Setting up a Cricut machine with an iPhone can seem straightforward, but may have unexpected challenges. When I first tried to connect my Cricut Explore Air 2, I expected it to be a plug-and-play process. Instead, my iPhone couldn’t find the machine, the app kept loading endlessly, and nothing happened when I tapped “Connect via Bluetooth.”
I noticed others struggling with the same obstacles, such as my iPhone not being able to detect my Cricut. What am I missing? Do I need the Cricut app and Bluetooth turned on before pairing? Is Wi-Fi needed or just Bluetooth? These questions helped me realize how often critical steps are missed, such as manually pairing the machine in the iPhone’s Bluetooth settings or granting app permissions during installation. Without these, even the newest Cricut won’t connect.
If you’re facing similar problems, you’re exactly where you need to be. In this guide, I will walk you through ‘How to connect Cricut to iPhone‘ the correct way, avoiding common errors and confusion from the start.
System Requirements for Cricut Design Space
To ensure Cricut Design Space runs smoothly on your iPhone, verify your device meets the minimum system requirements, which are as follows:
- A stable internet connection.
- An iPhone model supporting iOS 15.0 or later.
- 2-3 Mbps download speed and 1-2 Mbps upload speed.
How to Download Cricut Design Space on iPhone?
Before you dive into the connection process of iPhone to Cricut, you have to download and install Design Space first. Here’s how you can download it:
- Find the App Store icon on your iPhone’s home screen and click on it.
- In the search bar at the top of the App Store, type “Cricut Design Space” and tap “Search.”
- You should see the Design Space app with a white icon and Cricut written in the center.
- After that, tap the Get button next to the app icon.
- If asked, input your Apple ID password to verify the download.
- The application will install on your iPhone, which may take a few minutes.
- Once you have installed the app, it will appear on your iPhone’s home screen. Tap to open.
- You will be presented with options to either set up your machine or sign in with your Cricut account. Based on your needs, choose the appropriate option.
- Now, you can enjoy creating new designs on the app.
Once you’ve downloaded and installed the Design Space app, you can connect your iPhone via Bluetooth or a USB cable.
How to Connect Cricut to iPhone: 2 Different Methods
If you’re planning to connect your crafting machine to an iPhone, you can choose either Bluetooth or USB.
Method 1: Via Bluetooth
If you want to connect your iPhone via Bluetooth, follow these steps:
- Ensure your crafting machine is switched on and plugged in.
- Open your iPhone’s Settings app.
- After that, tap on Bluetooth.
- Make sure Bluetooth is toggled to ON.
- Your mobile device will start searching for nearby available devices.
- Locate your machine’s name in the list of available devices.
- Tap on the machine’s name to initiate the connection.
- If your iPhone prompts you for a PIN, enter 0000.
Note: The Cricut Explore Air 2 and older models may require this PIN, while newer models may not.
- After pairing, return to the Cricut Design Space app on your iPhone and start the New Product Setup process.
Your machine should now be recognized and connected during the setup process.
Method 2: Using a USB Cable
If you wish to connect your iPhone to the machine using a USB cable, check out the following steps:
- Power on your machine.
- You’ll receive a USB cable along with your crafting machine.
- Connect one end of the USB cable to the iPhone’s charging port and the other to the machine’s USB port, usually located on the back.
- On your iPhone, open the Cricut Design Space App.
- Then, navigate to the “New Product Setup” option.
- During the setup process, the machine should be recognized and displayed as connected. Perform the steps displayed on your screen to complete the setup.
- After completing the setup, you may be prompted to perform a test cut to ensure everything is working properly.
Conclusion
You’ve seen how missed steps can prevent a proper connection between your machine and iPhone. With a focused setup, Bluetooth enabled, the correct app installed, and pairing completed directly in settings, you can avoid the delays many users experience. Whether you’re using a Cricut machine for the first time or revisiting it after a while, knowing ‘how to connect Cricut to iPhone‘ properly gives you the confidence to start your projects without roadblocks. Now that your machine is ready, it’s time to create.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Do I Add a Machine to Cricut Design Space?
To add a Cricut machine to Design Space, first connect the machine to your computer via USB or Bluetooth. Then, download and install the Design Space app if you haven’t already. Open the app and sign in with your Cricut ID. After that, navigate to the “Machine Setup” or “New Machine Setup” option in the software. Now, select your machine model.
Cricut Design Space will guide you through the setup process, which may include updating your machine’s software, claiming any bundled materials or designs, and performing a test cut to ensure everything is connected and working correctly. Once the setup is complete, you’ll be able to use Design Space to design and cut with your machine.
Why isn’t my Cricut showing up on Bluetooth devices?
If your machine isn’t appearing in the list of Bluetooth devices, it’s likely due to a few common issues. You can fix this issue with the help of the following steps:
- Make sure your Bluetooth is enabled on your phone or computer.
- Ensure your machine is within 15 feet (4.5 meters of your device.
- If your machine is paired with another device, then unpair it before pairing it with your current device.
- Make sure that you have the latest version of the Design Space app installed for optimal compatibility.
- Try restarting your device and machine.
Do I need Wi-Fi to connect Cricut to My iPhone?
An internet connection is needed for the initial setup and some features in the Design Space app. However, basic functions can be used offline after setup.
Cricut Design Space for iOS (iPhone/iPad) does have an offline feature, but it requires an initial connection to download and sign in. While you can connect your machine to your iPhone via Bluetooth, an internet connection is still required for Cricut Design Space to function. A USB connection can also be used, but it’s not a substitute for an internet connection.