How do I set up my Cricut Explore or Cricut Maker machine?

Completing machine setup automatically registers the machine to your account. To set up your Cricut Explore, Explore One, Explore Air, Explore Air 2, or Cricut Maker machine, follow these steps:

Windows/Mac Setup

1. Plug in the machine and power it on.
2. Connect the machine to your computer with the USB cord or pair it via Bluetooth.
3. Go to design.cricut.com/setup in your browser.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to sign in or create your Cricut ID.
5. Download and install the Design Space plugin when prompted (refer to the help article).
6. You will know the setup is complete when you are prompted to make your first project.

iOS/Android Setup

1. Plug in the machine and power it on.
2. Pair your Android or iOS device with Cricut machine via Bluetooth.
3. Download and install the Design Space app (refer to the help article).
4. Launch the app, then sign in or create a Cricut ID.
5. Tap the menu and select Machine Setup & App Overview.
6. Select New Machine Setup.
7. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete setup.
8. You will know the setup is complete when you are prompted to make your first project.

How do I pair my Cricut Explore or Cricut Maker machine via Bluetooth?

You can cut wirelessly using Cricut Maker and Cricut Explore machines via Bluetooth. Follow the steps below to pair them with your computer or mobile device:

Note: Cricut Explore and Cricut Explore One require a Wireless Bluetooth Adapter to cut wirelessly.

Pairing with Windows

1. Ensure your Cricut Explore or Cricut Maker machine is powered on and within 10-15 feet of your computer. If you have a Cricut Explore or Cricut Explore One, ensure that your Wireless Bluetooth Adapter is inserted.
2. Most computers are Bluetooth enabled. To determine whether your computer is Bluetooth enabled, right-click on the Start button and select Device Manager.
3. If 'Bluetooth' is listed under Device Manager, your computer is Bluetooth enabled. If not, you will need to purchase a USB device called a Bluetooth Dongle to enable your computer to communicate with other Bluetooth devices.
4. Close Device Manager.
5. Open the Start menu and select Settings ⚙️.
6. Open the Devices option.
7. Ensure that Bluetooth is ON and click Add Bluetooth or other device +.
8. Select Bluetooth and wait for the computer to detect your Cricut machine. Select your machine from the list.
9. If you're prompted to enter a PIN, type 0000. Then select Connect.
10. Your Cricut Maker or Cricut Explore is now paired with your Windows computer!

Note: The steps and screenshots are applicable only for Windows 10. For other Windows OS versions, please contact Member Care.

Tip: It is normal for Cricut Maker or Cricut Explore machines to show up as 'Audio' in the list. You can identify your machine by its device code, found on the bottom of the machine on the serial number tag.

Pairing with Mac

1. Ensure your Cricut Explore or Cricut Maker machine is powered on and within 10-15 feet of your computer. If you have a Cricut Explore or Cricut Explore One, ensure that your Wireless Bluetooth Adapter is inserted.
2. Most computers are Bluetooth enabled. To determine whether your Mac is Bluetooth enabled, open Apple Menu > System Preferences and look for the Bluetooth option ?.
3. Open the Bluetooth window. If Bluetooth is off, click the button to turn it on. Select your adapter/Bluetooth module name from the list.
4. Ensure your Cricut Explore or Cricut Maker machine is powered on and within 10-15 feet of your mobile device. If you have a Cricut Explore or Cricut Explore One, ensure that your Wireless Bluetooth Adapter is inserted.
5. Select Pair. When prompted, type the PIN code 0000 and select Pair.
6. Pairing is now complete.

Note: The Mac computer will not always show "Connected" unless the program is communicating with the machine during a cut.

Tip: It is normal for Cricut Maker or Cricut Explore machines to show up as 'Audio' in the list. You can identify your machine by its device code, found on the bottom of the machine on the serial number tag.

Pairing with iOS/Android

1. Ensure your Cricut Maker or Cricut Explore machine is powered on and within 10-15 feet of your mobile device. If you have a Cricut Explore or Cricut Explore One, ensure that your Wireless Bluetooth Adapter is inserted.
2. Open Settings > Bluetooth ?.
3. If Bluetooth is off, tap it to turn it on.
4. Select your adapter/Bluetooth module name from the list (you will find the name of your adapter in your packaging materials).
5. When prompted, type PIN 0000, then select OK.
6. Pairing is now complete.

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 through one of the options below.

Tip: It is normal for Cricut Maker or Cricut Explore machines to show up as 'Audio' in the list. You can identify your machine by its device code, found on the bottom of the machine on the serial number tag.