Machine Troubleshooting - Cricut Explore and Cricut Maker series machines

If your Cricut Explore or Cricut Maker series machine pauses or stops in the middle of executing your project, follow the troubleshooting steps below:

1. Do you have multiple Design Space windows open? If so, close the additional windows until your project is complete. If this does not help, proceed to step 2.
2. Do you have this issue with multiple projects? If the issue is isolated to this particular project, you will need to re-create the project. If you’re experiencing this with multiple projects, proceed to step 3.
3. Close any other programs that may be running on the computer or mobile device and attempt the project again. If this does not help, proceed to step 4.
4. Disconnect your Cricut machine from your computer/device and turn your Cricut machine off. Then, restart your computer/device.
5. Next, reconnect your machine to your computer/device and wait a few moments, then open Design Space and attempt the process again.
6. If this does not resolve the issue, contact Member Care for assistance.

If you are cutting foil, metal sheets, or Smart Materials with your Cricut Explore or Cricut Maker, and the machine is turning off unexpectedly, this may be due to a build-up of static electricity.

• Dry environments are particularly prone to the buildup of static electricity.
• Using a spray bottle filled with water, spray some mist into the air to help dissipate the buildup.
• You can also use a small humidifier or vaporizer in the area; increased humidity will help prevent the build-up of static electricity.
• When cutting Smart Materials with Cricut Explore 3 or Cricut Maker 3, prevent long lengths of Smart Materials from travelling/dragging on the floor as much as possible, as this will create more static electricity.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, contact Member Care.

Important: Do not spray water directly on to the Cricut machine.

If the roller bar on your Cricut machine does not rotate when powering the machine on or when pressing the Load button, check the color of the machine's power button and troubleshoot as follows:

1. Perform a visual inspection of the machine, checking for:
   • Obstructions to carriage travel path. Remove any debris obstructing carriage movement.
   • Physical machine damage such as a broken or loose belt, or obvious issues with carriage alignment. If you observe any physical machine damage, contact Member Care for assistance.
2. If the carriage makes a loud noise when you push the cut button, as if the carriage is hitting the side of the machine, record a brief video with sound of the issue occurring, and contact Member Care for assistance.
3. If an unusual noise occurs with a new machine upon first use, contact Member Care for assistance. If you have been able to cut successfully with the machine before, and this is a new issue, proceed to step 4.
4. Ensure you are using the power cord that came with the machine. If you are using a different brand or configuration, the voltage coming into the machine may be wrong and may result in a grinding noise. If you are using the power cord that came with your machine, proceed to step 5.
5. The pressure setting you are using may be too high. Try reducing the pressure setting for the material you are attempting to cut by 2-4. You may need to do this 2-3 times to see a change.
6. If this does not resolve the issue for you, contact Member Care for further assistance.

Unusually Loud Noise

If your Cricut Maker or Cricut Explore Air 2 machine is louder than normal, check whether Fast Mode is engaged for cutting or writing. This option is selected on the Make screen in Design Space. If Fast Mode is not engaged, take a video with sound of the issue and contact Member Care for assistance.

Design Space for Desktop

Design Space for mobile

A blinking red power light on the machine indicates an error with the machine, and there are a few different reasons this could happen. Visit this help article for troubleshooting steps. 

A solid red power light on the machine indicates an error with the machine, and there are a few different reasons this could happen. Visit this help article for troubleshooting steps. 

If your machine is tearing through your material, or if it doesn't cut all the way through, visit this help article for troubleshooting steps. 

This issue can happen with Cricut Explore 3 and Cricut Maker 3 if something is interfering with the machine sensors. Visit this help article for troubleshooting steps. 

If you receive a Print Then Cut error message stating that the machine cannot read the cut sensor marks, visit this help article for troubleshooting steps.

If you receive an error message stating that the Cricut Maker machine cannot detect the blade or tool, visit this help article for troubleshooting steps.