A new Cricut machine is exciting, but the box can look a bit intimidating with its cables, mats and little tools. The good news is that setup follows the same pattern for almost everyone: power it up, connect it, sign in and do a test cut. This guide takes you through that pattern one stage at a time, so you always know what comes next.
Cricut.com/setup is the page people open when they get a new machine. It leads you to the Design Space app and walks you through connecting your machine to your computer or phone. Some people also type it as Cricut.com setup, and it means the same thing.
You only need to do this once per machine. After that, you just open the app and start making things.
Take everything out first and check it against the list in your quick-start sheet. Most boxes include:
The Cricut machine
A power adapter and cable
A USB cable (not on every model)
A cutting mat (not on every model)
A blade or tool, depending on the machine
A sample piece of material for the test cut, in many bundles
Models differ, so treat the sheet in your own box as the final word.
Put the machine on a flat, steady table with some room around it. Cricut machines move the mat back and forth while they work, so leave a couple of feet of free space at the front and back. Keep the area clear of cups, cables and anything that could get pulled.
Plug in the power adapter and turn the machine on. Keep it close to your computer or phone for the first setup.
You can set up with:
A Windows computer
A Mac
An iPhone or iPad
An Android phone or tablet
Pick whichever you’ll use most. You can add more devices later with the same account. Make sure the device has an internet connection, because the app needs it to sign in and finish setup.
Download Cricut Design Space on your device. On a computer, use Cricut’s own website. On a phone or tablet, use your usual app store. Open it once it’s installed.
If you haven’t done this yet, our Cricut Design Space download guide explains each device in detail.
In the app, choose the option to sign in or create an account. Use an email address you can open, and a password you haven’t used anywhere else. Look out for a confirmation email, and check your spam folder if you don’t see it.
Your Cricut ID is what keeps your designs saved and available on every device.
Look for the option for new machine setup in the app’s menu. Then pick your machine type from the list. The app will guide you from there, but here is what’s happening behind the scenes.
Connecting with Bluetooth
Turn on Bluetooth on your computer or phone.
Keep the machine close, within a few feet.
Select your machine when it shows up in the list.
Enter a pairing code only if the app or machine asks for one.
Connecting with a USB cable
Plug one end into the machine and the other into your computer.
Use the cable that came with your machine, if one was included.
Choose the machine in the app when it appears.
Some smaller machines work only over Bluetooth, so check what your model supports.
The app may ask to update your machine’s firmware. Let it finish, keep the machine powered on, and don’t unplug anything while the progress bar is moving. Updates can take a few minutes.
Then comes the test cut, which is the fun part. Follow the prompts to load the mat, put in the sample material and press the button when the app says Go. A clean cut means everything is working properly.
Take these one at a time, easy ones first.
Restart the machine, wait a minute and turn it on again.
Check the cable, both ends, and try a different USB port.
Check Bluetooth. Turn it off and on again, and move the machine closer.
Update the app to the latest version.
Close and reopen the app, then start the setup again.
Sign out and sign back in with the same Cricut ID.
Try a different device, to see whether the problem is the machine or the computer.
Remove old pairings. If the machine was paired before, remove it from the device’s Bluetooth list and pair it again.
Check your internet. A weak connection can stall the app.
Check your security software, since some programs block the app from finding the machine.
Leaving the protective tape or film on the machine or mat
Using a power strip that isn’t switched on
Pairing the machine with a different device than the one running the app
Turning the machine off in the middle of a firmware update
Rushing the test cut without loading the mat properly
Make a simple first project, such as a card or a sticker
Keep your blade and mat clean for sharper cuts
Save your first design so you can open it on another device
Read the quick-start sheet once through, since it has tips for your exact model
What is Cricut.com/setup?
It’s the page people use to start setting up a new Cricut machine and reach the Design Space app.
Is Cricut.com setup the same thing?
Yes. People type it in different ways, but they mean the same page and the same steps.
Do I have to set up every time I use the machine?
No. Setup is a one-time job for each machine.
Can I set up with my phone?
Yes, on iPhone, iPad and many Android devices. Bluetooth has to be turned on.
Which cable should I use?
The USB cable that came in the box, if your model has one. Some models don’t.
Why can’t my computer find my machine?
The most common reasons are Bluetooth being off, the machine being too far away, or a loose cable. Check these first.
Do I need to make an account?
Yes. A Cricut ID is needed to sign in to the app and save your projects.
Is the test cut necessary?
It isn’t forced, but it’s a good habit. It shows you straight away whether everything is working.
Setting up a Cricut machine really is just six small stages: find a spot, pick a device, get the app, create your Cricut ID, connect the machine and do the test cut. Take them in order, don’t rush the firmware update, and you’ll be crafting before you know it. If something here doesn’t match what you see on your screen, send us a question and we’ll try to point you in the right direction.