Getting started and setting up the Dexcom G6 receiver

Your Dexcom G6 CGM receiver displays your glucose information at a glance on the touch screen, and delivers blood sugar alerts and alarms to notify you of pending highs and lows. And there are just three steps to get started:

Going through the receiver setup screens
Inserting your sensor and attaching the transmitter
Pairing the transmitter and starting the sensor

When you’re ready to get started, you’ll receive three boxes containing your receiver, transmitter, and sensors.

1. setting up your receiver

This box contains your receiver, charging cable, and power adapter. The receiver should arrive charged and ready to start. If necessary, you can charge it using the cable and adapter.

Once your receiver is charged, press and hold the Power button for two seconds, and wait while the program loads. Tap “Next” on the Welcome screen.

To set the date and time, tap a field, then tap the arrows to change the number. Enter the date using the format Month, Day, Year, and then tap “Save” to continue.

The next few screens explain the alarms and alerts your Dexcom G6 provides: Read them, and then tap “Next.”

Low and High Alerts

You’ll receive a Low Alert or High Alert when your glucose levels fall below your Low Alert setting or above the High Alert level you set.

Set your Low Alert number and tap “Save,” then tap “Next” to set your High Alert. Set your High Alert number and tap “Save.”

Input Your Sensor Code

Open your sensor box and find the sensor code on the applicator. Then tap “Enter Code” on the receiver.

The next screen reminds you to only use the sensor code from the sensor you will be inserting: Tap “OK,” then enter your sensor code and tap “Save.” Confirm the sensor code is correct, then tap “Yes.” Watch for the “Sensor Code Successful” screen, and then tap “Next.”

Input Your Transmitter Serial Number

Find the serial number on the bottom of your transmitter box, and tap “Next.” Enter the number into the receiver and tap “Save,” then confirm the serial number is correct and tap “Yes.”

You’ve set up your Dexcom G6 receiver!

2. inserting your sensor and attaching the transmitter

You will need your sensor, transmitter, and alcohol wipes for this step. And make sure to use the same sensor as the sensor code that you entered into the receiver.

You’ll wear each sensor for 10 days and use the transmitter for three months. Refer to your printed Start Here guide as needed during the following steps.

Preparation:

Decide where on your body you want to insert the sensor. Choose someplace that’s:

At least 3 inches from your insulin pump infusion set or your insulin injection site

Not a bony area, such as ribs or hipbones
Free of scarring, tattoos, thick hair, or irritated skin
Different from a current sensor site (if you’re replacing a sensor)
Wash and dry your hands.
Clean the skin at the insertion site with rubbing alcohol and let it dry.
Grab the sensor you used during setup

Insertion:

Being careful not to touch the adhesive, remove both labels from the sensor applicator, exposing the sticky surface.
Place the sticky adhesive side of the applicator against your skin at the insertion site.
Fold and break off the safety guard on the applicator’s orange button.
Press the button to insert the sensor.
Remove the applicator – you’ve successfully inserted your Dexcom G6 sensor!

Attaching the Dexcom G6 Blood Glucose Transmitter to the Sensor:

Clean the transmitter by wiping it with alcohol and letting it dry.
Insert the transmitter tab into the slot on your sensor and snap it firmly into place.
Rub a finger around the edge of the sensor patch three times to make sure the sensor is secure against your skin.
You’ve successfully attached your transmitter!

With your transmitter attached, you can swim, bathe, shower, and exercise as normal, while your Dexcom G6 continuously monitors your glucose and helps keep you in control of your diabetes management.

3. pairing the transmitter and starting the sensor

Here is how the transmitter and receiver work together. Back on your receiver, tap “Yes” on the screen asking whether you have successfully inserted your sensor and attached the transmitter. Wait for the transmitter to pair, and then tap “Next” on the Pair Successful screen. Then tap the Start Sensor button. This starts your two-hour sensor warmup: Keep the receiver within 20 feet of you during the warmup period. You will not receive alerts or readings during this time, so you’ll need to check your blood glucose meter to make any necessary treatment decisions.

After the two-hour warmup, you’ll receive your first sensor glucose reading: The number in the circle is your glucose number, which updates every 5 minutes. If the circle is gray, your number is in target range. When you go below the Low Alert level you have set, the receiver alerts you, and the circle containing your glucose number turns red. When you go above your High Alert level, the receiver alerts you, and the circle turns yellow.

The chart on your receiver indicates your blood glucose level at each reading and fills in over time.

The trend arrow on the circle where your glucose number appears is important because your glucose is always changing. It shows where your glucose is heading, and how fast it is changing. The trend arrow can help you avoid being low or high: Use your number and arrow to help you make diabetes treatment decisions, like treating for a low or dosing for a high.

If you have any questions during setup or any other time, consult our online User Guides, explore the Dexcom Help Center’s Frequently Asked Questions page, watch training videos, or contact Global Technical Support.