> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.gymlive.app/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Bluetooth Device Connections

> Connect Garmin, WHOOP, and Polar devices via Bluetooth for live heart rate

# Bluetooth (BLE) Device Connections

Connect your Garmin watches, WHOOP straps, and Polar devices directly to GymLive via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) for real-time heart rate and calorie tracking during live workout classes. Unlike Apple Watch and Wear OS, these devices don't require a companion app - they connect directly via BLE pairing.

<Info>
  BLE connection provides real-time heart rate and calories during workouts. For full data sync (sleep, recovery, etc.), set up the respective platform integrations.
</Info>

## Compatible Devices

### Garmin Devices

**Watches with Broadcasting:**

* Fenix 7/6/5 series
* Forerunner 965/955/945/935/265/255/245
* Epix Gen 2
* Enduro series
* Venu 3/2/Sq series
* Vivoactive 4/3
* Instinct 2/Solar series

**Chest Straps:**

* HRM-Pro Plus
* HRM-Pro
* HRM-Dual
* HRM-Tri/Swim

### WHOOP Devices

* WHOOP 4.0 strap
* WHOOP 3.0 strap
* WHOOP Body (clothing line)

### Polar Devices

**Watches:**

* Vantage V3/V2/V
* Vantage M3/M2/M
* Grit X/X Pro
* Pacer Pro/Pacer
* Ignite 3/2

**Heart Rate Sensors:**

* H10 chest strap
* H9 chest strap
* Verity Sense optical armband
* OH1 optical sensor

## Connecting During Live Classes

<Steps>
  <Step title="Enable Broadcasting on Device">
    First, enable heart rate broadcasting on your device:

    <Tabs>
      <Tab title="Garmin">
        For watches:

        1. From watch face, hold **MENU**
        2. Select **Settings** > **Sensors & Accessories**
        3. Select **Heart Rate** or **Wrist Heart Rate**
        4. Select **Broadcast Heart Rate**
        5. Select **On** or **During Activity**

        For chest straps: They broadcast automatically when worn

        <Warning>
          **Garmin Users**: If your device is currently paired with Garmin Connect on your phone, you must **unpair it first** before connecting to GymLive. Garmin devices only allow one channel streaming at a time.

          To unpair:

          1. Open Garmin Connect app
          2. Go to device settings
          3. Unpair/remove the device
        </Warning>
      </Tab>

      <Tab title="WHOOP">
        In WHOOP app:

        1. Start an activity or open Strain Coach
        2. Tap the **broadcast icon** (radio waves)
        3. WHOOP begins broadcasting
        4. Keep WHOOP app open during workout
      </Tab>

      <Tab title="Polar">
        For watches:

        1. Go to **Settings** > **General settings**
        2. Select **HR broadcasting**
        3. Turn **On**

        For H10/H9: Broadcasts automatically when worn and moist
      </Tab>
    </Tabs>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Join or Host a Live Workout Class">
    Start by joining or hosting any live workout class:

    1. Open GymLive on your phone
    2. **Join** an existing class, or
    3. **Host** your own live workout class

    <Info>
      You can be either a participant or a coach - both work the same way.
    </Info>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select Device and Pair">
    Before the class starts, you'll be asked to pair your watch:

    1. Look for the **device list** options
    2. Select your device type (Garmin, WHOOP, or Polar)
    3. The app will automatically scan for BLE devices
    4. Your device name will appear in the list
    5. Tap your device to **Pair**
    6. You'll see a confirmation if the connection is successful

    <Note>
      Device must be in broadcast mode and within 10 meters of your phone.
    </Note>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Start Workout or Join Class">
    **If you're the coach:**

    1. Press **Start Workout** when ready
    2. Your heart rate and calories will begin updating once the class begins

    **If you're a participant:**

    1. Simply **Join Class** and wait for it to begin
    2. Once the coach starts the class, your heart rate and calories will automatically start updating

    <Tip>
      Make sure your device is properly positioned (chest strap should be wet, watch should be snug) for accurate heart rate readings.
    </Tip>
  </Step>
</Steps>

## How It Works

### BLE Pairing

When you select your device type from the device list:

* GymLive automatically scans for nearby BLE devices in broadcast mode
* Your device name appears in the list
* Tapping your device initiates the pairing process
* Connection success is confirmed before the class begins

### Real-Time Data

Once the class begins:

* **Heart Rate**: Updates continuously from your device sensor
* **Calories**: Calculated based on your heart rate and activity
* **Live Display**: Your coach and other participants can see your metrics in real-time

<Info>
  Data only starts streaming when the class actually begins, not when you pair.
</Info>

## Troubleshooting

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Device not appearing in scan">
    1. **Verify broadcast mode enabled**:
       * Check device-specific steps above
       * Look for broadcast icon on device
    2. **Garmin-specific**:
       * **Unpair from Garmin Connect first** (if currently connected)
       * Garmin devices only allow one streaming channel
       * Must disconnect from Garmin Connect before GymLive can connect
    3. **Bluetooth issues**:
       * Turn phone Bluetooth off/on
       * Ensure device is within 10 meters
       * Restart both devices
    4. **Interference**:
       * Move away from other Bluetooth devices
       * Avoid microwaves, WiFi routers
       * Try in different location
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Pairing failed">
    1. Make sure device is in broadcast mode
    2. Check device battery is above 20%
    3. Move device closer to phone (within 3 meters)
    4. Try unpairing and pairing again
    5. For Garmin: Ensure unpaired from Garmin Connect
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Heart rate not updating">
    1. Ensure device is properly positioned:
       * Chest straps: Wet electrodes, positioned correctly
       * Watches: Snug fit, clean sensor
    2. Make sure the class has actually started (data only streams during active classes)
    3. Check that pairing was successful
    4. Verify device battery is sufficient
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Frequent disconnections">
    1. Keep device charged above 30%
    2. Stay within 5 meters of phone
    3. Minimize obstacles between device and phone
    4. Turn off unused Bluetooth devices nearby
    5. For WHOOP: Keep WHOOP app open and phone screen on
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Best Practices

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Enable Broadcast First" icon="broadcast-tower">
    Enable broadcasting on your device before joining/hosting class
  </Card>

  <Card title="Proper Positioning" icon="ruler">
    Chest straps: wet and snug. Watches: clean sensor, proper fit
  </Card>

  <Card title="Garmin Users" icon="exclamation-triangle">
    Unpair from Garmin Connect before connecting to GymLive
  </Card>

  <Card title="Stay Close" icon="location-dot">
    Keep device within 5 meters of phone for stable connection
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Privacy & Security

* BLE is short-range only (typically 10 meters)
* No data stored during broadcast
* Connection encrypted
* No personal info transmitted
* Only HR and calorie data shared during active workouts
* Connection ends when broadcast stops

## Related Resources

* [Garmin Broadcasting Guide](https://www8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-0221611A-992D-495E-8DED-1DD448F7A066/EN-US/GUID-57A88A77-3813-4E79-9DB1-FC95B06F01BA.html)
* [WHOOP Heart Rate Broadcast](https://support.whoop.com/s/article/Heart-Rate-Broadcast)
* [Polar H10 Manual](https://support.polar.com/e_manuals/h10/polar-h10-user-manual-english/content/introduction.htm)
* [GymLive Troubleshooting Guide](/integrations/troubleshooting)