If you're relying on your Dexcom continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system and suddenly notice that readings have stopped updating, alerts aren’t triggering, or your app shows a blank screen, you’re not alone. Many users across the U.S. and globally have reported intermittent outages and sync failures with Dexcom’s services. Whether you're managing type 1 diabetes, type 2, or supporting someone who is, a disrupted CGM feed can be more than inconvenient—it can impact safety and peace of mind.
Dexcom’s cloud-based ecosystem powers real-time glucose tracking across smartphones, smartwatches, and compatible insulin pumps. When the backend infrastructure stumbles, even for minutes, it can interrupt critical data flow. This article provides a clear guide to diagnosing whether Dexcom is down today, how to verify ongoing issues, and practical steps to protect your health during an outage.
How to Confirm If Dexcom Is Down Today
The first step when your Dexcom G6, G7, or Clarity app stops working is determining whether the issue lies with your device or a broader service disruption. Here’s how to investigate:
- Check Dexcom’s Official System Status Page: Visit Dexcom System Status. This dashboard reports real-time performance for Dexcom Share, Clarity, and cloud services. Green means normal operations; yellow or red indicates partial or full outages.
- Monitor Third-Party Outage Trackers: Websites like Downdetector and Outage.Report aggregate user reports by location and symptom. Search “Dexcom” to see if others are reporting similar issues in your region.
- Test Device-to-Phone Connection: Ensure Bluetooth is active and your phone hasn’t lost pairing with the transmitter. Try force-closing and reopening the Dexcom app.
- Verify Internet Connectivity: Dexcom Share and Clarity require internet access. Test your Wi-Fi or cellular connection with another app.
Common Dexcom Problems and What They Mean
Not every disruption is a full-scale outage. Some issues stem from local device problems rather than server failure. Understanding the difference helps you respond appropriately.
| Issue | Possible Cause | Action Step |
|---|---|---|
| No sensor readings in app | Transmitter battery dead, Bluetooth off, or app crash | Restart phone, re-pair transmitter, check battery level |
| Delayed or missing Share data | Cloud sync failure or regional server lag | Check system status; wait 15–30 mins before troubleshooting locally |
| Clarity won’t upload data | Maintenance window or authentication error | Confirm login, try later, or contact support |
| Frequent \"Signal Lost\" alerts | Interference, distance, or software bug | Keep phone within 20 feet; update app firmware |
| All devices offline simultaneously | Widespread service outage | Verify via status page and outage trackers |
What to Do During a Dexcom Outage: A Step-by-Step Guide
When real-time glucose data vanishes, immediate action is essential—especially for those using automated insulin delivery systems. Follow this timeline to stay safe:
- 0–5 Minutes: Assess the Situation
Open the Dexcom app and check for error messages. Try refreshing the screen. Confirm your phone has signal and Bluetooth is enabled. - 5–10 Minutes: Verify Broader Outage
Visit status.dexcom.com or search Downdetector for “Dexcom.” If multiple users report issues, it’s likely a platform-wide problem. - 10–15 Minutes: Switch to Backup Monitoring
Use your blood glucose meter for fingersticks. Aim for checks every 30–60 minutes if insulin-dependent, especially if glucose trends were unstable prior to the outage. - 15–30 Minutes: Notify Your Care Team (If Needed)
If you’re experiencing hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia without reliable data, call your endocrinologist or diabetes educator. Have recent logs ready. - Ongoing: Monitor for Restoration
Reopen the Dexcom app periodically. Once data resumes, compare fingerstick results with the first available reading to assess accuracy.
“During major CGM outages, patients on pump therapy should revert to manual insulin dosing based on fingerstick values and carb counting until stability returns.” — Dr. Lena Torres, Endocrinologist at Cleveland Clinic Diabetes Center
Real Example: How One User Handled a Sudden Outage
Sarah, a 34-year-old teacher with type 1 diabetes, woke up to silence from her Apple Watch—no Dexcom alerts. Her phone showed no glucose trend line. Initially assuming a dead phone battery, she charged it and reopened the app. Still nothing.
She checked Twitter and saw dozens of posts tagged #DexcomDown. A quick visit to Downdetector confirmed over 1,200 reports in the past hour. Sarah pulled out her glucometer and tested: 168 mg/dL, stable from bedtime. She ate breakfast with a standard insulin dose and continued checking manually.
Two hours later, the app refreshed automatically. The sensor had been recording data locally—the cloud simply failed to deliver it. Sarah uploaded her fingerstick notes into her logbook and resumed normal use. “It was stressful,” she said later, “but having a backup plan saved me from panic.”
Essential Tips for Preventing Disruption Fallout
You can’t prevent server outages, but you can reduce their impact. These proactive strategies help maintain continuity of care:
- Always keep a supply of test strips and lancets accessible.
- Pair your Dexcom with multiple devices (e.g., phone and tablet) so one failure doesn’t cut off all access.
- Enable SMS alerts through Dexcom Share if family members monitor your levels remotely.
- Regularly update your app and phone OS to avoid compatibility bugs.
- Join the Dexcom Community Forum to get early warnings about emerging issues.
FAQ: Common Questions About Dexcom Downtime
How often does Dexcom go down?
Major outages are rare but not unheard of. Historically, Dexcom experiences 1–2 significant service disruptions per year, typically lasting under 2 hours. Minor sync delays occur more frequently during peak usage times.
Does Dexcom store data during an outage?
Yes. Your transmitter continues collecting glucose readings locally. Once connectivity resumes, most data uploads retroactively—usually within 24 hours, depending on device model and storage capacity.
Can I file a complaint if an outage affects my health?
Yes. Contact Dexcom Support directly or submit feedback via their website. In cases of serious harm due to system failure, consult a medical professional and consider reporting to the FDA MedWatch program.
Stay Prepared, Stay Safe
Tech-driven healthcare tools like Dexcom bring life-changing convenience, but they depend on complex networks vulnerable to disruption. While the company maintains high uptime standards, no digital system is immune to glitches. The key to resilience lies in preparation: knowing how to verify an outage, having analog backups, and understanding your personal risk profile.
Don’t wait for the next disruption to act. Review your emergency supplies, confirm your followers’ access, and bookmark the system status page now. By treating downtime readiness as part of your diabetes management plan, you ensure that a temporary server hiccup never becomes a health crisis.








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