Have you tried connecting your Cricut machine to Bluetooth and nothing works? That’s when many users turn to a USB cable for a more reliable setup. This post will guide you through the basic system requirements, how to install Design Space on a computer, and how to connect your Cricut to a computer (Windows and Mac) using a USB cable, step by step. The focus is on helping users reach the point at which the machine connects and works as expected. If your machine has power but isn’t responding, or your computer won’t detect it, this guide helps you fix the connection and get back to work without confusion.
Before you connect your machine with a USB cable, check that your system supports Design Space. It is a free software that helps your PC communicate with the machine. If your system doesn’t meet the basics, the machine may not connect or work properly.
Windows: Operating System: Windows 10 or later
Processor: Intel Dual-Core or equivalent AMD processor
RAM: 4 GB or more
Storage: At least 2 GB of free space
Connection: Available USB port or Bluetooth
Display: Minimum 1024 × 768 screen resolution
Internet: Download speed (2–3 Mbps) and upload speed (1–2 Mbps)
Offline Use: Supported with Design Space for Desktop
Mac: Operating System: macOS 12 or newer
Processor: 1.83 GHz or faster
RAM: 4 GB or more
Storage: At least 2 GB of free space
Connection: Available USB port or Bluetooth
Display: Minimum 1024 × 768 screen resolution
Internet: Download speed (2–3 Mbps) and upload speed (1–2 Mbps)
Offline Use: Supported with Design Space for Desktop
After confirming that your computer meets the basic requirements, install Design Space.
Note: You need a stable internet connection to download the software and sign in.
On your PC, open any web browser and visit design.cricut.com
After that, enter your machine model in the search bar.
Check the box to agree to Cricut’s terms and click Download.
Once the file finishes downloading, open it from your browser or Downloads folder.
If your computer asks for permission, allow the app to run.
Wait while the installation completes on your screen.
Sign in using your Cricut username and password.
Open an internet browser and go to cricut.com/setup.
Select your machine’s name and agree to the terms of use.
Click Download and save the file to your Mac system.
Open the downloaded .dmg file from the Downloads folder.
Drag the Cricut icon into the Applications folder.
Open the Design Space app from the Applications folder.
When prompted, choose Open to continue.
Sign in with your Cricut account details.
Once the software is installed and open on your computer, connect your machine using the USB cable. Cricut Maker, Explore, and Venture models support USB connections. Cricut Joy and Joy Xtra work with Bluetooth only.
Take the USB cable that came with your machine.
Plug one end of the cable into your computer.
Connect the other end to the USB port on the back of the machine.
Turn on the machine and check that the power button lights up white.
Open Design Space and select New Product Setup.
Your machine should appear as connected on the screen.
Once the Cricut cutting machine is detected, you can start creating your projects in Design Space.
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