Native Algorithm

xDrip » Features » Dexcom » Native Algorithm

When we use the native algorithm, the transmitter maintains the calibration formula. In non-native mode, xDrip maintains the formula using raw values that are also transmitted by the transmitter. The non-native mode is only possible if the transmitter transmits raw values as well.
A device that only transmits calibrated values, like G6 or G7, can only be used in native mode. If you disable native algorithm when using such a device, it will be automatically re-enabled.

The two modes are compared in the following table.

  Native Non-Native Notes
To choose Enable: Disable: Settings −> G5/G6/Dex1 Debug Settings
−> Native Algorithm
Backfill Yes No Last 3 hours
Session stops after
10 days (7 for G5)
Yes No In native mode, only preemptive restart
will keep the sensor going.
G6 factory calibration Yes No  
Transmitter stops after
110 days (112 for G5) *
Yes No ** Transmitter hard reset will reset the
number of days to 0.
Relevant Calibration Graph No Yes ***
Clear calibrations No Yes ***

* The last day you can start a sensor in native mode is when transmitter days shows 99 (104 for G5).

** If the G6 transmitter firmware version is 1.6.5.25 or prior to that, it transmits raw values as well. But, non-native mode is not recommended, and xDrip will automatically switch to native mode in that case. All G5 transmitters can be used in either native or non-native mode.

*** In native mode, calibration is done by the transmitter. If you see a calibration graph, it is because the transmitter sends raw values also. But, the graph does not represent the calibration formula. Clearing calibrations in native mode will have no impact on the effective calibration formula.