I’d like to know what people’s experience has been with using G5 transmitters “past” their shelf life. I have one that’s never been opened, but it’s over a year old. (Didn’t like using the phone as a receiver, and went back to G4 for awhile.)
Tech support says it’s too old….
All advice appreciated!
If you have not removed the transmitter ever from its original packaging, there’s a magnet in there that keeps it from activating the battery. I don’t have the G5, but I use the G4.
Been using my G4’s until they expire for good - battery dies - but buying them every 6 months, so I have long passed the expiration dates on the ones I have. Last one lasted just over 8 months from when I started using it – maybe it woulda lasted longer “new” but that’s still a good run.
I’d say, get a new one, but give this one a try, because in all likelihood, you’ll get most, if not all of its 3-month life out of it. The age does not affect its accuracy from my experience. Worst case, you’ll have a new one coming to replace it.
Thas,
Thanks for the helpful info. My G4 transmitter just expired, so that prompted me to finally open the G5 transmitter box. Is the battery that prevents it from activating inside the transmitter??
I went ahead and gave the G5 transmitter a try, and so far so good…though saying that may just jinx it. : - )
There is no magnet in the G5 packaging… it “switches on” the first time it is inserted in a sensor 
Echoing what @sarahspins wrote. The G4 transmitter longevity is determined by its battery. It comes with a six-month warranty and based on the general experience of many reports here over the last few years, the G4 transmitter will last 9-12 months or more. First time removal of the G4 transmitter from its packaging initiates its service life.
The G5 transmitter sets a countdown clock when it’s initially paired with a receiver and will timeout in about 112 days. This countdown is not triggered by its packaging.
So G5 transmitter fails d/t software rather than actual battery status - NONSENSE.
Guess I’ll stick with G4 for as long as I can.
There are positives. I recall us putting a sensor on with a G4 only to find out after the sensor was already in place that the G4 transmitter battery had failed. For us, the indeterminate lifespan of the G4 transmitter was quite annoying (to say the least). Having a very specific lifespan for the G5 transmitter is nice.
At this point in time you have the option of using the xdrip if you want to run the G5 transmitter until the battery actually is physically depleted.
As well as you point out, you can continue to run the G4 transmitter.
Choices are certainly nice.
My average life of a G4 transmitter battery is near 1 year.
The big question: Do you see advantage with G5 other than BlueTooth?
What is the true life for G5? What I’ve read here the life is not much over 4 months.
Does XDrip work with IPhone (4 & 6)??
I’ve thought the same @JJM1 - I’m quite happy with the G4 and have a Share receiver, which is doing everything I need/want except sending data directly to my AW watch (xDrip folks have other priorities…). The transmitters have not lasted quite a year for me, but then I replace them when I start seeing a lot of “signal loss” messages, so they may be able to go longer. I let my insurance send me new ones on schedule, though, so I always have at least one spare (as well as a spare receiver!) in pocket. It’s been a good system for me - and with the Animas Vibe, I get the option of carrying just the pump when I choose. (My insurance is very unlikely to let me buy a T:Slim any time soon, if ever!)