Cricut Explore Setup: A Complete Guide for Newbies
Are you looking for a guide on the Cricut Explore setup? If so, I’ve got your back! The Cricut setup is easy if you follow the correct steps. Since the steps are so simple, you will love doing it again and again. Did you know that when I started my journey with Cricut a few years ago, I knew literally nothing about it? My years of experience as a self-made crafter have taught me a lot. From setting up my Cricut to creating complex projects using my Cricut Explore, it was a great experience.
Since I am a crafting expert, my only purpose in writing this blog was to help beginners become self-made crafters like me. And trust me, it is not that difficult. So, let’s start by setting up the Cricut Explore machine. I will explain everything in a stepwise manner so that you guys can digest it easily. Let’s dive in!
Step 1: Checking Minimum System Requirements
The Cricut Explore setup on Mac is not as difficult as you think. Even if you are a beginner, you need to check whether your Mac can run this software. If not, you need to get another computer. Having a computer with compatible features is necessary. We can’t compromise.
Here are the system requirements you need to check before setup:
macOS 11 or later
CPU should be 1.83 GHz
Minimum Required RAM is 4 GB
The display should have a minimum 1024px x 768px screen resolution
A USB port or Bluetooth is required
2 GB free disk is needed
Checked? Does your Mac meet all the requirements? If yes, congratulations on completing your first step for the Cricut Explore setup. Now, let’s move to the most exciting part – UNBOXING!!!😍
Step 2: Unpacking the Cricut Product
I am really crazy about unboxing! It gives me immense pleasure. If you also feel the same way, let’s start unboxing and see what we get inside the box. So, the items I saw in my Cricut Explore box were as follows:
Cricut Explore machine
Welcome card book
USB cable
Power adapter
Premium Fine-Point Blade & Housing
Free trial subscription to Cricut Access
Free pre-designed projects in the Design software
Materials for a practice cut
It was amazing, no? Now, it’s time to open our Cricut machine.
Step 3: Open Your Cricut Explore and Turn It On
Now, you will have to place your Cricut surface on the table. To connect your Cricut and Mac via Bluetooth, you must maintain a distance of no more than 15 feet between them. So, you have to press the Open button to lift the upper lid, and then the front part will open automatically.
Finally, you need to switch on the Cricut cutting machine.
To do so, you have to use the power cord to switch it on and plug the other end of the cord into the machine’s wall outlet.
Afterward, you need to click on the Power button.
Step 4: Download the Cricut App on MacBook
So, when I downloaded Cricut Design Space on Mac for the Cricut Explore setup, I didn’t know that the rest of the setup process would be done using this software. Let me show you the simple steps:
Open a browser and navigate to design.cricut.com.
Then, click the checkbox to accept Cricut’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
After accepting the T&C, you will need to hit the Download button.
Once the Cricut app is downloaded, head to the downloads folder.
Next, head to the .dmg file and double-click it to move to the next step.
You will need to drag the Cricut icon to the Applications folder and begin installing the app on your computer.
Step 5: Connecting Cricut to Your Mac
In order to learn how to setup wireless Cricut Explore, you have to connect it via Bluetooth. Therefore, I have explained the steps to connect Cricut to Mac using Bluetooth. Follow the steps and establish the connection in no time:
Turn on your MacBook.
Once your Mac is turned on, keep it near your Cricut machine.
Now, from the Apple menu, select the System Preferences.
Here, find the Bluetooth option on your Mac computer.
Afterward, turn the Bluetooth on.
Next, find your Cricut model from the available list.
Select the Cricut machine that appeared and pair it with your device.
You are now connected to your Mac computer after pairing.
FAQs
Question 1: Can I do my Cricut Explore setup on my PC?
Answer: Yes, you can! The setup steps are almost the same whether you use a Mac or Windows computer. However, the process for downloading and installing the Cricut Design app is slightly different for both PCs and Macs. The steps for connecting are also different for both computers. In short, you can setup your Cricut Explore Air 2 or Explore 3 machine on your PC in a hassle-free way.
Question 2: Should I connect my Cricut Explore to Mac for setup?
Answer: Certainly yes, without connecting your Cricut to your compatible device, you will not be able to setup your machine. The Cricut software is used tocontrol your Cricut machine, and hence it is essential to connect it to the computer. So that you can add your Cricut to your software and update its firmware, which is the most important part of your Cricut Explore setup.
Question 3: Can you download Cricut Design Space on phone?
Answer: Yes, and it’s easy to do so. If you are willing to download the app on your iOS or Android smartphone, you can do so by heading to the Play Store or App Store on your device. After that, simply hit the Install or Get button to start downloading the Cricut software on a mobile device.