Before you learn ‘how to set up Cricut Explore Air 2‘, it’s helpful to understand its capabilities. This machine is an amazing crafting tool that can cut a variety of materials on a cutting mat. Cricut mats have an adhesive area with the right grip to hold the material in place during cutting, which allows you to remove them easily when finished. If you want to make 3D paper crafts or stick vinyl work on anything you’ve ever owned, this machine is perfect for you.
Let’s get started!
Unbox Your Cricut Explore Machine
Ensure the items listed below are included in the packaging. These items are necessary to set up the cutting machine. After unwrapping, you’ll find the following items:
- Cricut Explore Air 2 machine
- Power cord
- USB cord
- Premium Fine-Point Blade + Blade Housing (pre-installed in the B clamp)
- Fine Point pen, Black
- Light grip cutting mat (12 in x 12 in (30.5 cm x 30.5 cm)
- Welcome book
- Quick start guide
- Materials for the test cut
- Free trial membership to Cricut Access (for new subscribers)
Note: Several kits are available, such as a tools kit, a vinyl starter kit, the ultimate kit, and premium vinyl. So, you may receive a few extra items within the product packaging.
How to Setup Cricut Explore Air 2 on Windows?
Setting up a Cricut machine on Windows offers several advantages, including:
- Access to the full suite of Cricut Design Space features
- Offline capabilities and access to projects even without an internet connection.
Now, it’s time to set up your crafting machine.
- Power on your Cricut Machine and place it near your device.
- Next, navigate to cricut.com/setup in your web browser.
- Once you open up the Cricut Design Space, click on your account.
- Go to Settings and click Machines.
- Then, click on the Set up a cutting machine or New Product Setup option.
- Next, select Cricut Explore Air 2 from the options available.
- Now, it prompts you with a basic setup guide.
- In the next step, you can choose either USB or Bluetooth to connect your Cricut machine.
Method 1: Through Bluetooth
If you choose Bluetooth, follow the instructions below to connect your machine via Bluetooth:
- Before connecting via Bluetooth, please turn off your Bluetooth and then turn it on again.
- Check nearby devices.
- After a short while, you’ll see your machine on the list.
- Select Cricut Explore Air 2 from the list that appeared on the screen
- Now, you will see that your machine is connected to your computer.
Note: If you’re using Windows 11, ensure your Bluetooth settings are turned on for proper connectivity.
Method 2: Using a USB Cable
If you have opted for the USB option, then follow the instructions given below to connect your machine via USB:
- Connect one end of your USB cable to the Cricut machine and the other to your computer, then click Continue.
- Once connected, it will show that the Cricut Explore Machine is connected.
- After that, click I Agree to the terms and conditions.
You have successfully connected your Cricut Explore machine to your computer.
How to Setup Cricut Explore Air 2 on Mac?
To run Cricut Design Space on a Mac, your computer must meet the system requirements, which are as follows:
- Operating system: macOS 11 or later
- RAM: Minimum 4 GB
- CPU: 1.83 GHz
- Disk Space: At least 2 GB free
- Connection: An available USB port or Bluetooth connection
- Display: Minimum 1024px x 768px screen resolution
- Internet Connection: High-speed for downloading and using the ‘Cricut Design Space Software‘.
Follow the steps given below to connect your Cricut Explore machine with your Mac:
- Make sure the machine is powered on and within the range of 10-15 feet of your computer.
- On your Mac, open the Apple menu and select System Preferences.
- Select Bluetooth and wait for your device to detect your machine.
- Once your Cricut Machine Model is found, click on it.
- If prompted for a PIN, enter 0000 and select OK.
Your Cricut Explore Air 2 Machine is now paired with your Mac computer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Use Cricut Design Space Without Downloading It?
No, you cannot use it on your Windows. However, you can use it on the mobile app on iOS or Android offline. But you need to connect to the internet, download, and install the application. Sign in with your Cricut ID and password. Then, you can download any projects, images, and fonts you wish to use while offline.
Can I Use My Own Designs With Cricut Explore Air 2?
Cricut’s software, Design Space, is where you create and upload your designs. You can absolutely use your own designs with a Cricut Explore Air 2 by uploading them to Design Space and then cutting them out with your machine. Once uploaded, you can use tools to edit, resize, and manipulate your designs and cut them out with your machine.
Why Is My Cricut Maker Not Connecting?
A machine failing to connect can stem from various issues, including:
- Ensure your computer recognizes your machine and that the drivers are up-to-date. You may need to download & install the USB drivers manually.
- Ensure your phone, computer, or tablet meets the minimum requirements for running Cricut Design Space.
- Confirm that your Windows firewall is not blocking the connection between your machine and your computer.
- Make sure Cricut Design Space is up-to-date.
- Restart both your computer and the Cricut Machine.
Why Won’t My Cricut Connect to My Computer?
If your crafting machine isn’t connecting to your computer, you can try the following steps:
- Make sure your machine and computer are both powered on and within 10-15 feet of each other.
- If using Bluetooth, ensure it’s turned on and your machine is in discoverable mode.
- Make sure you have the latest version of Cricut Design Space.
- Unpair and re-pair it.
- Check if the Windows Firewall is blocking any kind of connection.
- Restart both your machine and your computer.