Cricut Explore Won’t Connect to Computer? Here’s How To Fix It!

Having trouble connecting your Cricut Explore to your computer? Don’t worry, it’s a common problem that can be easily fixed.

You might have happily uploaded your cut file to Cricut Explore, ready to start crafting as usual, and then it suddenly doesn’t connect.

It can be frustrating to experience this issue, especially when you’re itching to get started on your latest crafting project. But don’t worry! 

There are a few troubleshooting tips that you can try to get your Cricut Explore up and running in no time.

USB vs Bluetooth: which works best?

First things first, is your Explore connected to your computer via the USB cord or Bluetooth?

If one isn’t working then try the second option. 

Check your plugs

Let’s start with the connection via USB. Find the cable cord that connects the activity and the computer. Check to make sure that each side is well plugged.

Bluetooth on Your Computer

If you’re using Bluetooth, make sure that  your computer has Bluetooth capability. Your computer needs to have Bluetooth to pair with your Cricut Explore machine. 

Not sure if your computer has it? An easy way to check is to simply go to your computer’s settings and look for the Bluetooth toggle. Most modern computers come with Bluetooth already installed, but if you have an older model, you might need to purchase a Bluetooth Dongle.

Assuming your computer is Bluetooth-enabled, let’s move on to the troubleshooting tips. 

Are you Close Enough for a Bluetooth Connection?

The first thing to check is the distance between your Cricut Explore and your computer. If they are too far apart, it might be difficult to connect them. Ideally, they should be within 10 to 15 feet of each other. 

It seems like with all the new technology, we should be able to send and receive signals between different rooms. But it can be a little different in the real world. 

For instance at my house, I can be sitting in bed, watching the season finale of The Handmaid’s Tale, then I get up to close the door in the hallway and all of sudden my Wifi signal gets dropped. Don’t you hate when that happens! 

The same thing can happen between your computer and your Cricut machine. So try to keep them close to each other. 

Is Bluetooth on?

Next, make sure that your computer’s Bluetooth setting is turned on. This might seem like an obvious step, but it’s worth double-checking. 

Go to your computer’s Bluetooth and Devices menu, and look for the toggle switch for Bluetooth. If it’s turned off, simply toggle it on to activate it.

Too Many Devices Connected 

Another thing to check is whether any other Bluetooth devices are connected to your computer. If there are other devices connected, it’s possible that they might be interfering with the connection to your Cricut Explore. 

Go to your computer’s Bluetooth and Devices menu, and turn off any other Bluetooth devices that might be connected. Then try to connect your Cricut Explore again.

Stay up to date with Design Space 

It’s also worth checking whether your Design Space software is up to date. A recent update to the software might be causing connection issues with your Cricut Explore. 

If there’s an update available, make sure to install it and restart your computer.

Pro Tip: Use the New Machine Setup to reconnect your Cricut Explore

Try a New Cricut Machine Setup

If all else fails, you might need to reconnect your Cricut Explore from Cricut Design Space. It might sound technical, but it’s actually simple. Here are the three steps to do it.

1. Go to Cricut Design Space

2. Select “New machine setup” from the menu

3. Continue with the reinstallation

Conclusion

There you have it! These troubleshooting tips should help you get your Cricut Explore up and running in no time.

Crafting is all about letting your creativity flow, and you shouldn’t let technical difficulties like ungrouping stuck svg files or a lost connection stand in the way of that. So try these tips out, and let me know which one worked for you.

If you found this article helpful, please do me a favor by sharing this post to Pinterest. It’s a free way to support this blog.