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Dexcom G7 Direct to Apple Watch: Even Easier to Track Your Glucose Levels on the Go
With Dexcom G7, you can now connect directly to Apple Watch*,† so you don’t have to have your smartphone* with you to view your CGM data. Learn about its benefits, available features, compatible watches, and how to set it up for an even more convenient way to monitor your glucose levels on the go.
* Smart devices sold separately.
The benefits of using a smartwatch to track glucose
While using a receiver or compatible smartphone* to monitor your Dexcom CGM readings is a good option in most cases, there are times where tracking them on a smartwatch† may be more convenient. This could be when you have your hands full, you’re on the go, your phone is not at hand, or you’re exercising, like going for a run, swimming or at the gym.
Not only can you see your glucose levels quickly by simply glancing at your wrist, but you can pair your CGM readings with other Apple Watch features like fitness trackers, health insights and maps. You may also be in situations, such as meetings, classes, or social gatherings, where you want to check your CGM readings discreetly (without having to take out your phone to check the G7 app).
What is Direct to Apple Watch?
Direct to Watch connects the Dexcom G7 sensor directly to your Apple Watch*,† using Bluetooth. When Direct to Watch is active, your sensor sends CGM data straight to your compatible smartwatch, so you don’t need to have your phone† with you to see your glucose levels.
It’s important to make the distinction between this and other smartwatch integrations. In these cases, your phone (not your sensor) communicates with your watch, and they need to be kept within 6 metres of each other.
Compatible Apple Watches and operating system requirements
To use Direct to Watch you must have one of the following Apple Watch models, running watchOS 10 or later:
- Apple Watch Series 6
- Apple Watch Series 7
- Apple Watch Series 8
- Apple Watch Series 9
- Apple Watch SE (2nd Generation)
- Apple Watch Ultra
- Apple Watch Ultra 2
In addition to this, you must have the following:
- iPhone running iOS 17
- The Dexcom G7 app version 2.1 or later
For help identifying your Apple Watch model visit: https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT204507. For other device compatibility information please visit: https://www.dexcom.com/compatibility.
How to connect your G7 sensor directly to Apple Watch
In your phone app, go to Connections > Direct to Watch to begin. Then follow the on-screen instructions in your Dexcom G7 app (as seen below) to set it up. Your smartwatch will load the app. If it doesn’t, open the smartwatch app on your phone. In the My Watch tab, go to the Available Apps list, find Watch, and tap Install.
* Smart devices sold separately.
Tips on G7 Direct to Apple Watch
To use Direct to Watch you must have one of the following Apple Watch models, running watchOS 10 or later:
- See an orange phone icon: When you see the orange phone icon beside your sensor reading, Direct to Watch mode is temporarily not working. Your smartwatch isn’t getting information from the sensor. Instead, it's copying from your phone, so you need to keep your phone nearby. When the phone icon disappears, Direct to Watch mode is working. Your smartwatch is getting information from your sensor, so you don't have to keep your phone on you to receive glucose readings.
- Open watch app while changing settings: The watch app copies settings from your phone app. Whenever you change your CGM settings on your phone app, open and display the app on your smartwatch while your phone is nearby to ensure settings are copied to the smartwatch.
- Allow notifications in Focus mode: Manage your phone settings to allow Dexcom notifications while your phone is in focus mode.
- Sensor transition: When you start a new sensor, the phone app will prompt you to pair your sensor with your smartwatch.
- Switching smartwatches: Your CGM only lets you pair your sensor with one smartwatch at a time.
- Mirror iPhone Alerts from the G7 phone app: Keep this feature on in the watch app on your phone. If you turn it off, you won't get alerts on your watch in either Standard Smartwatch mode or in Direct to Watch mode.
Dexcom G7 features on Direct to Apple Watch
What Dexcom G7 features are available on Direct to Apple Watch?
With Direct to Watch, you’ll be able to see your current glucose reading, trend arrow and trend graph. Tap the trend graph to see your sensor readings over the past 1, 3, or 6 hours. You’ll be able to receive Dexcom alerts, such as High and Low, and Urgent Low alerts, as long as your iPhone alerts are mirrored from the G7 app.
You can also stay connected to your automated insulin delivery (AID) system while using Direct to Watch, so you can seamlessly manage your insulin requirements while on the go.
* Smart devices sold separately.
What G7 features aren’t available on Direct to Apple Watch?
Dexcom Share and Follow‡, which allows you to share your CGM readings with up to 10 family members, friends, and caregivers, is not available on smartwatches*. Your smartwatch can’t send information to Followers, so you must use your Dexcom G7 phone app to use this feature.‡. Your phone must also be kept in Bluetooth range† of the sensor for the Share and Follow‡ app to remain in use.
Direct to Watch can’t share real-time glucose data to digital health app partners like Glooko®, Sugarmate, Enhance-d, or Happy Bob. But don’t worry, when you’re back with your smartphone,* your glucose data will be backfilled to your partner apps.
Get Dexcom G7 for Direct to Apple Watch
With no finger pricks§ or scanning ever, Dexcom G7 sends automatic glucose readings straight to your optional receiver, compatible smartphone, smartwatch, and now directly to Apple Watch*,† for added convenience. Learn more about the G7 features and how it can be used for better diabetes treatment decisions.
* Display devices sold separately. For a list of compatible smart devices, please visit www.dexcom.com/compatibility.
† Compatible smartphone is required to pair a new Dexcom G7 sensor with an Apple Watch. Dexcom G7 users must continuously have their smartphone within 6 meters to utilise Share/Follow. Share/Follow is not available with Apple Watch by itself.
‡ Separate Follow app and internet connection required. Users should always confirm readings on the Dexcom CGM System app or receiver before making treatment decisions.
§ Finger pricks required for diabetes treatment decisions if symptoms or expectations do not match readings.
¶ Discuss with your HCP on how to use CGM information to manage diabetes.
† Compatible smartphone is required to pair a new Dexcom G7 sensor with an Apple Watch. Dexcom G7 users must continuously have their smartphone within 6 meters to utilise Share/Follow. Share/Follow is not available with Apple Watch by itself.
‡ Separate Follow app and internet connection required. Users should always confirm readings on the Dexcom CGM System app or receiver before making treatment decisions.
§ Finger pricks required for diabetes treatment decisions if symptoms or expectations do not match readings.
¶ Discuss with your HCP on how to use CGM information to manage diabetes.