Cricut Explore Air 2 Troubleshooting (2024)

The Cricut's power button light is solid red.

If the power button is solid red and no other button is lit, this indicates a power issue. Try plugging the Cricut into another outlet or power strip.

If changing the plug-in location does not turn off the solid red light, the power cord itself may be the problem. Check the power cord for damage, and purchase a replacement cord if necessary.

If the power button is solid red and the Load button, the button with double arrows, is white, this indicates a firmware issue. To update the firmware through a computer, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Connect Cricut to computer via Bluetooth or a USB cord.
• Step 2: When successfully connected, an alert will show if a firmware update is necessary. Select “Update” button to proceed.
• Step 3: Wait for update to complete, indicated by an on-screen progress bar and red power button, if connected by USB, or purple power button, if connected by Bluetooth.
• Step 4: Select “Done” button once update is completed.

If there is an issue during the firmware update, such as loss of power or connection, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Open Cricut Design Space application.
• Step 2: Select the menu on the top right corner and click Settings > Machines > Update Firmware > Start.
• Step 3: Complete all on-screen prompts to finish firmware update.

When using a mobile device to update firmware, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Pair Cricut with mobile device via Bluetooth. Firmware update will begin automatically.
• Step 2: Wait for update to complete, indicated by an on-screen progress bar and purple power button. When the update is complete, the machine will automatically turn off and then back on.
• Step 3: Select machine from Select an Accessory list on your device one it turns back on. Once connection is complete, a green check mark will appear if update was successful.

If there is an issue during the firmware update, such as a loss of power or connection, follow the same steps as the computer version. You will select the Machine Setup in the menu rather than Settings to begin update again.

Cricut power button light is blinking red.

If this issue occurs with one project, an error may have occurred when saving that corrupted the project, and the project will need to be recreated.

If the blade encounters inconsistencies in material thickness or density it will get stuck and may cause the blinking red light. Ensure that the material being used is compatible with the Cricut.

A misaligned or dull blade may cause the blinking red power button. Take out the blade carriage and put it back in the machine. If that does not work, replace the blade altogether. To replace the blade, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Unclip the blade housing from the carriage
• Step 2: Press the button on the top of the housing, and the blade will extend.
• Step 3: Pull the blade out, being very careful, as the blade may still cut you. A
• Step 4: Carefully place a new blade back in the housing and fully clip it back into the carriage.
• Step 5: Ensure the blade is all the way inside the housing until it cannot be pushed any more.

The roller bar is malfunctioning.

If the roller bar will not roll on startup or when loading the mat, there may be a complication with the bar itself. Determine if the roller bar is loose, damaged, or uneven. If it is, take a photo or short video of the damage and contact Member Care to receive information on replacement.

The roller bar may not be rolling dur to the Cricut bring in Firmware Mode. When the Power button, cut button, and buttons on the left of the keypad are lit up, this means that the Cricut may be in Firmware Mode. Perform a Hard Reset on the machine.

If issue persists, contact Cricut’s support team.

The Cricut machine may think that a cutting mat is already loaded in the machine and not roll the bar. Press the Unload Mat button and then press the Load Mat button again.

Press the Reset All button to clear all commands and then press the Load Mat button again.

Perform a Hard Reset on the machine.

If issue persists, contact Cricut’s support team.

If the roller bar continuously rolls, the sensors may be dirty. Unplug your machine from power and use compressed air or a microfiber cloth to clean the machine’s sensors off.

If issue persists, contact Cricut’s support team.

Materials not being cut fully or properly by Cricut.

The first thing to check when the Cricut Explore Air 2 is not cutting correctly is the blade. If the blade is dull, the Cricut will not cut properly. Cricut suggests using only Cricut brand blades in your device. Replacing the blade is a very easy task.

To replace the blade, unclip the blade housing from the carriage. Press the button on the top of the housing, and the blade will extend. Then, pull the blade out, being very careful, as the blade may still cut you. A new blade can be carefully placed back in and the housing can be clipped back into the carriage. Make sure the blade is all the way inside the housing until it cannot be pushed any more. Also, make sure you fully clip the housing into place.

If the blade is not the issue, you may have an issue with the belt. Over time, the belt may wear out and the carriage may not move properly. If the belt has been worn down, it will need to be replaced.

If the blade and belt are in good condition, the motor may be the issue. The motor is inside the carriage and uses the belt to move back and forth. If the motor is not working, parts of the motor or the entire motor may need to be replaced.

Print Then Cut feature is not performing correctly.

Excessive additional lighting can interfere with the Cricut’s Print Then Cut sensor light. Turn off overhead lights and lamps and move Cricut away from direct sunlight, then try running Print Then Cut again.

If materials are misaligned with the cutting mat, the Cricut cannot read the cut sensor marks easily. Ensure that materials are in line with the top left corner of the cutting mat, in line with the mat grid markings, and not wrinkled or folded.

Many cutting mat issues can contribute to the Cricut’s inability to read the cut sensor marks. Ensure that the cutting mat is not bent, free of most marks and smudges, and loaded into the Cricut correctly with it snug between the rollers.

The Print Then Cut feature must be calibrated properly to ensure proper function. To calibrate your Cricut, follow these steps:

• Step 1: In Design Space, select Settings > Machines > Machine Calibration and select Cricut Explore Air 2.
• Step 2: Select “Done,” and, if prompted to select which type of calibration you would like to complete, select “Print Then Cut.”
• Step 3: Choose which printer you would like to print the calibration sheet, and select “Continue.”
• Step 4: Align calibration sheet with the top left corner of the cutting mat, and select “Continue.”
• Step 5: Ensure Cricut is powered on and is properly connected to your device, and select “Go.”
• Step 6: Allow Cricut to complete calibration without moving the cutting mat and following all on-screen prompts.
• Step 7: Once calibration is complete, if you are satisfied with the cuts, select “Yes” option, but if you wish to complete another calibration, select “No” option.

Cricut will not pair with other device/s via Bluetooth.

First, ensure that your device and Cricut are within 10-15 feet of one another, both are powered on, and your device is open to Bluetooth connection. If device appears on list, select “Pair”, and if you are prompted to enter a pin, enter 0000.

If the Cricut is not appearing on the Bluetooth list and you are using a computer, there may be an issue with the Bluetooth driver. To update, go into your computer’s Device Manager (Windows) or System Profiler (Mac OS), right-click the computer’s built-in Bluetooth or Bluetooth adapter, and select “Update Driver.”

If issues persist, consider using the included USB cord to manually connect the Cricut and your device.