How to Pair Cricut Machine via Bluetooth or USB? (Easy Tips)

Cricut machines are a must-have for DIY crafters, designers, and small business owners. Whether you’re working on vinyl decals, paper crafts, or fabric designs, pairing your Cricut machine correctly is the first step to getting started.

I still remember the day my Cricut machine arrived as if it were yesterday. But within minutes, my excitement faded as I struggled to connect the machine to my laptop. I couldn’t figure out how to connect it to my laptop. But you don’t have to worry about that. Pairing your Cricut isn’t as complicated as it seems once you know what to do.

In this blog, I’ll explain exactly how to pair Cricut machine with your Windows or Mac, whether you use Bluetooth or a USB cable. It’s a beginner-friendly guide designed to help you avoid the roadblocks I encountered.

Let’s get your machine up and running so you can start creating!

Step 1: Turn On Your Cricut Machine

Before you start pairing, make sure your machine is powered on. Follow these steps:

1. Plug in your machine: Make sure the power cable is connected to the machine and plugged into a power source.

2. Turn on the machine: Press the power button (usually located on the side or top) to turn it on. A blinking light indicates readiness.

Step 2: Connect via Bluetooth (Wireless Connection)

You can connect your machine wirelessly via Bluetooth. Here’s how to do it:

For Windows Users

Follow the steps given below to learn how to pair Cricut machine via Bluetooth on Windows:

1. Open Bluetooth settings: Click onthe Start menu, then select Settings, then Devices. After that, go to Bluetooth & other devices.

2. Turn on Bluetooth: Ensure Bluetooth is turned on in your computer’s settings.

3. Put your machine in pairing mode: Press and hold the Bluetooth button on the machine. The machine’s Bluetooth light will begin blinking, indicating that it’s ready to pair.

4. Select your machine in Bluetooth settings: On your computer, under the “Bluetooth & other devices” settings, click on Add Bluetooth or another device. Choose Bluetooth, then select your machine from the list of available devices.

5. Confirm the connection: Once paired, the Bluetooth light on your machine will stop blinking and become solid, indicating that it is connected to your computer.

TIP: Cricut Explore and Maker models include Bluetooth functionality by default. Older models may require a separate Bluetooth adapter.

For Mac Users

Follow the stepwise guide listed below to learn how to pair Cricut machine via Bluetooth on a Mac:

1. Open Bluetooth settings: Tap on the Apple menu > System Preferences > Bluetooth.

2. Enable Bluetooth: Make sure Bluetooth is turned on in your Mac’s settings.

3. Put your machine in pairing mode: Press and hold the Bluetooth button on your machine until the Bluetooth light blinks.

4. Select your machine name: On your Mac, you should see your machine model in the list of available Bluetooth devices. Click on Pair to connect.

5. Confirm the pairing: After pairing, the Bluetooth light on your machine will remain solid, confirming the connection.

Step 3: Connect Using a USB Cable (Wired Connection)

If you prefer a wired connection or your device doesn’t support Bluetooth, you can connect your crafting machine using a USB cable.

1. Locate the USB port on your machine: The USB port is on the left side of the machine, where you can connect the USB cable.

2. Plug in the USB cable: Now, connect one end of the USB cable to the machine and the other end to a USB port on your computer.

3. Open Design Space: Launch the software on your computer, and the machine should be automatically recognized.

If prompted, follow the on-screen prompt to complete the setup.

Step 4: Setup Cricut Design Space on Your Device

Now that your Cricut machine is paired with your device, you need to set up Design Space to start creating designs.

1. Download Design Space: If you haven’t already, download and install Design Space on your computer or mobile device.

2. Create or sign in to your account: Open the software and either sign in with your existing account or create a new account.

3. Select your machine name: Once logged in, the software will automatically detect your machine. If not, go to Settings and select your machine from the list.

4. Start designing: Once everything is set up, you can start creating your projects in Design Space and send them to the cutting machine for cutting.

Troubleshooting Cricut Pairing Issues

Sometimes, your machine may not pair correctly due to device settings or software glitches. Here are quick fixes.

1. Turn off both the machine and your computer or phone. Turn them back on and retry the pairing steps.

2. Remove any old Bluetooth devices that could be conflicting.

3. Ensure both your device’s operating system and the Design Space software are updated to their latest versions.

4. Clear the cache in the Cricut Design Space software.

5. Reopen the software and attempt to pair again.

Final Words

Pairing your machine doesn’t have to be difficult. Whether you use Bluetooth or a USB cable, the steps above will help you connect quickly and efficiently. Just keep your software up to date, follow the correct steps, and stay patient!

Once your Cricut machine is paired, the world of crafting will be at your fingertips!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What to do if Design Space doesn’t recognize my Cricut machine?

If Design Space isn’t recognizing your machine, make sure of the following key points:

1. Ensure that the Bluetooth or USB connection is enabled and that the machine is discoverable.

2. Restart both your computer and machine.

3. Ensure your machine is within the recommended range of 15 feet from your device.

4. Make sure Cricut Design Space and your machine’s firmware are up to date.

5. If updates don’t resolve the issue, consider uninstalling and reinstalling Cricut Design Space.

Do all Cricut Machines have Bluetooth?

No, not all Cricut machines have Bluetooth connectivity out of the box. While newer models like the Cricut Joy, Joy Xtra, Maker, Maker 3, Explore Air 2, Explore 3, and Venture utilize Bluetooth, older models like the Explore One require a separate Bluetooth adapter to connect to devices.

Note: Cricut Explore and Explore One require a Bluetooth adapter.

Can I pair the same Cricut Machine with multiple devices?

Yes, you can connect extra devices to one Cricut machine, but only one device can actively control the machine at a time. This prevents conflicts and ensures that the machine receives clear instructions. You can install Cricut Design Space on multiple devices and access the same account and projects. You can connect to the machine via USB or Bluetooth, and the software will guide you through selecting the desired machine for your project.

SOURCE: How to Pair Cricut Machine via Bluetooth or USB