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Starting a G6 Sensor or New Transmitter

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Navid edited this page Jun 2, 2021 · 29 revisions

The most important thing to do is to be patient and not rush to tap on "Start Sensor" even if xDrip encourages you to.
A common mistake is to replace an old transmitter with a new one, stop sensor, change transmitter ID, and start sensor right away. This could result in the new transmitter never receiving the start command at the right time. The outcome is no readings after the 2-hour warm-up.

Have a look at this basic information about using xDrip to control Dexcom if you haven't already.

Never soak (insert sensor a while before starting it) a G6 sensor. The main advantage of G6 over G5 is factory calibration. You will be interfering with factory calibration (accuracy) the longer it takes from the moment you insert the sensor to the moment you start the sensor in xDrip.

If you are coming from G5, or another CGM, you need to get used to factory calibration. Give it a chance. Most people don't need to calibrate a new G6 sensor as long as the calibration code is entered properly.



  1. If you are using an old version of xDrip, update to the March 8, 2021 release. Use a web browser to access the link. Tap on the .apk file, under assets, to download. Install over your existing xDrip. No need to uninstall first. Verify, on the classic status page, that you have successfully installed the intended release.

  2. Set "G5/G6 Transmitter" under   Settings -> Hardware Data Source.

  3. Is there a "Start G6 Sensor" stuck in the queue on the G5/G6 status page?
    If yes, clear the queue.

  4. Adjust xDrip settings.

  5. If "Start Sensor" isn't available, under the top left menu from the main screen, tap on "Stop Sensor". On the stop sensor page, tap on "STOP SENSOR". Wait 5 minutes.
    If you are replacing the sensor, using your current transmitter, remove the transmitter from the old sensor. The transmitter needs to be outside sensors for at least 10 minutes. If there is bleeding, after inserting the new sensor, use Q-tips to absorb the blood. Keep doing that, and don't allow any blood to get to the contacts, until bleeding stops.

  6. If you are starting a new transmitter, enter the new transmitter serial number on the transmitter ID page:   Settings ‑> Dexcom Transmitter ID.

  7. Clean the transmitter contacts using rubbing alcohol. Wait for it (10 seconds) to dry. Snap the transmitter into the sensor.

  8. Monitor the G5/G6 system status page. Every 5 minutes, a read cycle completes. If you are starting a new transmitter, be patient and wait for the battery voltages to be populated. It may take up to half an hour.
    One of the very important entries on the page is "Last Connected". The value in front of it represents when the last read was performed. The value gradually increases but just before reaching 5 minutes, it should roll back to 0. This cycle is supposed to repeat once every 5 minutes. If the "last connected" value grows greater than 5 minutes, or if it does not exist, you don't have proper connectivity. In that case, don't proceed before figuring out why. Perhaps, your settings are incorrect.

  9. Only after establishing proper connectivity, and only if you have waited for the queue to clear, should you start sensor. For example, if you have stopped (previous) sensor, wait until you see "Stopped" on the G5/G6 status page.
    Carefully, enter the 4-digit calibration code from the sensor adhesive cover when asked. Keep the code if you intend to restart the sensor. In 2 hours, your readings will start with no need for initial calibrations.

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