Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) eliminates the need for daily finger pricks: the sensor automatically transmits your blood sugar level to your smartphone every minute, and a special app displays graphs, trends, and alerts for hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. But there’s a catch that almost every user in Ukraine faces: the app isn’t available on “their” Google Play, so you won’t be able to install it “directly.” In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process step by step to show you how to do it correctly and safely—based on a real-life installation recording on an Android smartphone.
🎥 Video tutorial: youtu.be/v5vX6LXJ9eM
This is the most important point, which is often misunderstood: Abbott has released different apps for different sensors, and they are not interchangeable.
Before installing anything, check the packaging or the sensor itself to see which model you have—Libre 2 Plus or Libre 3 Plus—and install the corresponding app. The installation process is the same for both apps and is described below; the only difference is the name you enter in the Google Play search (step 6).
A sensor without the app is just a plastic piece on your shoulder. It’s the app (LibreLink or Libre 3, depending on your sensor model) that converts its signal into meaningful numbers: your current glucose level, a trend arrow (rising, falling, or stable), a 24-hour history, and alerts for critical values. For people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, this means fewer finger pricks, a faster response to blood sugar fluctuations, and data that can be shared with a doctor or loved ones via LibreLinkUp.
Both apps—LibreLink and Libre 3—are not available as a single global app, but rather as a set of regional versions—separate ones for the UK, Poland, Germany, the UAE, and so on. Each version is “tied” to a specific market, and there is currently no official Ukrainian version on Google Play. Therefore, Google Play simply does not display the app in search results for a Ukrainian account. The solution is to temporarily “relocate” your phone to a region where the app is available (for example, the UK) using a VPN and a new Google account.
This is a common and widespread practice for region-restricted medical apps, not a way to bypass security measures: the app itself and its data remain official, an Abbott product.
Open Google Play using your regular account and search for any free VPN service (for example, by searching for “free VPN”). In this example, we’ve chosen Planet VPN, but any reliable free VPN with servers in the UK will work.
You only need a VPN so that Google Play shows you the UK version of the app store—without it, the system will continue to use your actual location.
Tap “Install,” allow or deny the notifications as you see fit, open the app, and connect to a server in the United Kingdom. The status will change to “Secure”—this indicates that the connection is active and you can proceed.
While the VPN is active, start creating a new Google account: enter your first and last name, date of birth, and gender, and create a strong password. It’s important to create a brand-new account rather than signing in to an existing one—otherwise, Google Play will “remember” your actual region and display the Ukrainian version of the store again.
This is a separate account intended solely for installing region-specific apps—it does not replace your main Google account and does not affect the contacts, photos, or email you use every day.
Accept the Google Play Terms of Service under your new account and enter the app’s name in the search bar:
In the list of results, look for the name with a region code—for example, “FreeStyle LibreLink — GB” or “FreeStyle Libre 3 — GB.” The region code (GB, PL, DE, etc.) indicates that this is the version available via VPN. Tap “Install” next to the app you need—just be sure not to confuse LibreLink and Libre 3, since each works only with “its own” sensor model.
After installation, open the app. It will ask you to agree to Abbott’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Use—this is a mandatory step; you won’t be able to proceed without it, since the app handles medical data about your health. Read the documents and tap “Confirm” / “Get Started Now.”
Next, the app will download the configuration and prompt you to create a LibreView account (or sign in to an existing one)—this is where your glucose data will be stored, and you can use it in LibreLinkUp to share your readings with family members or your doctor.
Installing the app is just the first step. To start viewing your glucose levels, after logging into LibreLink (for Libre 2 Plus) or Libre 3 (for Libre 3 Plus), you’ll need to:
After that, your current glucose level and a trend arrow will appear on the app’s home screen. For the Libre 3 Plus (via the Libre 3 app), subsequent data is transmitted automatically via Bluetooth, without the need for repeated scanning. For the Libre 2 Plus (via LibreLink), you’ll need to periodically hold your phone up to the sensor for NFC scanning unless continuous reading mode is enabled.
Do I need a VPN all the time once the app is installed? No. A VPN and a UK account are only required when downloading the app from Google Play. Once installed, LibreLink works with a regular internet connection and does not require a VPN for everyday use.
What should I do if my phone can’t detect the sensor via NFC? Check that NFC is enabled in your settings, remove any thick or metal phone cases, and make sure you’re placing the part of the phone’s body where the NFC antenna is located (usually the top of the back panel) against the sensor.
Can I use the same Google account for future app updates? Yes, LibreLink updates will be delivered through the same UK Google Play account used to install the app. To use other apps as usual, you can switch back to your main account and turn off the VPN.
Is this a legitimate way to install the app? Yes, you’re installing the official Abbott app from the official Google Play Store—but only through the regional version available in the UK, since there isn’t a local Ukrainian version yet.
You can select FreeStyle Libre 3 sensors and accessories for continuous glucose monitoring from the goodsugar.com.ua catalog.
