Edited: October 3, 2024
Firmware is essential for your Cricut machine to operate properly and communicate with your computer or mobile device. When you first set up your Cricut machine you will be guided through the steps to update your firmware if an update is needed.
After the initial setup, you will occasionally be prompted to update your firmware as new features and performance improvements are added.
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Ensure your Cricut cutting machine is powered on and connected to your computer via USB cable or Bluetooth. Learn how to pair the Bluetooth here.
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You will receive an alert when a firmware update is necessary, whether it is during the new machine setup, or when proceeding to cut your current project.
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After connecting, click Update to begin the update. In this example, we will walk you through this process on a Maker 3 machine, but these steps are the same for all Cricut cutting machines.
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The firmware update will begin. A progress bar will appear on the screen and your machine's power button will turn red (if connected via USB) or purple (if connected via Bluetooth), indicating that an update is in progress.
- When the update is complete, your machine will automatically turn off and back on, and you will receive a message that the update was successful. Select Done to close the window and resume making your project or setting up your new machine.
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Ensure your Cricut cutting machine is powered on and paired with your mobile device. Learn how to pair the Bluetooth here.
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You will receive an alert when a firmware update is necessary, whether during the new machine setup, or when proceeding to cut your current project.
- After connecting to your machine the firmware update will begin. A progress bar will appear on the screen and your machine’s power button will turn purple, indicating that an update is in progress. In this example, we will walk you through this process on a Maker 3 machine, but these steps are the same for all Cricut cutting machines.
- When the update is complete, your machine will automatically turn off and back on, and you will be asked to Select an Accessory. Wait for your machine to show up in the list, tap on your machine to select it. The app will take several moments to connect to your machine again, then a green circle with a check mark in it will appear, indicating that the update or activation was successful.
- A Continue button will appear; tap that button to return to the new machine setup, or to resume cutting your project.
Troubleshooting firmware update problems
Firmware Update failing or not completing
- If the firmware update fails or does not complete, reopen Design Space and start the update again.
- Ensure your system meets the minimum recommended requirements for Design Space. If it does not, attempt the firmware update on another device that does meet those requirements. If this does not help, proceed to the next step.
- Disconnect your Cricut cutting machine from the device and power cycle the machine (turn if off and back on). On desktop select the menu at the top right of Design Space, and go to Settings > Machines > Update Firmware > Start.
- On mobile, select the menu at the top left then go to Machine Setup to start the update again.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to finish your firmware update.
Losing power during a firmware update
- If you lose power during a firmware update, reopen Design Space and start the update again.
- On desktop select the menu at the top right of Design Space, and go to Settings > Machines > Update Firmware > Start.
- On mobile, select the menu at the top left then go to Machine Setup to start the update again.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to finish your firmware update.
Losing connection to your machine
- If you lose connection during a firmware update, reopen Design Space and start the update again.
- On desktop select the menu at the top right of Design Space, and go to Settings > Machines > Update Firmware > Start.
- On mobile, select the menu at the top left then go to Machine Setup to start the update again.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to finish your firmware update.
- If you are attempting to update the firmware via Bluetooth connection and the connection continues to be lost, try connecting the machine to a compatible computer via USB cable instead. See the System Requirements for compatible operating systems.
The Power button light is red
- During the update, the power button turns red (or purple, if connected via Bluetooth).
- This indicates the update is in progress. If the update is interrupted or unsuccessful, the power button will stay red and prevent you from turning your machine off.
- Restart the update. Once the update is complete, the machine will automatically power off, and back on, and you can proceed with your project.
If you need further assistance, contact Member Care.