Sync and Upload Data
We'll go over how to sync data from a device connected to the Labfront Companion app, including best practices and troubleshooting tips.
In this article, we'll go over:
Note
These instructions are for projects using Garmin devices for data collection. For Movesense, please read this article instead.
Syncing and Uploading Data
When you open the Labfront app, it will start to sync your device automatically after a few seconds.
⚠️ Important
To successfully sync and upload data, make sure your Bluetooth is on and your phone is connected to the internet.
If you're still having issues, view these FAQs to help troubleshoot.
You'll see the status of the sync via a progress bar at the top of the screen.
You should keep the Labfront app in the foreground until you see the green status bar and the Upload Completed message.
If there is an issue with the upload, you'll receive an error message to restart the app or retry.
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It's important to wait until you see Device data uploaded just now displayed at the top of the screen to confirm the data sync and upload process is complete. This message will be shown for 5 minutes after a successful upload so you shouldn't miss it 😉.
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You'll also find the Last Upload time on the home screen, under the device status.
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FYI: What happens 'under the hood' during the sync and upload process
1. Syncing
The Garmin SDK communicates with the watch via Bluetooth and the synced data will be saved in the Garmin SDK database.
2. Processing / Preparing for Upload
The data saved in the Garmin SDK database will be queried and then saved in the Labfront database. During this step, the data is reorganized in preparation to be uploaded.
Note
This stage could take up to 30 seconds to start depending on the size of the data. The sync and upload progress may appear to be stalled or frozen at first.
3. Uploading
The data saved in Labfront's database will be uploaded to our online server, where it is stored and made available to the researcher to analyze further.
Sync and Upload Time
Because the Labfront app is collecting physiological data at a much more granular level, it can take minutes for the data to load (up to 2-5 minutes per day), especially if you are syncing and uploading BBI data.
Note
If you forget to open the app one day, then the next day, you will have twice the amount of data, so the sync time will double. We suggest opening the app twice a day for faster sync and upload times.
Depending on your study protocol, you may also have to open Garmin Connect to sync. Opening and syncing the Garmin Connect app should take between 30 seconds to 1 minute. You will know the data has been fully synced once the sync loop has been completed and you see the checkmark ✅.
| Sync in progress |
Sync complete |
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FAQs
How often should a participant sync?
It is best practice to open the Labfront Companion app to sync at least once a day, but we recommend twice a day. This is because the Labfront app collects data at a more granular level so there is a lot of data to sync. More data = longer sync time. If you forget to open the app one day and open it the following day, you will have twice the amount of data and therefore your sync time will be doubled.
What if the data was synced but not all of it was uploaded?
If the data didn't upload on the last sync, it will upload the next time you open the Labfront app. Please note: This will increase the overall sync and upload time.
Do participants need to keep the app open to sync and upload data?
It is highly recommended to keep the Labfront app in the foreground while syncing and uploading data. This is to help ensure the process goes smoothly and all data is synced properly.
When a device is synced on Labfront Companion, does it sync on Garmin Connect also?
No, it doesn't. If your study is using Garmin Connect data, you will need to open Garmin Connect regularly to sync. While the Garmin Connect sync time is shorter, we still recommend syncing daily for best practice (and to help remember).
My wearable device is shown as "Connected" but is not syncing. What should I do?
In this case, we recommend turning your phone's Bluetooth on and off. This usually solves that issue. For more tips, we recommend reading this
troubleshooting article. I am receiving a "Syncing error" message when trying to sync my device. What should I do?
In this case, we recommended fully closing and restarting the app. It sounds a little too simple, but it often works.
If the issue persists, the next recommended step is unpairing and re-pairing the device from the app.
My wearable device is shown as "Disconnected", but my Bluetooth is turned on. Any recommendations?
If you experience this issue, we suggest restarting your phone, waiting a few minutes, and re-opening the app.
It's taking a long time for my data to sync. What can I do?
The less frequently you open the Labfront Companion app, the more data you will have. More data = longer sync time. We suggest opening the app twice a day for faster sync and upload times.
Tip
If you're using a newer Garmin device with an Android smartphone and have a lot of accumulated data, you can try syncing via USB.
🔍 Can't find the answer you're looking for?
Check out these recommended articles
or contact support@labfront.com and we'll help get you sorted out.
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