particularly if you feel hypoglycaemic but the app shows a normal reading — always perform a confirmatory fingerprick blood glucose test before acting on the sensor data. Do not adjust insulin doses based solely on trend data without discussing this approach with your prescribing team first. For convenient access to Freestyle lancets for confirmatory blood glucose testing, these are available alongside your sensor supplies.

Scientific References

  1. Diabetes UK — Flash Glucose Monitoring: Freestyle Libre Guide. Diabetes UK, 2025. [Accessed 12 August 2026]
  2. NICE Guideline NG28 — Type 1 Diabetes in Adults: Diagnosis and Management. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, updated 2022. [Accessed 12 August 2026]
  3. NHS — Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) and Flash Monitoring. NHS England, 2024. [Accessed 12 August 2026]
  4. NICE guideline NG28: Type 1 diabetes in adults: diagnosis and management, NICE, 2022 (updated) [Accessed 12 August 2026]
  5. Danne T et al., International Consensus on Use of Continuous Glucose Monitoring, Diabetes Care, 2017 [Accessed 12 August 2026]
  6. MHRA guidance on self-monitoring blood glucose devices and interstitial glucose monitoring systems, MHRA [Accessed 12 August 2026]
  7. NICE guideline NG17: Type 2 diabetes in adults: management, NICE, 2022 (updated) [Accessed 12 August 2026]
  8. Diabetes UK position statement: Use of flash glucose monitoring in the UK, Diabetes UK, 2019 [Accessed 12 August 2026]
  9. Deshmukh H et al., Real-world evidence of flash glucose monitoring on glycaemic outcomes in type 2 diabetes, Diabetes Therapy, 2022 [Accessed 12 August 2026]

Get Your Freestyle Libre 2 Plus Sensor Today

Order the Freestyle Libre 2 Plus sensor with free private prescription from UK-based prescribers. Discreet delivery, lowest price guarantee.

Buy Now

Frequently Asked Questions

Which app do you need for the Freestyle Libre 2 Plus sensor?

The app you need for the Freestyle Libre 2 Plus sensor is the LibreLink app, available free on the App Store and Google Play. LibreLink allows you to scan your sensor with a compatible NFC-enabled smartphone, view real-time glucose readings, trends, and alerts, replacing the need for a separate reader device.

Is LibreLink safe to use for managing diabetes?

LibreLink is safe to use for managing diabetes and is a CE-marked medical device approved for use in the UK. It is developed by Abbott and works alongside the Freestyle Libre 2 Plus sensor to provide clinically validated glucose readings. Always consult your diabetes care team before making treatment decisions based on your readings.

Can you use LibreLink with a Freestyle Libre 3 sensor instead?

You cannot use LibreLink designed for the Libre 2 Plus with a Freestyle Libre 3 sensor. The Libre 3 requires the dedicated LibreLink app version compatible with Libre 3 technology, which provides continuous automatic one-minute glucose readings. Always check sensor compatibility within the app before scanning to avoid errors.

How long does the Freestyle Libre 2 Plus sensor last?

The Freestyle Libre 2 Plus sensor lasts up to 15 days per application, which is an improvement over the original Libre 2 sensor's 14-day wear period. During this time, the LibreLink app stores up to 90 days of glucose history, helping you and your healthcare team review trends and adjust your diabetes management plan.

Back to blog