Seeing your glucose on your wrist is one of the best quality-of-life upgrades for CGM users. Here is how to get Dexcom G7 data on your Apple Watch using the official app and via xDrip+ for more customization.
Option 1: Official Dexcom App (Simplest)
The Dexcom G7 iOS app includes a native Apple Watch complication. Once you have the G7 app installed on your iPhone:
- Install the Dexcom G7 app on your Apple Watch from the Watch app → App Store
- Your current glucose, trend arrow, and delta appear as a complication on most watch faces
- Supports Modular, Infograph, and other complication slots
Data updates every 5 minutes. Alerts from the G7 also appear on the watch.
Option 2: xDrip+ via Xdrip4iOS
For more customization, Xdrip4iOS (the iOS port of xDrip+) provides a complication with more display options:
- More watchface layouts (larger number, color-coded by range)
- Nightscout integration directly from the watch
- Works with Libre in addition to Dexcom
Note: Xdrip4iOS requires TestFlight installation and is not on the App Store. It is actively maintained by the community.
Option 3: Spike App (Limited but Active)
Spike is another community iOS app that provides CGM data on Apple Watch. Less actively updated than Xdrip4iOS but still functional for G7.
Watch Face Recommendations
- Modular Compact: Shows glucose in the center, large and readable at a glance
- Infograph Modular: Allows multiple complications including glucose + trend graph
- Siri Face: Surfaces glucose when your glucose is out of range
Battery Considerations
The Dexcom complication has minimal battery impact (updates every 5 minutes, not continuously). Xdrip4iOS with background refresh enabled uses slightly more battery — most users report no meaningful difference in daily battery life.