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Bluetooth and USB Connection Help

Edited: October 7, 2024

Use the information below to get your Cricut machine connected to your device or troubleshoot Bluetooth connection issues. Select a link below for information. 

Getting connected

There are two options for connecting your Cricut machine to your computer - you can use a Bluetooth (wireless) connection, or you can use the included USB cable (where applicable*). Below are some tips and instructions to make the connection process easy and painless.

*Cricut Joy and Cricut Joy Xtra connect via Bluetooth only. 

How to connect machine via Bluetooth

Select your platform below for instructions.

Important: If your computer is running Windows 11 and you're experiencing issues with pairing your Cricut device via Bluetooth, visit this section for assistance: Windows 11 - Bluetooth Devices Discovery Issues.

  1. Ensure your Cricut machine is powered on and within 10-15 feet of your computer.
  2. From your Start menu, select Settings (gear icon) and then open the Devices option.




  3. Ensure that Bluetooth is ON and click Add Bluetooth or other device.



  4. Select  Bluetooth and wait for the computer to detect your Cricut machine. Select your machine's Bluetooth device code from the list. Your machine's Bluetooth device code is printed or engraved on your machine, near the serial number. It is normal for Cricut machines to show up as an Audio device in this list. 


    If prompted for a PIN or pairing code, enter 0000 (Cricut Explore Air 2 or older may require this. Newer machines do not.)
  5. Your Cricut machine is now paired for Bluetooth connection!
  6. Return to Design Space and New Product Setup. Your Cricut machine should now show up as connected during setup.

Note: These steps are for Windows 10. If your computer is running Windows 11 and you're experiencing issues with pairing your Cricut device via Bluetooth, visit this help article for assistance: Windows 11 - Bluetooth Devices Discovery Issues. If you have a different Windows version and need help, please contact Cricut Member Care.

Important: If your computer is running macOS Sonoma (14.0/14.1/14.2) and you're experiencing issues with pairing your Cricut device via Bluetooth, visit this section for assistance: How to allow Bluetooth on macOS Sonoma.

  1. Ensure your Cricut machine is powered on and within 10-15 feet of your computer.
  2. From the Apple Menu, select System Preferences and look for the Bluetooth option.



  3. Ensure that Bluetooth is ON and select your Cricut machine's Bluetooth device code from the list. Your machine's Bluetooth device code is printed or engraved on your machine, near the serial number. If prompted for a PIN or pairing code, enter 0000 (Cricut Explore Air 2 or older may require this. Newer machines do not.)
  4. Your Cricut machine is now paired for Bluetooth connection!
  5. Return to Design Space and New Product Setup. Your Cricut machine should now show up as connected during setup. 
  1. Ensure your Cricut machine is powered on and within 10-15 feet of your mobile device.
  2. Open Settings and then Bluetooth.

    Setting_iOS.jpg

  3. Ensure that Bluetooth is ON and select your Cricut machine's Bluetooth device code from the list. Your machine's Bluetooth device code is printed or engraved on your machine, near the serial number. If prompted for a PIN or pairing code, enter 0000 (Cricut Explore Air 2 or older may require this. Newer machines do not.)
  4. Your Cricut machine is now paired for Bluetooth connection!
  5. Return to Design Space and New Product Setup. Your Cricut machine should now show up as connected during setup.

Note: You may need to give Design Space Permission to use Bluetooth on Android 13 and above. To do this, go to:
Settings > Apps > Design Space > Permissions > Allow nearby devices.

  1. Ensure your Cricut machine is powered on and within 10-15 feet of your mobile device.
  2. Open Settings and then Bluetooth.

    Setting_Android.jpg

  3. Ensure that Bluetooth is ON and select your Cricut machine's Bluetooth device code from the list. Your machine's Bluetooth device code is printed or engraved on your machine, near the serial number.. If prompted for a PIN or pairing code, enter 0000 (Cricut Explore Air 2 or older may require this. Newer machines do not.)
  4. Your Cricut machine is now paired for Bluetooth connection!
  5. Return to Design Space and New Product Setup. Your Cricut machine should now show up as connected during setup.

Note: The menu navigation may vary based on your Android device's manufacturer and Android version. Please refer to your Android device manual for more help or contact our Member Care team for assistance.

 

How to connect machine using included USB cable

Note: This applies to Cricut Maker series, Cricut Explore Series, and Cricut Venture machines. Cricut Joy and Cricut Joy Xtra connect via Bluetooth only.

  • Your Cricut machine comes with a USB cable to connect to your computer. Connect the USB end of the cable to your computer and the other end to the back of your Cricut machine.

Note: If you do not have the required USB port on your computer (Mac users) you may need an adapter, or you can simply connect using Bluetooth.

  • Make sure your Cricut machine is powered on. The power button on the machine should be lit up and white.
  • Return to Design Space and New Product Setup. Your Cricut machine should now show up as connected during setup.

 

Troubleshooting

If you're unable to get connected, cannot pair your Cricut device, or it's not listed when you attempt to pair it, you may be experiencing an issue related to one of the scenarios below. Select an option for troubleshooting steps. 

 

General Bluetooth Connection Troubleshooting

Most issues with getting your machine connected to Design Space via Bluetooth can be resolved with these basic steps: 

  1. Unpair Cricut machine from all devices. (If you use it with Design Space on multiple devices, a connection to one of those other devices may be interfering.)
  2. Unplug Cricut machine from power. 
  3. Restart your computer or mobile device. 
  4. Plug Cricut machine back in and power it on.
  5. Move Cricut machine so it is within 15 feet (4.5 m) of your computer or mobile device.
  6. Ensure computer or mobile device's Wi-Fi is on. 
  7. Ensure computer or mobile device's Bluetooth is on. 
  8. Make sure Design Space is updated to the latest version. 
  9. Re-pair your Cricut machine to your device.
  10. Re-attempt product setup or making your project.

If you need further assistance, contact Member Care. 

 

Windows 11 - Bluetooth Devices Discovery Issues

A recent Windows update may affect the functionality of Bluetooth devices on Windows 11 systems. The update in question is: “2023-06 Cumulative Update for Windows 11 Version 22H2 for x64-based Systems (KB5027231)”.

After installing this update, members may encounter difficulties in discovering or pairing Bluetooth devices, including Cricut devices and other peripherals like Bluetooth headphones. Even devices that are turned on and ready to pair may not appear as available options when attempting to add a Bluetooth device through the Windows system.

To resolve this:

  1. Open open Bluetooth settings and select View more devices.

    windows 11 Bluetooth devices page.png

  2. Then, in Bluetooth devices discovery change the setting from Default to Advanced.

    W11 BT Discovery.jpg

 

macOS Sonoma - How to allow Bluetooth

If you are unable to pair your Cricut device, or it is not listed when you attempt to pair it to your computer running macOS Sonoma (i.e., macOS 14.0, 14.1, 14.2), follow the instructions below to allow Cricut Design Space to use Bluetooth on your computer. 

Note: If you see your Cricut device listed in Bluetooth settings under My Devices but it shows "Not connected," the device is actually paired but is not currently in use.  

  1. Navigate to System Settings. To do this, either select the System Settings icon on the Dock, or  select the Apple menu in the top left of the screen, then System Settings. 
  2. Next, select Privacy & Security > Bluetooth > Applications.
  3. In the area labeled "Allow applications below to use Bluetooth," toggle the switch next to Cricut Design Space ON. 

    image (30).jpg

 

"Connect to Computer via Bluetooth" - Cricut Maker 3/Cricut Explore 3 and Windows AMD Ryzen chip

If you encounter the “Connect to Computer via Bluetooth” screen during the setup process for Cricut Maker 3 or Cricut Explore 3, this is because Design Space has detected an AMD Ryzen chip on your computer. There is a known issue with certain Windows AMD Ryzen chips that cause problems with USB connectivity. For these computers, we recommend using a Bluetooth connection for an optimal experience. Follow these steps to connect over Bluetooth. 

OOB_Connect_to_computer.jpg

 

Note: If you're setting up a Cricut Maker 3 or Cricut Explore 3 machine using a Windows computer with an AMD Ryzen chip, we strongly recommend using a Bluetooth connection while using Design Space. If you still want to use USB as your primary connection, we recommend using this USB hub with your computer:

•  j5create 7-Port USB 3.0 Hub

 

Enable Bluetooth - Cricut Explore 3 Machines

If your Cricut Explore 3 machine does not show up as an available device to pair via Bluetooth, follow the steps below to ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your machine.  

Important: If your computer is running Windows 11 and your Cricut machine does not show up as an available device to pair, you may be experiencing a Bluetooth discovery issue related to a Windows 11 update. Visit this help article for assistance: Windows 11 - Bluetooth Devices Discovery Issues.

  1. Connect your Cricut Explore 3 to the computer via USB cable.

  2. Open Command Prompt:
    • Open the Start menu or screen and type "CMD" or "Command Prompt" in the search field and select Open.

      mceclip4.png

  3. Once in the Command Prompt window, type:

    cd %HOMEPATH%\AppData\Local\Programs\"Cricut Design Space"\resources\plugins\device-common\

    mceclip5.png

  4. Then type:

     .\CricutDevice --fixbluetooth

    mceclip6.png

  5. Open Bluetooth settings in Devices and your Cricut Explore 3 machine will now appear.
  1. Connect your Cricut Explore 3 to the computer via USB cable.

  2. Open Terminal. To find it, open Applications > Utilities.

    mceclip1.png

  3. Type the following:

    cd /Applications/Cricut\ Design\ Space.app/Contents/Resources/plugins/device-common/

  4. Then type:

    ./CricutDevice --fixbluetooth

  5. You should then see the following screen (with your details):

    mceclip2.png

5. Open Bluetooth settings in Devices and your Cricut Explore 3 machine will now appear.

 

How to forget/unpair/remove a Bluetooth device

Follow the steps below to remove/forget a Bluetooth device from your Windows/Mac Computer or iOS/Android device for troubleshooting purposes.

  1. Open Start menu and select Settings.
  2. Open Devices option.



  3. Select the device you want to remove and click Remove Device and confirm your action.

    Untitled.png
  1. Go to Apple Menu > System Preferences.



  2. Then click Bluetooth.



  3. Hover the pointer over the device you want to remove.
  4. Then click the X button that appears next to the device's name.

  1. Open Settings > Bluetooth.
  2. Click on the "i" near the device that you want to remove/forget.
  3. Based on the current status of the device, you'll get the option Forget This Device.

  1. Open Settings > Bluetooth in your Android device.

    Setting_Android.jpg

  2. If your Bluetooth is off, tap it to turn it on.
  3. Tap the gear icon next to your Cricut machine displayed in the list.

    Screenshot_20181031-221559.png

  4. Click Forget.

    Screenshot_20181031-221613.png

Note: The process might vary slightly based on your device and operating system version. After you remove/forget a Bluetooth device, you'll have to repeat the pairing process if you want to use it again.

Need more help? Contact Cricut Member Care.

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