Omnipod 5 - Quick Start

🚀 What Is Omnipod 5?

“The algorithm is directly inside the Pod—it runs insulin decisions from your Dexcom or Libre data even if your phone’s in another room.”
— Cari Berget, MPH, RN, CDCES

📦 What You Need to Get Started

  • Omnipod 5 Pods
    Tubeless pump that sticks to your skin. Make sure you get the right one for your CGM (see below).

  • Omnipod 5 Controller
    Android-based device that lets you bolus, see CGM, adjust targets.

  • Compatible CGM
    Dexcom G6, Dexcom G7, or Libre 2 Plus

  • Smartphone (if Dexcom user)
    Needed to run the Dexcom G6/G7 app; Libre data appears on the controller.

✅ Pods are matched to your CGM: G6/G7 Pods and Libre 2 Plus Pods are not interchangeable.

📲 Training & Setup
Scan the QR code in the Pod box or visit omnipod.com/setup

You'll:

  • Watch how-to videos

  • Set up your Glooko account (for automatic data uploads)

  • Link your Dexcom or Libre CGM

Your doctor might assign an in-person trainer or let you self-start.

🧠 How It Works

The Basics:
You set a target glucose (110–150 mg/dL in 10-point steps).

Every 5 minutes, the Pod calculates insulin needed based on:

  • CGM glucose now

  • Glucose trend

  • How much insulin is already active

The “SmartAdjust” algorithm lives on the Pod, not in the cloud.

“It’s trying to predict your blood sugar 60 minutes ahead—and either pauses, gives more, or less insulin to get you to that target.”
— Scott Benner

🎛 The Setup That Matters Most: Your Settings

“Bad settings = good people using the wrong tools. This system needs balanced inputs to do its job.” — Scott

✅ Do This

  • Calculate your Total Daily Insulin (TDI)

  • Make sure your basal insulin is ~40–50% of TDI

  • Adjust carb ratio & correction factor if they haven’t changed in years

📉 Bad Settings = Bad Start

  • Underestimated TDI = weaker algorithm

  • Too much or too little basal throws off learning

  • Bolusing by “feel” (instead of calculator) can backfire

🧪 Pod #1: What’s Really Happening

✅ It Does

  • Learns your real TDI

  • Delivers insulin conservatively

  • Runs the algorithm on the Pod

❌ It Doesn’t

  • Deliver insulin from your exact basal schedule

  • Know your routine until you show it

  • Show you your “adaptive basal” value

You can go into Automated Mode right away—even on Pod 1.

“It estimates based on what you program. After the first 48 hours and pod change, it switches to using your real TDI.” — Cari

🍽 Bolus Like a Pro

✅ Do

  • Bolus 10–15 minutes before meals

  • Use the calculator (even for corrections)

  • Adjust carb ratios if post-meal highs persist

❌ Don’t

  • Skip bolus or do it mid-spike

  • Manually override based on old habits

  • Expect the system to "just figure it out"

“Skipping a Bolus doesn’t just mess up your meal—it tells the system you don’t need as much insulin.” — Cari

🧠 Using the Target Wisely

  • Choose between 110 to 150 mg/dL

  • Change the target by time of day (example: 110 during the day, 130 overnight)

  • You can’t set it lower than 110

“It’s not a promise you’ll always be at 110—it’s the bullseye the algorithm aims for.” — Cari

🛠 Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them

❌ Mistake

  • Controller breaks or is lost

  • Changing basal to make algorithm “more aggressive”

  • Low overnight after skipped Bolus

✅ Fix

  • Know your TDI + use Glooko to recover settings

  • Don’t do this! Change your carb ratio or ISF instead

  • Pre-Bolus properly or adjust your target upward

🧘 What You Should Feel Over Time

  • Weeks 1–2: Pod learns your TDI

  • Pod 2 onward: System adapts dynamically

  • After tuning: More stable glucose, better nights

“Once I stopped fighting the algorithm, the outcomes got smoother—and my sleep improved too.” — Scott

🛒 CGM Compatibility Cheat Sheet (2025)

▶ Dexcom G6
Compatible Pods: G6 Pods
Where You See Data: Dexcom G6 app + Controller
Notes: Same setup as original launch

▶ Dexcom G7
Compatible Pods: G6/G7 Pods
Where You See Data: Dexcom G7 app + Controller (Android only for now)
Notes: G7 support for iOS is currently in development

▶ Libre 2 Plus
Compatible Pods: Libre Pods
Where You See Data: Controller only
Notes: Must use the 15-day Libre 2 Plus (not compatible with original Libre 2)

🎯 Final Words: How to Succeed

🧠 Understand how insulin works
📊 Track your data with Glooko
🗣 Talk to your doctor about carb ratios, ISF, and TDI
💡 Expect to adapt your habits — that’s how you and the system work together

“This isn’t plug-and-play magic—it’s a partnership. But once it clicks, you get freedom back.” — Scott

⚙️ Omnipod 5: Settings Guide (2025)

🔍 System at a Glance

▶ Pod (SmartAdjust™ inside)
Compatible Versions: G-Pods (Dexcom G6/G7), L-Pods (Libre 2 Plus)
Function: Delivers insulin every 5 min, runs algorithm on the Pod itself
Notes: Keeps working even if your phone dies or walks away

▶ CGM Sensor
Options: Dexcom G6, Dexcom G7, Libre 2 Plus
Function: Sends glucose to the Pod to drive SmartAdjust
Notes: Must be paired with the correct Pod (see compatibility below)

▶ Controller
Type: Android device included in all starter kits
Function: Starts Pods, handles boluses, runs updates, shows CGM
Notes: Insulin keeps flowing during firmware updates (boluses pause briefly)

▶ Smartphone App (Optional)
iPhone: Full control with G6, G7 coming 1H 2025
Android: Full control with G6 & G7
Notes: App use is optional, not required for system to function

▶ Glooko Cloud Link
Function: Automatically backs up CGM + Pod data
Notes: Highly recommended at first setup for recovery & insights

📊 Compatible CGMs & Pod Pairing

▶ Dexcom G6
Compatible Pods: G6 Pods
Where You See Data: Dexcom G6 app + Controller
Notes: Same setup as original launch

▶ Dexcom G7
Compatible Pods: G6/G7 Pods
Where You See Data: Dexcom G7 app + Controller (Android only for now)
Notes: G7 support for iOS is currently in development

▶ Libre 2 Plus
Compatible Pods: Libre Pods
Where You See Data: Controller only
Notes: Must use the 15-day Libre 2 Plus (not compatible with original Libre 2)

🎯 Settings That Steer SmartAdjust™

▶ Basal Program
Enter: Controller → Basal
Purpose: Helps Pod #1 estimate your Total Daily Insulin (TDI)
Notes: Keep basal at ~40–50% of your actual TDI for best results

▶ Target (110–150 mg/dL)
Enter: Controller → Targets
Purpose: Blood sugar goal for SmartAdjust and bolus calculations
Notes: 110 = most aggressive target; works in 10 mg/dL increments

▶ Correct-Above
Enter: Controller → Bolus Settings
Purpose: BG threshold where correction insulin kicks in
Notes: Best to match Target (e.g., both set to 110)

▶ Insulin-to-Carb Ratio (ICR) / Insulin Sensitivity Factor (ISF)
Enter: Controller → Bolus Settings
Purpose: Determines meal doses and corrections
Notes: Most users need ICR ~10–20% stronger than with manual pumps

▶ Duration of Insulin Action
Enter: Bolus Settings
Purpose: For calculator math only; not used by the algorithm
Notes: Use 3–4 hours typically

▶ Reverse Correction
Enter: Bolus Settings
Purpose: Reduces Bolus if BG is below target
Notes: Off by default in automated mode; usually unnecessary

▶ Max Basal (Manual Safety Only)
Enter: Controller → Safety tab
Purpose: Caps manual basal; no effect in automated mode
Notes: Not used by SmartAdjust

🔁 Pod-by-Pod Learning

▶ Pod #1 (First 48–72 hrs)
SmartAdjust: Estimates TDI from your basal settings
You Do: Pre-bolus meals, correct highs, observe patterns

▶ Pod #2
SmartAdjust: Uses actual TDI from Pod #1 data
You Do: Adjust ICR or ISF if meals still spike >180

▶ Future Pods
SmartAdjust: Relearns every 72 hrs
You Do: Adjust settings as life, hormones, or activity change

📅 Two-Week Tuning Plan

▶ Day 0
Set basal to ~40–50% of TDI
Set realistic ICR & ISF
Set Target = Correct-Above (e.g., 110)

▶ Days 1–3
Use calculator, log meals and corrections
Observe patterns

▶ Days 4–7
Still spiking after meals?
→ Strengthen ICR by ~10%

▶ Days 8–14
Few or no corrections, but still high?
→ Tighten ISF
Low overnight?
→ Raise overnight Target

▶ Day 15+
Target: ≥70% time-in-range (70–180)
→ Revisit settings at each Pod change

📓 Daily-Use Cheat Sheet

▶ Meals
Pre-bolus 10–15 minutes
Use the Bolus Calculator
For high-fat meals (pizza, Chinese):
→ Try standard bolus first
→ If needed: 60% upfront, 40% at 90 minutes

▶ Corrections
BG 200+ and calculator shows 0?
→ Tighten ISF
Max delivery showing but still high?
→ Manual correction is okay

▶ Targets on the Fly
Gentle overnight lows?
→ Raise to 130
Sticky mornings?
→ Lower to 110

🔧 Common Troubleshooting

▶ BG 230, calculator says 0 U
Problem: ISF too weak
Fix: Tighten ISF by 15%

▶ Post-pizza spike at 3 hrs
Problem: Delayed fat digestion
Fix: Add 2nd carb entry ~90 minutes later

▶ Daily lows before lunch
Problem: Reverse Correction ON + Target too low
Fix: Turn OFF Reverse Correction or raise daytime Target

▶ Highs after Pod change
Problem: Gap in CGM session
Fix: Start sensor 30 min early and overlap Pods briefly

🆕 What’s New in 2025

▶ Dexcom G7 Support
Now compatible with Android & Controller
iPhone support coming 1H 2025

▶ G6/G7 Pods in Pharmacies
Just scan the QR during setup — simple switch

▶ iPhone App (G6)
Now includes Custom Foods for faster bolusing

▶ G7 30-Min Warm-Up
Faster transition after sensor changes

▶ Firmware Auto-Updates
Pop-up will alert you
Insulin continues; bolusing resumes after update

🧠 Tips Worth Repeating

▶ “Changing basal rates in automated mode does absolutely nada.” — Cari
▶ “Pre-bolus, watch the graph, and partner with the calculator — that’s how you steer Omnipod 5.” — Scott

🚦 Omnipod 5 – Connectivity & Safety

📡 Core Connectivity Rules

▶ Pod ↔ Dexcom G6 transmitter
Best-Practice Range: Same side of body; ≥ 3 in (7 cm) apart
Key Number: ≥ 80% of CGM packets must arrive for full automation
Tip: Moving Pod and sensor to the same side often fixes CGM dropouts

▶ Pod ↔ Controller / Phone
Best-Practice Range: ≤ 5 ft (1.5 m) normally, ≤ 20 ft for bolus
Key Number: Commands must reach Pod in ≤ 8 seconds with 95% success

▶ Bluetooth® Crowding
Issue: Repeated comm errors from nearby BT devices
Fix: Forget unused BT devices (old sensors, speakers, car kits)
Quick Tip: Toggle BT OFF/ON and retry

Shortcut: If the Pod suddenly shows “—” on the CGM graph, try putting the Pod and sensor on the same sideof your body. That solves most “Searching for CGM” issues.

⚠️ How the System Fails — and Recovers

▶ Searching for CGM > 20 min
What You’ll See: “Automated Mode Limited” banner + yellow shield
What It Does: Delivers a flat basal (lower of manual/adaptive)
Fix: Move devices closer, restart BT, or start a new sensor

▶ Communication Error (bolus or activation)
What You’ll See: Red banner + “TRY AGAIN / Discard Pod”
What It Does: Cancels command
Fix:
1️⃣ Move devices 3–5 ft apart
2️⃣ Power cycle the controller
3️⃣ Keep only one active Pod nearby

▶ Automated Delivery Restriction
What You’ll See: System beeps + 5 min manual-mode lockout
What It Does: Backs off due to sustained max or 0 basal
Fix: Check sensor placement and BG stability, then re-enter Auto Mode

🎯 Settings That Shape SmartAdjust

▶ Target Glucose (110–150 mg/dL)
Why It Matters: Directly sets the algorithm’s goal
Tweak Range: ±10 mg/dL

▶ Insulin-to-Carb Ratio (I:C)
Why It Matters: Affects meal bolus + long-term basal adjustment
Tweak Range: ± 1–2 g/U

▶ Correction Factor (ISF)
Why It Matters: Controls correction boluses and affects algorithm indirectly
Tweak Range: ± 5–10 mg/dL/U

▶ Duration of Insulin Action
Why It Matters: Changes calculator’s IOB math only
Tweak Range: ± 0.5 h

🛑 Settings That Don’t Influence SmartAdjust

  • Manual-mode basal schedule

  • Max Basal / Max Bolus limits

  • Reverse Correction ON/OFF

These are safety-only settings. SmartAdjust ignores them.

🏃 Activity Mode – 15-Second Setup

▶ How to Activate
Main Menu ▶ Activity ▶ Choose 1–24 hr ▶ Tap ON

▶ What It Does

  • Sets Target to 150 mg/dL

  • Reduces both automated basal and corrections

▶ How to Exit
Main Menu ▶ Activity ▶ Tap OFF

💡 Best for: Cardio, gym, PE class, or any situation with ~30% less insulin need

🛡 Safety Features You Might Trip

▶ Pod Shut-Off Timer (optional)
Triggers: No Controller interaction for 1–24 hrs
What Happens: Alarms for 5 min, then Pod shuts off
What to Do: Turn OFF (Settings ▶ Reminders) unless needed

▶ 55 mg/dL Hard Low Alarm
Triggers: Severe low BG
What Happens: Pod itself alarms — even without Controller
What to Do: Treat the low

▶ Expired Pod (72 hrs + 8 hr grace)
Triggers: Pod aging out
What Happens: Beeps hourly during final 8 hrs
What to Do: Change the Pod to stay in automation

🆕 What’s New (Spring 2025)

▶ Full iPhone® Control
Launched: Feb 2025
Requirements: iOS 17+ on supported devices

▶ Dexcom G7 Integration
Status: FDA submission accepted
Timeline: US launch expected late 2025 (G6 still required today)

▶ Libre 2 Plus (55-min warm-up)
Status: Cleared in EU, FDA review in progress
Notes: Not yet in US app

▶ Pod Recycling Program
Update: Free mail-back envelopes now included in each 3-pack (US only)

🧰 Quick Fix Checklist

✅ Missing CGM?
→ Same side of body
→ Sensor within 5 in of Pod
→ No thick clothing between
→ Restart BT

✅ Comm Error at Pod Change?
→ Only one new Pod powered up
→ Old Pods cleared out of range

✅ Stubborn Highs?
→ Re-check I:C and Correction Factor
→ Don’t chase ghost carbs

✅ Frequent Limited Mode Overnight?
→ Check sensor adhesion
→ Try relocating Pod for line-of-sight signal

📚 More Help
Step-by-step videos, phone-friendly user guide PDF, and the new “Pod Tour” e-learning:
👉 omnipod.com/getting-started

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official Omnipod 5 User Guide and Omnipod's official website.​

This guide was fact-checked using verified details from Omnipod.com and direct quotes from certified educator Cari Berget on the Juicebox Podcast. It reflects features and guidance current as of April 2025. If you spot an error, please let us know. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your diabetes management.