Edited: July 28, 2026
Use the information below to get your Cricut machine connected to your device or troubleshoot connection issues.
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.
Bluetooth Connection & Troubleshooting
Important: Connection instructions vary by machine model. Machines using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) should NOT be manually paired in Bluetooth system settings.
Select your machine in the drop-down below to view the correct steps to get your machine connected or troubleshoot connection issues.
Getting connected
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.
- Ensure your Cricut machine is powered on and within 10-15 feet of your computer.
- From your Start menu, select Settings (gear icon) and then open the Devices option.
- Ensure that Bluetooth is ON and click Add Bluetooth or other device.
- 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.) - Your Cricut machine is now paired for Bluetooth connection!
- 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 Windows 11 - Bluetooth Devices Discovery Issues for assistance. If you have a different Windows version and need help, please contact Member Care.
Troubleshooting
Select an issue below for help troubleshooting Bluetooth connection:
General Bluetooth Connection Troubleshooting
Most issues with getting your machine connected to Design Space via Bluetooth can be resolved with these basic steps:
- 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.)
- Unplug Cricut machine from power.
- Restart your computer or mobile device.
- Plug Cricut machine back in and power it on.
- Move Cricut machine so it is within 15 feet (4.5 m) of your computer or mobile device.
- Ensure computer or mobile device's Wi-Fi is on.
- Ensure computer or mobile device's Bluetooth is on.
- Make sure Design Space is updated to the latest version.
- Re-pair your Cricut machine to your device.
- Re-attempt product setup or making your project.
If you need further assistance, contact Member Care.
Cricut Bluetooth ID not shown in Bluetooth devices list - Cricut Explore 4/Maker 4
If your Cricut Explore 4 or Cricut Maker 4 machine's specific Bluetooth ID (i.e., [Explore4 - XXXX]), is not listed with Bluetooth devices on your Windows or Mac computer, it is possible the computer is displaying it as "Bluetooth Device" or "Generic" instead. Simply click "Connect" next to one of these. Once the machine is successfully connected, the list on the computer will display the proper Bluetooth ID.
Note: If you don't see these options in your Bluetooth device list on Windows 11 ensure your computer is set to allow/discover Bluetooth. See Bluetooth Devices Discovery Issues (Windows 11)
Bluetooth Devices Discovery Issues (Windows 11)
A 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:
- Open open Bluetooth settings and select View more devices.
- Then, in Bluetooth devices discovery change the setting from Default to Advanced.
Cricut Explore 3 does not show up in list of available Bluetooth devices
If your Cricut Explore 3 machine does not show up as an available device to pair via Bluetooth on your computer, 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 section for assistance: Bluetooth Devices Discovery Issues (Windows 11).
How to forget/unpair/remove a Bluetooth device
Follow the steps below to remove/forget a Bluetooth device from your device for troubleshooting purposes.
- Open Start menu and select Settings.
- Open Devices option.
- Select the device you want to remove and click Remove Device and confirm your action.
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 Member Care.
Back to platform selection
Getting connected
Important: If your computer is running macOS Sonoma (14) and later and you're experiencing issues with pairing your Cricut device via Bluetooth, visit this section for assistance: How to allow Bluetooth on macOS Sonoma (14) and later.
- Ensure your Cricut machine is powered on and within 10-15 feet of your computer.
- From the Apple Menu, select System Preferences and look for the Bluetooth option.
- 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.)
- Your Cricut machine is now paired for Bluetooth connection!
- Return to Design Space and New Product Setup. Your Cricut machine should now show up as connected during setup.
Troubleshooting
Select an issue below for help troubleshooting Bluetooth connection:
General Bluetooth Connection Troubleshooting
Most issues with getting your machine connected to Design Space via Bluetooth can be resolved with these basic steps:
- 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.)
- Unplug Cricut machine from power.
- Restart your computer or mobile device.
- Plug Cricut machine back in and power it on.
- Move Cricut machine so it is within 15 feet (4.5 m) of your computer or mobile device.
- Ensure computer or mobile device's Wi-Fi is on.
- Ensure computer or mobile device's Bluetooth is on.
- Make sure Design Space is updated to the latest version.
- Re-pair your Cricut machine to your device.
- Re-attempt product setup or making your project.
Cricut Bluetooth ID not shown in Bluetooth devices list - Cricut Explore 4/Maker 4
If your Cricut Explore 4 or Cricut Maker 4 machine's specific Bluetooth ID (i.e., [Explore4 - XXXX]), is not listed with Bluetooth devices on your Windows or Mac computer, it is possible the computer is displaying it as "Bluetooth Device" or "Generic" instead. Simply click "Connect" next to one of these. Once the machine is successfully connected, the list on the computer will display the proper Bluetooth ID.
Note: If you don't see these options in your Bluetooth device list on Windows 11 or macOS Sonoma (14) (and later) computer, ensure your computer is set to allow/discover Bluetooth. See How to allow Bluetooth on macOS Sonoma (14) and later.
How to allow Bluetooth on macOS Sonoma (14) and later
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 (14) and later, 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.
- 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.
- Next, select Privacy & Security > Bluetooth > Applications.
- In the area labeled "Allow applications below to use Bluetooth," toggle the switch next to Cricut Design Space ON.
- If your device still does not appear in the list - even as "Bluetooth Device" or "Generic" - it is possible an existing Bluetooth connection on the computer is corrupted and preventing any other Bluetooth device connection. To resolve this, remove all Bluetooth devices from the computer:
- Navigate to System Settings > Bluetooth.
- In the list of My Devices, click the 'i' next to a device and choose Forget This Device. Confirm the action.
- Complete this step for every device under My Devices.
- Then, attempt to pair the Cricut machine again.
How to forget/unpair/remove a Bluetooth device
Follow the steps below to remove/forget a Bluetooth device from your device for troubleshooting purposes.
- Go to Apple Menu > System Preferences.
- Then click Bluetooth.
- Hover the pointer over the device you want to remove.
- Then click the X button that appears next to the device's name.
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 Member Care.
Back to platform selection
Getting Connected
- Ensure your Cricut machine is powered on and within 10-15 feet of your mobile device.
- Open Settings and then Bluetooth.
- 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.)
- Your Cricut machine is now paired for Bluetooth connection!
- Return to Design Space and New Product Setup. Your Cricut machine should now show up as connected during setup.
Troubleshooting
Select an issue below for help troubleshooting Bluetooth connection:
General Bluetooth Connection Troubleshooting
Most issues with getting your machine connected to Design Space via Bluetooth can be resolved with these basic steps:
- 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.)
- Unplug Cricut machine from power.
- Restart your mobile device.
- Plug Cricut machine back in and power it on.
- Move Cricut machine so it is within 15 feet (4.5 m) of your or mobile device.
- Ensure mobile device's Wi-Fi is on.
- Ensure mobile device's Bluetooth is on.
- Make sure Design Space is updated to the latest version.
- Re-pair your Cricut machine to your device.
- Re-attempt product setup or making your project.
How to forget/unpair/remove a Bluetooth device
Follow the steps below to remove/forget a Bluetooth device from your device for troubleshooting purposes.
- Open Settings > Bluetooth.
- Click on the "i" near the device that you want to remove/forget.
- Based on the current status of the device, you'll get the option Forget This Device.
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 Member Care.
Back to platform selection
Getting Connected
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.
- Ensure your Cricut machine is powered on and within 10-15 feet of your mobile device.
- Open Settings and then Bluetooth.
- 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.)
- Your Cricut machine is now paired for Bluetooth connection!
- 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.
Troubleshooting
Select an issue below for help troubleshooting Bluetooth connection:
General Bluetooth Connection Troubleshooting
Most issues with getting your machine connected to Design Space via Bluetooth can be resolved with these basic steps:
- 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.)
- Unplug Cricut machine from power.
- Restart your mobile device.
- Plug Cricut machine back in and power it on.
- Move Cricut machine so it is within 15 feet (4.5 m) of your mobile device.
- Ensure mobile device's Wi-Fi is on.
- Ensure mobile device's Bluetooth is on.
- Make sure Design Space is updated to the latest version.
- Re-pair your Cricut machine to your device.
- Re-attempt product setup or making your project.
Loss of ability to connect via Bluetooth (Google Pixel 8 Devices)
A known issue with Google Pixel 8 devices may cause Cricut Explore 4 or Cricut Maker 4 users to lose the ability to connect via Bluetooth, despite a successful connection initially. If this happens, there are two workarounds that may allow you to continue making projects from your Google Pixel 8 device.
Option 1
Go to Settings > Apps > See all apps > Tap 3 dots (top right) > Show System > Bluetooth legacy > Storage & Cache > Clear cache.
Option 2
Try resetting the Bluetooth settings on your device:
Go to Settings > System > Reset options > Reset Bluetooth & Wi-Fi
Be advised that this option will wipe all Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections made previously; you will need to reconnect speakers, TVs, cars, Cricut machine, Wi-Fi, etc.
How to forget/unpair/remove a Bluetooth device
Follow the steps below to remove/forget a Bluetooth device from your device for troubleshooting purposes.
- Open Settings > Bluetooth in your Android device.
- If your Bluetooth is off, tap it to turn it on.
- Tap the gear icon next to your Cricut machine displayed in the list.
- Click Forget.
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 Member Care.
Back to platform selection
Getting connected
This machine uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) which is designed to connect it to your device automatically when it is powered on and in range.
- Ensure your Cricut machine is powered on and within 10-15 feet of your computer.
- In Design Space, select the machine picker icon in the upper right. Machines that are powered on and within range will be shown in the list.
- Select your machine’s Bluetooth ID from the list (you can find your machine’s Bluetooth ID printed on the bottom of your machine). The ID is your machine model name, followed by a 4-character alpha-numeric ID (e.g., Explore 5 – B7DC).
- Design Space will connect with your machine, the machine picker will show “Connected” and a dot on the machine picker icon will be green, indicating the machine is ready to cut.
- If your machine has not yet completed the new product setup, or needs a firmware update, the machine picker will indicate this. Simply click the Setup or Update button to proceed.
Troubleshooting Bluetooth Connections
Most issues with getting your machine connected to Design Space via Bluetooth (BLE) can be resolved with these basic steps:
→ Disconnect machine from any other instances of Design Space
If you have used your Cricut machine with another computer or mobile device, open the machine picker in Design Space on that device and select your machine.
Then, select the three dots and choose “Disconnect.” Then attempt to connect again on the desired device.
→ Power cycle the Cricut machine
Unplug Cricut machine from power, wait a few moments, then plug it back in to power it on. Once powered on, click “Try Again” in the Design Space machine picker.
→ Quit & relaunch Design Space
If connection still fails, quit the Design Space application. Then, relaunch Design Space, select the machine picker, and select your machine again.
→ Is Bluetooth On?
If connection fails again, check your device’s system Bluetooth settings to ensure Bluetooth is turned on (do not try to pair the Cricut device, just ensure Bluetooth is on).
Mac
Windows
If connection issues persist, contact Member Care for further assistance.
Back to platform selection
Getting connected
- Ensure your Cricut machine is powered on and within 10-15 feet of your mobile device.
- In Design Space, select the machine picker icon in the upper left. Machines that are powered on and within range will be shown in the list.
- Select your machine’s Bluetooth ID from the list (you can find your machine’s Bluetooth ID printed on the bottom of your machine). The ID is your machine model name, followed by a 4-character alpha-numeric ID (e.g., Explore 5 – B7DC).
- Design Space will connect with your machine, the machine picker will show “Connected” and a dot on the machine picker icon will be green, indicating the machine is ready to cut.
- If your machine has not yet completed the new product setup, or needs a firmware update, the machine picker will indicate this. Simply click the Setup or Update button to proceed.
Troubleshooting
Most issues with getting your machine connected to Design Space via Bluetooth (BLE) can be resolved with these basic steps:
→ Disconnect machine from any other instances of Design Space
If you have used your Cricut machine with another computer or mobile device, open the machine picker in Design Space on that device and select your machine. Then, select the three dots and choose “Disconnect.” Then attempt to connect again on the desired device.
→ Power cycle the Cricut machine
Unplug Cricut machine from power, wait a few moments, then plug it back in to power it on. Once powered on, click “Try Again” in the Design Space machine picker.
→ Quit & relaunch Design Space
If connection still fails, quit the Design Space application. Then, relaunch Design Space, select the machine picker, and select your machine again.
→ Is Bluetooth On?
If connection fails again, check your device’s system Bluetooth settings to ensure Bluetooth is turned on (do not try to pair the Cricut device, just ensure Bluetooth is on).
Menu navigation may vary based on your device and OS version. Generally, navigate to Settings > Bluetooth, and ensure the toggle is in the “on” position.
iOS
Android
If connection issues persist, contact Member Care for further assistance.
Back to platform selection
Connection Help
When using Cricut AutoPress 2 with the Heat Guide in the Design Space mobile app, if your heat press disconnects unexpectedly and attempts to reconnect through Design Space are unsuccessful, follow the steps below.
- Restart the Design Space app (force close the app, then relaunch it). Attempt your project again. If connection issues persist, proceed to Step 2.
- Open device Settings and select Bluetooth. Turn Bluetooth off, then turn it back on. Attempt your project in Design Space again. If the issue persists, proceed to Step 3.
- Power cycle your heat press:
- Power heat press off.
- Disconnect power cord from the wall outlet.
- Wait for the indicator light to turn off, then continue to wait for 30 seconds.
- Reconnect power cord to wall outlet.
- Power heat press back on.
- Attempt your project again. If the issue persists, proceed to Step 4.
- Uninstall the Design Space app. Then, reinstall the app and attempt your project.
If connection issues persist after completing these steps, contact Member Care for assistance.
Allow permission for Design Space to use Bluetooth
If you see a prompt stating that the Design Space app would like to use Bluetooth or find and connect to nearby devices, tap the option to allow. This lets the Design Space mobile app communicate with your Cricut AutoPress 2.
If you accidentally tap “Don’t Allow”, you can update your choice in your device settings:
iOS
- Go to your device Settings.
- Tap Privacy & Security.
- Tap Bluetooth.
- In the list of apps, find Design Space and ensure the toggle is on.
Android
- Go to your device Settings.
- Tap Apps or Apps & Notifications.
- Find Cricut Design Space in the list of apps (tap See all apps if needed).
- Tap Permissions.
- Tap Nearby devices.
- Select Allow.
Attempt your project again. If the connection issue persists, uninstall the app, then reinstall it. Then, when presented with the request to allow Design Space to use Bluetooth, tap OK.
USB Connection & Troubleshooting
*Note: Cricut Joy, Cricut Joy 2, Cricut Joy Xtra, and Cricut AutoPress 2 connect via Bluetooth only (Cricut AutoPress 2 can connect with the Heat Guide in the Design Space mobile app or be used standalone).
Getting Connected
If your Cricut machine comes with a USB cable, you can use this cable to connect your Cricut machine to your computer.
- Connect one end of the cable to your computer, and the other end to the USB port on the back of your Cricut machine.
- If you do not have the required USB port on your computer you may need an adapter, or you can simply connect using Bluetooth.
- Make sure your Cricut machine is powered on. The indicator button on the machine should be lit up and white.
Return to Design Space and New Product Setup. Your machine should now show up as connected during setup.
Troubleshooting USB Connections
If you see a “Connect to Computer via Bluetooth” message during new product setup, your Windows computer may be using certain AMD Ryzen–based hardware that can affect USB connectivity. For these systems, Bluetooth offers a more consistent connection. Follow the steps below to connect over Bluetooth.
If you still want to use USB as your primary connection, you may need to connect your Cricut machine to your computer using a USB hub instead.
If connection issues persist, contact Member Care for further assistance.
The Windows 11 "Advanced Device Discovery" has changed. Now after they choose Add Device and then Bluetooth there is now just an option that says Show All Devices.
Just echoing Damien's comment that members will need to click "Show all devices" to see a Cricut machine. This step is not outlined in the Bluetooth connection for Windows. Without this step, the Cricut machine will not show up as an option regardless of any updates to the computer or troubleshooting.
We also need to fix some of the hyperlinks that used to point to other troubleshooting - i.e. Windows 11 devices discovery. This is currently broken due to our redesign of this article.