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Install Design Space and Connect your Cricut to your Phone and Computer

Hello Daydreamers!

In today’s tutorial, you’re going to learn how to pair your Cricut and Install Cricut Design Space to your Computer or Phone. I will be covering instructions for Mac, Windows, Android, iOS.

No matter what device you have, I got you covered!

If you have an older Laptop, Mac, iPhone, or Android device (4/5+ years), make sure to check out to see if you have all the requirements to install the software.

In the past, Cricut used to have an “Online” version, and you needed to have Internet. Once you download the App, you can use it offline from your Desktop and iOS device (NOT ANDROID).

There are three vital steps when connecting and setting up your Cricut no matter what device you have.

  1. Installing Design Space App
  2. Connecting the machine to your device
  3. Setting Up your machine with your Cricut Account.

The first two steps look different on each device because each operative system is different. However, pairing your machine to your Cricut Accounts will be quite similar because you’re using the same interface.

Since I don’t want to be repetitive, I will have screenshots for each device (Windows, Mac, Android, iOS) for the first two steps. Then I will have a third step that will join the other two steps.

Tip: Once you are done with the first two-steps on your device, click on “Jump to Setting Up Machine to Cricut Account,” so you don’t have to scroll to the end.

Install Design Space and Pair to Windows Laptop/Desktop Computer

Before the process starts, make sure your Cricut Machine is on and 10 to 15 feet away for your device.

If using a USB cable, you need to be closer.

Install Design Space on Windows

Installing Design Space on windows is quite easy!

First, open your website browser and go to https://design.cricut.com/#/launcher.

Click on “download” to save the software to your computer.

When a file is downloading from the Internet, you can open it directly from the bottom of your browser. Click on it when the download is complete.

When a file is downloading from the Internet, you can open it directly from the bottom of your browser. Click on it when the download is complete.

When the installation is complete, a new window will open on your computer.

Before you start having fun with your machine you need to connect it to your computer.

Connect Cricut to Windows PC

Pairing your Cricut with a Windows operative system is quite easy!

There are two options:

  • If using any of the Explore or Maker machines, you can connect the USB cable to your laptop at any time without doing any extra steps.
  • If your machine and computer are Bluetooth capable (Explore Air, Explore Air 2, Maker, Joy), you can connect them via Bluetooth.

Important: The Cricut Joy machine only connects via Bluetooth. Also, if you have a Cricut Explore One, you will need a Bluetooth adapter to be able to use it with your PC via Bluetooth

To pair your machine via Bluetooth, you need to open the “Windows Settings.”

If you don’t know where to find them, simply type in “Bluetooth” on the search box next to the “Task Bar.”

Once on “Settings,” go to “Bluetooth & other devices” and click on “Bluetooth or other devices.” For this to work, your Bluetooth needs to be On.

A small window will pop up. Select “Bluetooth.”

Select your Cricut machine (remember it has to be on).

If you are asked for a PIN, type in 0000 (no matter what machine you have) and click on Connect.

That’s it!

Your Cricut is now paired to your computer and ready to use.

Jump to Setting Up Machine to Cricut Account

Install Design Space and Pair Cricut to Macbook

Before the process starts, make sure your Cricut Machine is on and 10 to 15 feet away for your device.

If using a USB cable, you need to be closer.

Install Design Space on Macbook

If you have a Macbook, here are the steps to install and pair your Cricut machine.

First, open your website browser and go to https://design.cricut.com/#/launcher.

Click on “download” to save the software to your Mac.

The file will appear at the bottom of your browser. Click on it when the download is complete.

If the file isn’t showing at the bottom of your browser, open the “Downloads Folder,” and once you locate the file, double click on it to start the installation process.

A small window with the Cricut logo and the Applications icon will open. Click on Cricut’s logo and drag it to the Applications folder.

After dragging, the Apps folder will open. Click on “Cricut Design Space” to launch the software.

A warning will appear on your Mac. If you downloaded the software from Cricut’s website, click on “Open.”

Never, ever, download Design Space from a random website.

A new window will open, prompting you to set up your machine and log into Cricut Design Space.

Before you move forward, you need to pair your Cricut to your Mac.

Connect Cricut to Macbook

Pairing your Cricut to your Macbook is very simple!

There are two options:

  • If using any of the Explore or Maker machines, you can connect the USB cable to your laptop at any time without doing any extra steps.
  • If your machine and computer are Bluetooth capable (Explore Air, Explore Air 2, Maker, Joy), you can connect them via Bluetooth.

Important: The Cricut Joy machine only connects via Bluetooth. Also, if you have a Cricut Explore One, you will need a Bluetooth adapter to be able to use it with your Mac via Bluetooth.

On the upper-right corner of your PC, click on the “Bluetooth” icon and select “Open Bluetooth Preferences.”

A small window will open.

If your Bluetooth is off, go ahead and turn it on so your Mac can look for your Cricut Machine.

Note: Remember your machine needs to be on.

When your device appears on the Bluetooth window, select it, and click on “Connect.” (sometimes it says pair).

If you are asked for a PIN, type in 0000 (no matter what machine you have) and click on Connect.

Isn’t it easy?

Your Cricut is now paired to your Mac and ready to use.

Jump to Setting Up Machine to Cricut Account

Install Design Space and Pair Cricut to iPhone/iPad

Before the process starts, make sure your Cricut Machine is on and 10 to 15 feet away from your iPhone/iPad.

Note: If you have a Cricut Explore One, you will need a Bluetooth adapter to use it with your phone.

Install Design Space on iPhone/iPad

To install Design Space on your iOS device, start by opening the “App Store” and type in “Cricut Design Space” on the search box.

Once it shows in the search, tap in the little cloud icon to download to your phone.

When the download is complete, tap on open to launch the App.

Before you continue, with the “Machine Setup,” you need to pair your Cricut to your iPhone/iPad.

Connect Cricut to iPhone/iPad

To pair your Cricut machine, tap on “Settings” and select “Bluetooth.”

Turn-On your Bluetooth setting if it’s off so your phone can look for your device.

Remember, your Cricut needs to be on.

Your machine will appear underneath “My Devices;” tap on it to connect it to your phone.

If you are asked for a PIN, type in 0000 (no matter what machine you have).

Go back to the App to set up your machine.

Jump to Setting Up Machine to Cricut Account

Install Design Space and Pair Cricut to Android Phone/Tablet

Before the process starts, make sure your Cricut Machine is 10 to 15 feet away from your Android device.

Note: If you have a Cricut Explore One, you will need a Bluetooth adapter to be able to use it with your phone.

Install Design Space on Android Devices

To install Design Space on your Android device, start by opening the “Play Store” and type in “Cricut Design Space” on the search box.

Once it shows in the search, tap on “Install.”

When the download is complete, tap on open to launch the App.

Before you continue, with the “Machine Setup,” you need to pair your Cricut to your phone.

Connect Cricut to Android Device

To pair your Cricut machine, tap on “Settings” and select “Device Connection.”

Make sure to “Enable Bluetooth” so your phone can look for your Cricut Machine.

Remember, your Cricut needs to be turned on.

Your machine will appear underneath “Available Devices;” tap on it to connect it to your phone.

If you are asked for a PIN, type in 0000 (no matter what machine you have) and click on Connect.

Go back to the App to set up your machine.

Jump to Setting Up Machine to Cricut Account

Setting Up Machine to Cricut Account

Once you install Design Space and Pair it to your device, you need to log in so you can start using your machine.

As you can see below, this process is pretty much identical, no matter what device you have.

If you are 100% new, I recommend you click/tap on “Machine Setup.”

On the Cricut Setup screenshot, you will be prompted to choose the machine you want to pair.

At this point, you should’ve connected your machine via USB or Bluetooth to your PC, Mac, or phone.

Note: You won’t have the EasyPress 2 option on either iOS or Android devices.

Fill out the information to create a Cricut ID. If you already have one, click on “Sign In.”

With this ID you log in on both desktop or phone app, and you can also sign in in cricut.com to purchase new machines, materials, etc.

On the “Get Connected” window, Cricut will proceed to tell you how to connect your machine (we already did this process).

Your machine should appear connected.

Click on continue.

Now, you can test a cut. I recommend you do this. Cricut will prompt you to choose and image, and it will also walk you through the steps you need to take for making that first cut.

I clicked on “Skip.”

If working from a Mac/Windows PC, this is the interface you have.

If you buy another machine in the future, click on the little toggle on the upper-left corner to start a “New Machine Set Up.”

Read my full Cricut Design Space tutorial for Windows/Mac.

When working from a phone, this is the interface you’ll have. If you buy another machine in the future, tap on the upper-left corner pic to start a “New Machine Set Up.”

Read my full Cricut Design Space tutorial for iOS/Android users.

Wasn’t that easy?

Now you’re able to start crafting until your heart is content.

Sharing is Caring!

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial, tag me on Instagram (make sure to hit that follow button), so I can see your beautiful creations.

Oh!

And just so you know, I also have a library full of free SVG files and Printables for all my subscribers, a.k.a Daydreamers. You can see a preview right here or get access by filling out this form.

Debby Crisman

Monday 22nd of November 2021

I only have a samsung a01 phone & air 2 cricut . Will it work

Catalina

Sunday 6th of March 2022

Cricut has the app for Android users. It’s not as complete as their Desktop software though.

Lisa Matthews

Wednesday 28th of October 2020

OK. Don't make fun lol...but someone gave me a brand new, never been taken out of the box CRICUT EXPRESSION... I know it's old, but it's brand new and it was FREEEEE! So, I know absolutely NOTHING about it, but I've been reading a lot online and supposedly there's some way to get all the cartridges for free with some kind of software or something. I don't actually have a computer since I just use my phone for everything. Can anyone help me? I know my machine came off of "NOAH'S ARK", but like I said, it's BRAND NEW and FREE! Lol TIA

Catalina

Monday 9th of November 2020

I have no idea about older machines. I'll approve this comment, maybe someone else can help?

Have a lovely day!

Elizabeth

Tuesday 13th of October 2020

Please can anyone help!!! I've just purchased the cricut air 2, followed all setup instructions but cannot see any menu option on home page, no header bar or footer either. I did the sample cut. I have no other instructions to follow. My canvas page is only just that... a canvas. Please instruct me if you can

Catalina

Wednesday 21st of October 2020

Check out my Cricut Design Space tutorial.

Amy G

Wednesday 9th of September 2020

Our school was super blessed to get a brand new cricut maker! I have the first model of cricut personal cutter, so this is all foreign territory... what our staff wants to know is can multiple computers pair with the same cricut machine?

Catalina

Wednesday 16th of September 2020

I don't see why you can't. I think you would all need the same Cricut Account though.

Wendy

Sunday 23rd of August 2020

Hi Is it possible to use the Cricut explore one without the Bluetooth and just connect to computer with the cables please. Thank you ????

Catalina

Wednesday 26th of August 2020

Yes, you can! Just connect the USB cable to the machine and then to your laptop and you're good to go!