Cricut Explore 3 Issues

Besides common problems like connection failures or Design Space not working, Cricut Explore 3 can face some other issues as well. These other issues include the machine not cutting properly and failing to recognize tools and blades. Explore 3 is unable to cut the designs until these issues are fixed. This is how to make your machine work correctly again if you face these problems.

Problem 1: Cricut Explore 3 Not Cutting Properly

This issue happens due to incorrect material settings in the machine, dirty blades, or a dull cutting mat. If you notice that the machine is not cutting properly like before, clean the blade or wash the cutting mat. 

Method 1: Clean the Blade  

Cricut Explore 3 uses blades for cutting. These blades are located at clamp B in the front carriage of the machine. You should take out these blades and clean them thoroughly. 

1. Turn off the Cricut Explore 3 by pressing its power button and removing its power cable from the power switch.
2. Open the clamp B at the front of the machine. It will be labeled as Clamp B. To open it, remove the grey latch, and you’ll see the blade inserted. 
3. Now, slowly lift the blade up by pressing the push button on the top.
4. Release it and check if it’s dirty. Clean it thoroughly with a cloth. 

Don’t use water or a wet cloth on the blades, as it can damage them. Reinsert them into the clamp B and ensure that it doesn’t stick above the clamp and sit flat. When you let the blade sit in its place, close the grey latch with your hands, and you’ll be ready to use the machine. 

Method 2: Wash the Cutting Mat

With time, the stickiness of the mat may go down. As a result, it doesn’t cut your materials properly. So, use dish soap and water to clean the mat and let it dry. Now, use it and see if the cuts are any better. 

Also, ensure that you choose the correct material once you’ve created the design on the Design Space. Once you click the “Make It” button on the Design Space, select the correct material, such as vinyl, paper, cardstock, etc. 

Problem 2: Cricut Not Recognizing Tools or Blades

The Cricut Explore 3 sometimes doesn’t recognize the tools. When you send a design to the machine via your computer, it says “Insert tool” when it’s already in. It can happen when you’ve inserted the wrong tool or there is a buildup of dirt in the machine. In this case, you need to do the following things. 

Method 1: Ensure That You Put the Right Tool

You must check if you’ve inserted the right tool to cut your materials.

1. To check, go to the Design Space where you’re creating the design. 
2. Click the “Make it” button when you’re done with the design. 
3. Check the material and tools listed on the left panel. 
4. Click Continue to check the tool panel. 
5. There will also be an option to select your material, such as vinyl or cardstock. 
6. Next, the Design Space will automatically tell you which tool to insert. 
7. Insert that tool only into the machine. Clamp B is for blades, and clamp A is for pens. 

Check if you have inserted the right blade in the tool. If you have not inserted the right tool, the Cricut machine will not recognize it. Hence, put the right blade in the right clamp. 

Method 2: Remove and Reinsert the Blades

When the inserted blades are dirty and overused, the Cricut may not recognize them. This is how to take out the blade and clean it. 

Remove: 

1. Turn off your Cricut Explore 3 machine by turning off its power button and disconnecting its power cable. 
2. Lift the machine’s lid and let the clamps fully open. 
3. Now, check the blade in the clamp B. To open it, remove the grey latch. 
4. You’ll see the blade housing inside. Remove the full housing unit with your hands. 
5. Now, hold it from the top and turn it upside down.
6. Check the blade sticking at the top. Press the small button to release it. 
7. When you have the blade, clean it and reinsert it into the clamp. 

Note: You should also clean the clamp, as dirt can get trapped there, too. 

Reinsert: 

1. To reinsert it, place it back in the blade housing. 
2. Then, place it inside the carriage (inside the machine).
3. Now, close the machine’s lid. 
4. Turn on your Cricut Explore 3 machine by reconnecting its power cable to the power switch and pressing its power button. 

That’s how you can make your Cricut Explore 3 recognize the tool.