What does the Signal Loss alert mean?
This alert tells you when you’re not getting Dexcom G6 readings. Your display device may be too far from your transmitter or there may be something, such as a wall or water, between your transmitter and your display device. For best practices on how to minimize signal loss, click here. Additionally, your phone settings can prevent the Dexcom G6 app from working. Visit this FAQ to learn more about the settings that will allow your app to work as expected.
To fix this:
- Keep your transmitter and display device within 20 feet of each other.
Dexcom G6 app:
- Bring the running G6 app to the foreground.
- Do not swipe kill your app; it is intended to run at all times
- If that doesn't work, turn Bluetooth off and on. Wait 10 minutes.
- If that doesn't work, restart the smart device, unlock the main display and reopen the Dexcom G6 app. Wait 10 minutes.
- Make sure your phone is charging/charged. Low power mode on smartphones will turn off Bluetooth.
Dexcom receiver:
- Verify correct transmitter SN and activation date--this information is in the receiver under Menu> Settings> Transmitter Info.
How To Determine Signal Loss vs. Sensor Error vs No Readings Alert:
- If you are experiencing signal loss you will see the “signal loss” error message on your display device. This error can be caused by the transmitter being over 20 feet away from your display device, a bug in your phone operating system, your transmitter not snapped in, or an issue with the transmitter.
- If you are experiencing a sensor error, you will see the “sensor error” message on your display device. During a sensor error, your transmitter is communicating with your display device but is unable to detect the correct glucose value. Sensor errors can be caused if the sensor has been pulled out of the body or if a person is in a condition that causes the sensor to not be able to compute the glucose value. A sensor error is not caused by the transmitter. If the sensor session fails, only the sensor needs to be replaced, not the transmitter. Clean the transmitter each time you change the sensor.
- If you are experiencing a No Readings alert, you will see the “no readings alert” error message. The no readings alert means the sensor is temporarily unable to measure glucose. Common causes of No Readings alert include the following:
- If water is between your transmitter and display device
- If your transmitter is more than 20 feet away from your display device
- If there is an obstacle in between them (such as walls or metal)
- If you are laying on your sensor while sleeping
During signal loss, use your meter to check your glucose levels and make any treatment decisions. If your signal loss issue does not correct, please contact Technical Support.
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Related articles
What are the best practices to minimize signal loss on my phone?
Review the following information to make sure that you continue to receive CGM readings when using a compatible smart device.
What does the No Readings alert mean?
If you are receiving a No Readings alert on your Dexcom G6 and you are not getting Dexcom G6 readings for the last 20 minutes, please follow these solutions.
What does the Sensor Error alert mean?
If you are experiencing a Sensor Error alert and are not getting Dexcom G6 readings, it means the sensor is temporarily unable to measure the glucose or your components are not communicating.