Help with an app "garmin connect"

Hi,

I am a newbie. So sorry for such a request of help.
I have bought the GS290. I find I cannot use my important app to me.
I want to use the garmin connect sports app.
Please can someone tell and help me with what is possible regarding the connect.garmin app.
Thanks

Regards,
Anthony

Regain your privacy! Adopt /e/ the unGoogled mobile OS and online servicesphone

You need to install the Aurora app store (which is always a good idea). There you will find it (and also the information about 5 trackers …)

1 Like

Hi irrlicht,

Thank you for your instructions. I with Aurora I have started to download Garmin connect app.
I get a warning asking me to switch on “Allow from this source” informing me I am vulnerable to download from an unknown source.

More newbie questions:
My questions are is: from where does this version of the garmin connect app come from?
Is it the genuine garmin app or a dangerous rip-off?

This make feel very nervous to install the app.

Thanks

If you try to install an app for the first time from any app store other than Apps you will be asked. Every source is unknown at the beginning. But you know the source now, it’s Aurora, and you caused this install, all OK. The warning should interest you when it comes suddenly from any other app or the browser, then it’s not OK.

Answer “yes” if you want to succeed.

I don’t know the details of that app. Perhaps you can compare some properties of the app in Aurora with the same app in the original Google Play Store (via the left button here on this page).

1 Like

Aurora Store is an Open Source client for the Google Play Store.
So the Apps Aurora Store offers come directly from the Google Play Store, Aurora Store is just an alternative front-end, and it offers access to cost-free Play Store Apps with an anonymous account (for you to stay anonymous facing Google this way), while the original Play Store App would obviously need your Google account for App downloads.

Thank you for explanation. Now I understand Aurora a little better. I became worried after reading the “Allow from this source” message.
As a newbie I struggle finding even the most basic information.
I have now installed the garmin app.

1 Like

I know that it is possible to download the Garmin App from the Aurora Store, But it should be also possible to use Garmin Connect Also alone on your PC with Garmin Express.
Its you choice what you do. The app has trackers, so if you worry about that, than should that works too.

I have tried Strava too, but that app wont start and i get a message that says Strava use Google Maps.But But you can also use the website.

2 Likes

I installed Connect from Aurora Store as soon as I started using /e/ - around one year ago - and it has always worked well for me.

I have only installed Strava today, and sadly the app will start, but I cannot login: the app displays a message saying ‘Please wait’ which doesn’t go away :frowning:

Thanks for your advice. I have installed and only tested the Garmin connect app from Aurora. It seems to work well. I am aware of it’s trackers, but using any fitness device I know I am being tracked. It’s an evil I have to live with if want to use such a device, but I limit the amount of data sent to Garmin. I found Strava to track more than Garmin connect. I stopped using Strava.

1 Like

Thanks for sharing your experience about the app. So far it seems to work for me as well.
I do not use Strava any more.

You should try Intervals.icu . Based in Germany with some servers in Netherlands. No app, only a website. Full of functionality (more than Strava and Garmin Connect).
Only use Google Servers for hosting the profile picture. So ,without profile picture you’re free from Google. 2FA authentification.
Works with your Garmin GPS or watch and Heartrate monitor and/or cycling powermeter. Intervals.icu is free, fueled by enthousiast and use by many professional.

www.intervals.icu

Hi,

Thanks for the tip.
I never knew of Intervals, it looks very interesting. I will give it a try. Can you bring me up to speed on their privacy policies? (how do they use the members data etc?).

As far as I know, Intervals is not specialy privacy oriented, but as long as it is not an app, but a website, you can use your browser settings to avoid trackers and script.

About your health datas, i have contacted David Tinker, the guy behind Intervals, who swears he don’t sell any data to third party. And it’s located in Germany, so probably a bit more protected by GPRD than Strava in Californie. You can ask him more information here : david@intervals.icu

Initialy, Intervals was supposed to be used connected with Strava. It still can be but you may also use it in a standalone mode. Or connected to your Garmin account even if you don’t have the Garmin app in your phone.