Have you ever opened a brand-new Cricut box and suddenly wondered, “What do I do first?” That mix of excitement and confusion is very real. The machine looks ready, but nothing has happened yet. Cables are sitting there, the power button lights up, and you are not sure what step comes next. That’s exactly where most Cricut beginners pause and start searching for help. This blog guides you through the ‘full Cricut setup‘ from start to finish, without rushing or skipping steps. You will learn how to turn on the machine, connect it to your mobile/computer, set up the Design Space app, and confirm that everything is ready, right up to your first test cut.
Things You Need Before Cricut Setup
Make sure you have all the items ready before starting the setup:
- First, keep your Cricut machine, power adapter, and cord nearby so you can turn it on easily.
- You’ll also need a computer or smartphone that can run the Design Space app, along with a good internet connection to download it.
- If you want to use a wired setup, have a USB cable ready; otherwise, use Bluetooth for a wireless connection.
- Also, keep a cutting mat, basic tools (weeder or scraper), and materials such as vinyl or cardstock for your first test cut.
Cricut Setup for Beginners
Once you have checked that you have everything you need, you can start setting up your machine.
- Place the machine on a flat surface with enough space in front and behind so the cutting mat can move freely.
- Next, take the Cricut machine out of the box and remove all protective packaging.
- Connect the ‘Power adapter‘ to the machine and plug it into a socket. Press the power button to turn it on.
How to Download and Install Cricut Design Space?
Once your Cricut machine is ready, install Cricut Design Space on your device. This is a free app that lets you design projects and send them to your machine. It works on Windows/Mac and iOS/Android devices.
On Windows
- Open a web browser and go to design.cricut.com/setup.
- Choose your machine model and agree to the terms of use and privacy policy.
- Click the ‘Download button’ and wait for the file to finish downloading.
- Open the file from your Downloads folder and allow the software to install.
- Once done, Sign In with your Cricut ID, and Cricut Design Space will be ready to use.
On Mac
- Visit design.cricut.com/setup using your browser and select your machine’s name.
- Agree to the terms and conditions and download the file.
- After the download completes, open the file and drag the Cricut Design Space icon into your Applications folder.
- Open the software, allow it to run, and “Sign in” or create an account.
On iPhone/iPad
- Open the ‘App Store‘ on your device and search for Cricut Design Space.
- After that, tap Get to install the app.
- Once installed, open it and “Sign In” or start the Cricut machine setup.
On Android
- Open the Play Store and search for ‘Cricut Design Space‘.
- Tap Install and wait for the app to download.
- After installation, open the app and ‘Sign in‘ to continue setup.
How to Connect Cricut Machine to a Computer or Phone?
After installing the ‘Cricut Design Space Software‘, connect your machine to your device and complete the setup. Cricut machines can connect via USB or Bluetooth.
Option 1: USB Connection
This method works for Maker, Explore, and Venture machines.
- Make sure your machine is powered on. The power button should light up.
- Plug one end of the USB cable into the back of the machine and the other end into your PC.
- If your computer does not have a USB port (common on some Macs), you may need an adapter, or you can switch to Bluetooth instead.
- Once connected, open Design Space and start the new product setup. Your machine should appear automatically as connected.
Note: Cricut Joy and Joy Xtra do not support USB connections and must be connected using Bluetooth.
Option 2: Bluetooth Connection
Note: Keep your machine within 10-15 feet of your operating system and make sure it is turned on.
On Windows
- Open Settings, go to Devices, and turn Bluetooth on.
- Select “Add Bluetooth or other device,” choose Bluetooth, and wait for your machine to appear in the list.
- Select it to pair. If asked for a code, enter 0000 (older models may require this).
On Mac
- Open System Settings from the Apple menu and select Bluetooth.
- Turn Bluetooth on and choose your machine model from the list.
- You can enter 0000 as the PIN code if prompted.
On iPhone/iPad
- Open Settings, tap Bluetooth, and make sure it is turned on.
- Select your machine from the available devices list.
- Enter the pairing code if requested.
On Android
- Go to ‘Settings’ and turn on ‘Bluetooth‘.
- Select your machine’s name from the given list.
- On newer Android versions, you need to allow Bluetooth permissions for Design Space in settings.
Once paired, return to ‘Cricut Design Space‘ and continue the new product setup. When the machine shows as “Connected” on your device’s screen, you can start making your projects.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where Do I Start the Cricut Setup Process?
Learn the complete process of cricut machine setup
- Unbox your machine, and plug it in.
- Next, open a browser and visit design.cricut.com/setup.
- Download Cricut Design Space, Sign In, or create an account.
- Follow the steps guided to connect your machine and run the test cut.
Which Device Can I use for the Cricut Setup?
You can setup your Cricut machine using a Windows or Mac, or an iOS or Android phone. All devices run Cricut Design Space, but many beginners find a computer or tablet easier to use because of the larger screen and simpler navigation.
How Do I Download Cricut Software on a Mobile Device?
Here are the steps to download the software on a mobile device:
- Go to the App Store or Play Store from the home screen.
- Search for the “Cricut Design Space Download” in the search bar.
- Select it you will see design.cricut.com/setup in results, click and download it.
- Sign in with your username and password, or create a new account if you are new.
How to Clean Cricut Design Space Cache?
Learn how to clean the cricut design space cache on windows
- Close the design space app: ensure the application is completed closed.
- Delete the content: highlight all files and folder inside on ‘localdata’ and now delete them.
- Empty Recycle bin: right-click the recycle bin on your desktop & select the empty bin.
- restart the design space app: Open and start Cricut Design Space.