Cricut AutoPress Setup

The Cricut AutoPress should be activated and set up before use to create iron-on projects. Once the heat press is activated, it automatically registers. It must be set up through Design Space, Cricut’s official design app, which recognizes the machine and updates the firmware (a software that works like the machine’s brain). 

Step 1: Prepare the AutoPress 

Start by preparing your AutoPress machine. These are the steps to prepare for it. 

1. Unbox the machine, and check if the power pod and necessary cords are there in the box.      
2. Place it on a clean and flat surface, and ensure that the power socket is nearby.
3. Connect the AutoPress to a power source via its power cord. 
4. There will be a control pod that you need to connect to the AutoPress using an available cable. 
5. Turn on the AutoPress from the main power switch. 

Note: A Control Pod is the interface of the AutoPress, which allows you to set the temperature and command the heat press to function properly. The heat press won’t work without a control pod.

During this process, the control pod will display that the activation is in progress. Users can set the temperature using the display and operate the heat press.

Step 2: Download and Install the Cricut Design Space 

The Design Space is an application offered by Cricut. It helps set up the Cricut cutting machines and heat presses. Use the steps given below to install this software on your computer. 

On Windows 

If you already have this app installed, skip this method and proceed directly to New Product Setup. If you don’t have this app, follow these instructions to download and install it. 

1. Visit design.cricut.com on a browser and search for the Cricut machine in the search bar. 
2. Accept the Cricut Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, and click the Download button. 
3. Once the download is complete, go to the Downloads folder and double-click on the file. 
4. Allow the application to run on the system, and let the installation process finish. 

On Mac 

Use these steps to install the Design Space on a Mac computer. If it’s already installed, skip the step. 

1. Navigate to design.cricut.com on an internet browser, and type your machine’s name in the search box. 
2. Select the box to agree to Cricut Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, and click the Download button. 
3. Select a location to save the software file by clicking the save button. 
4. Let the download finish, and visit the Downloads folder. 
5. Now, drag the Design Space icon to the Applications folder. 
6. Locate the Design Space file in the Applications folder, and open it by clicking the Open button. 

Step 3: Sign in to the Cricut account 

Launch the Design Space after installing it on the system. Then, sign in to the Cricut account or create a new account using the steps below. 

1. A page will ask to either sign in or create a Cricut ID. 
2. If you already have a Cricut account, use the login details to sign in. 
3. If you’re a beginner, click the Create Cricut ID option, and enter all the information, including your full name, email address, country or region, and set a strong password. 
4. Re-enter the password to confirm, and then log in to your Cricut account using the account details. 

Step 4: Set up the New Product 

After signing into the Cricut account, the next step is to set up the Cricut AutoPress using these steps. 

1. On the Design Space window, select the New Product Setup option. 
2. Select the “Heat Press” option, and then select the “AutoPress” machine. 
3. Connect the power cord to the back of the control panel, and connect the USB cable’s end to the computer. 
4. The screen will guide you through the process of connecting the AutoPress and setting it up. Since you already know the steps, simply click Next after each instruction.
5. Remove the control panel cable from the laptop or computer, and insert it into the AutoPress.