Cricut Explore Air 2 Firmware Update Issues

A firmware is the software that maintains the internal functions of the Cricut Explore Air 2 machine. It improves the machine’s performance and resolves the common bugs within the machine. Firmware receives updates on a regular basis for optimal working. However, sometimes the firmware update fails. Some of the signs of a failed firmware update are a “Firmware update failed” message and the lagging and freezing of the system. If you have been facing this problem, you need to follow these troubleshooting methods to update the firmware successfully. 

Issue 1: Firmware Update Failed Message

When your firmware update fails, you see the “Firmware update failed” message on the computer. 

It can happen due to these common reasons: 

1. The internet connection is weak. 
2. The Cricut Design Space software is outdated. 
3. Any other software or program is interrupting the update process. 

Solution 1: Power Cycle the Cricut Explore Air 2

1. Press the power button on the Cricut Explore Air 2 machine to turn it off. 
2. Remove the power cable from the power switch on the wall. 
3. Now, wait for a minute and reconnect the power cable to the wall again. 
4. Finally, press the power button on the power switch to turn it on. 

Solution 2: Disable the Other Conflicting Programs

As other programs running in the PC background can interfere with the firmware update, you should temporarily disable them, such as antivirus or any other heavy software. 

To disable the programs, check out the following steps: 

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager. 
2. When the Task Manager opens, click the three horizontal bars on the left side. 
3. Now, right-click on the unnecessary programs on the list and click the Disable option. 

After that, click all the programs that can interfere with your firmware update and then disable them one by one. This way, you can fix the firmware update-related problems. Lastly, check if the firmware update failed error is still visible on the computer. 

Issue 2: Firmware Update Is Repeating

Sometimes whenever you connect your Cricut Explore Air 2 to a computer, it asks you to update the firmware. In other words, the firmware update repeats. It can happen when the update wasn’t completed successfully in the previous attempt. If it happens with your computer, you can follow the troubleshooting methods. 

Solution 1: Uninstall & Reinstall the Cricut Design Space 

If the Cricut software repeatedly asks for a firmware update, it is a sign that the software has a problem. This is why you should remove and re-add your Cricut software to resolve this problem. 

Step 1: Uninstall Cricut Design Space 

1. First of all, simply close the application by clicking the cross button on the screen. 
2. Then, go to the Start button on the computer’s taskbar at the bottom. 
3. Search for the “Add or Remove Programs” option. Select and open this option. 
4. Now, a list of all the programs will be displayed. Locate the Cricut Design Space and click the three dots on its right side. 
5. Click the Uninstall option. 

Let the software uninstall completely from the computer. Now you have to install it again on your computer. 

Step 2: Download the Cricut Design Space 

1. To begin, browse design.cricut.com on an internet browser. 
2. Select Cricut Explore Air 2 from the dropdown menu.
3. Then, a terms and conditions window will appear on the screen. Check the box to agree to these conditions. 
4. Now, click the green download button to download the software. 

Finally, the software will save to the download location on the computer. 

Step 3: Install the Cricut Design Space 

Once you’ve downloaded the software on your computer, it is time to install it. Check out the steps below to install it: 

1. Locate the downloaded file under the Downloads folder on your computer. 
2. Double-click on the downloaded file. Then, a page will appear asking you to run this software on the computer. 
3. Allow the computer to run the software. To allow, select the Run option. 
4. Lastly, an installation window will appear on the screen. 

Let the installation complete on your computer. That’s how you will finish the Cricut Design Space installation process. 

Solution 2: Reset the Cricut Explore Air 2 

1. First, press the power button on the machine to turn it off. 
2. Then, remove its power cord from the power switch on the wall. 
3. Now, reconnect the power cord to the Cricut Explore Air 2 again. 
4. Press the power button on the machine to turn it on.