What should I do if a Dexcom transmitter or receiver will not charge or power on?
Answer
For a Dexcom receiver, charge it from a known-good wall outlet with the official or compatible cable for at least 20–30 minutes before concluding it is dead. Transmitters are typically battery units that are not user-charged like a phone—confirm which part failed and follow Abbott Dexcom’s replacement guidance.
Before you start: stop right away if…
- Have a backup blood-glucose testing method if CGM hardware fails.
Follow these steps
Identify the device
Confirm whether the dead unit is the touchscreen/receiver or the on-body transmitter sensor session hardware.
You should see: You know which Dexcom part failed.
Charge a receiver from the wall
If it is a receiver, plug it into a working wall outlet with a solid cable and leave it undisturbed for at least 20–30 minutes.
You should see: A charge indicator appears or the receiver powers on.
Try a second cable or adapter
Swap to another known-good cable and adapter, avoiding low-power USB ports on computers.
You should see: Charging starts with the alternate gear.
Contact Dexcom for transmitters or dead receivers
If a transmitter will not function or the receiver never wakes, contact Dexcom support for troubleshooting or replacement rather than opening the device.
You should see: You get an official RMA or next step.
Not sure this is the right page? Check here
0 of 5 checked
Extra tips
What to look for: Whether the unresponsive part is the receiver/display or the on-body transmitter, any LED/charge indicators, and error history in the Dexcom app.
Before you change anything: Identify the exact Dexcom model (for example G7). Use a wall outlet, not a weak computer USB port, for receivers. Do not puncture or attempt to open a transmitter. Keep a backup glucose testing method available.