I’ve been using direct to watch for a couple G7 sensors. The first sensor was on my right arm and my Apple Watch is on my left. To reliably get a reading, I had to hold my left arm across my body for 30 seconds or so at the 5-minute intervals when the G7 was giving a reading. I only bothered to do this when I was on the water and away from my phone and pump because there’s no overall problem with the Bluetooth signal. My other devices read the G7 just fine but I was having the Bluetooth across the body problem with the watch which I also get when my pump or phone are in the wrong pocket.
The next G7 is on my left arm which I thought would solve the problem, but I get even fewer direct to watch readings and there’s no reliable way to solve the lproblem on this arm like holding my arm across my body. I think the problem is that the sensor is on the back of my arm and the watch is on the front.
Next, I’ll try a sensor on my abdomen which will hopefully mean more direct to watch readings without any special arm contortions required.
Anyway, I don’t think it’s a matter of a weak Bluetooth signal on the G7 because it only affects direct to watch. I think it’s more that Bluetooth signals don’t travel well through or across the body.
I had very high hopes for direct to watch and I’m wondering if others have either had a similar experience or have come up with a nifty solution.
This is what I wrote on Facebook a couple of days ago. My experience is identical to yours.
" How are people liking Direct to Watch? When I first installed it, my Watch (Series 7) was on my left wrist and the sensor on the left thigh. Direct to Watch worked flawlessly.
Next sensor was on the front of my right thigh and DTW worked okay but lots of times dropped the sensor connection.
This time I followed Dexcom directions and have the sensor on the back of my left arm. Watch still on the left wrist. I would say that at best the Watch connects to the sensor directly 25% of the time.
Since I always have my phone with me, this isn’t a huge deal. But it certainly makes me think that it would be a mistake to have my Watch as my only display device"
Tync and Laddie, Interesting and somewhat disappointing to hear this, because I’ve been thinking of switching to the G7 from my current Libre 3 specifically for the direct-to-watch feature.
I’ve been using my Libre 3 on the front of my upper arm lately, so I can sleep on that side if I want – and it’s been working fine that way. So I’m wondering if you would have more success with getting readings on your watch by positioning your G7 more toward the front of your arm?
If not, I’ll stick with my Libre 3. Thanks for all the info!
After my current sensor session following Dexcom’s rule of wearing the sensor on the back of my arm, I will go back to my upper thigh for my next session. Although the accuracy is very good on the arm, it is out of range constantly with the watch and frequently with my pump. I can’t use the front of my arm because I don’t have enough fat there for the 90 degree sensor.
I tried out the Libre 3 recently. My first session was perfect with no pain, good accuracy, and great adhesion. Loved the size of it compared to the G7 and the insertion was much easier. Unfortunately my second Libre 3 fell off the first day.
When the Libre 3+ becomes compatible with Tandem in the US, I will consider it. As someone who has used my phone and watch for years along with my pump, I would hate to give that up with the Libre only connecting to one device. So although I am not completely happy with Dexcom these days, I don’t see myself switching to the Libre.
I would imagine that any really direct line of sight between the watch and the G7 will work well. My disappointment is that it doesn’t take much (front vs back of the arm) for the connection to be poor. For what it’s worth, I almost never lose connection with the pump or phone; I guess because my pockets are on the side of my leg and the sensor is on the back of my arm only a quarter turn apart whereas the watch is a half turn away.
I haven’t had any issues with direct to (Apple) Watch 6. It connects nearly all the time no matter which arm the sensor is on.
Even if it didn’t work I’m pleased that with the new app caused the complication is back to the larger size. I expect Apple to fix that😡
How?! I’m consistently losing connection with my pump and G7. Just standing up with my pump in my pants pocket and g7 on the back of the arm on the same side and it loses connection. I’m not even that tall! It’s come to the point that I disabled the no chm reading alarms.
I wish I could give you some tip that would solve your problem. I’ve read posts that early G7s had weak Bluetooth, but since I’ve started using them (in April or May, I think), I’ve just never had a problem with the pump connection. Same side of body has always been enough for the pump and phone (but not the watch.)
If I keep my hand in my pocket, my hand can block the signal but that’s more of a winter problem. I’m 6’ tall, but I don’t think distance is ever the issue. My phone can read the G7 from across the room. It’s always a matter of what’s in between the sensor and the receiver. Do you have anything else in the same pocket?
An update: when the G7 is on my abdomen direct to watch works pretty much 100% of the time. Kind of sorry to not have back of the arm as a placement option with the watch, but, for me, arm and abdomen accuracy are the same.
I’ve been wondering if it’s ok to use on the abdomen and if it works well. I tried a couple of G6 sensors on my arms and hated them there! Good to know.
I just started a new G7 sensor. All went ok but direct to watch. Multiple failures to pair even with the watch in my shirt sleeve next to the sensor. Not a big deal to me but I like things to work as intended