Cricut Explore Air 2 Issues

Besides common issues like unable to connect, firmware update or blinking red light, Cricut Explore Air 2 also faces other issues, such as, Design Space not recognizing the machine and cutting mat not loading. Though these issues are less common, they need to be taken care of otherwise you won’t be able to use your Explore Air 2 machine.

Problem 1: Design Space Is Not Recognizing Your Machine

This is one of the common problems with the Cricut Explore Air 2. Sometimes, the Design Space doesn’t recognize your machine when it is not updated, or the machine has a weak wired or wireless connection. Let’s check how to resolve this problem. 

Solution 1: Check the Machine’s Connection

When the connection between your Cricut Explore Air 2 and computer is weak, the Design Space will not recognize it. So, let’s check the connection. 

1. First, check if the USB cable is well connected to your Explore Air 2 and computer. 
2. Try changing the USB ports to fix the problem. 
3. Also, check the condition of the USB cable. If it is broken, replace it.

Finally, check if your Design Space recognizes your machine. If it doesn’t, try out the next method to resolve the problem. 

Solution 2: Uninstall & reinstall the Design Space 

When the Cricut software doesn’t recognize your machine, you can try uninstalling and reinstalling it. 

Uninstall:

1. Click the Windows icon on the computer’s taskbar at the bottom left of the screen. 
2. Then, search for the Control Panel. Select it from the results and open it. 
3. Now, click the Programs option, and then click the Uninstall a program below it. 
4. Next, select the Cricut Design Space from the given programs and right-click on it. 
5. In the next step, click the Uninstall option.

Now, this software will be uninstalled from your computer. 

Reinstall: 

Once the software is uninstalled, you can reinstall it from Cricut’s official website. Now, check the steps below to do it.

Download:

1. Browse design.cricut.com on an internet browser. 
2. Then, enter your Cricut Explore Air 2 machine in the search bar. 
3. Now, check the box to accept the Cricut Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. 
4. After that, click the Download button and let it save under the Downloads folder.

Install:

1. Go to your Downloads folder and double-click on the downloaded file, which is usually the setup.exe file. 
2. Then, a prompt will appear on the screen asking you to run the Design Space file. 
3. Click Yes to grant permission to the prompt and allow the installation window to run on the screen.

That’s how you’ll completely install the Cricut software on your computer.

Problem 2: Cutting Mat Isn’t Loading

Sometimes, the cutting mat doesn’t go inside the machine when you press the load button. The cutting mat just sits still and doesn’t move when you command it to load inside. This problem can occur when you don’t align the cutting mat with the rollers (equipment to hold the mat) or the rollers are dirty. You need to follow a few methods to resolve this problem. 

Solution 1: Check the Cutting Mat’s Position 

When your cutting mat is not aligned with the rollers, it will not be loaded into the machine. Hence, check if it is set up correctly.

1. So, ensure that your mat sits straight and it’s not folded or tilted. 
2. Then, place it under the two white rollers located on both sides of the machine’s front. 
3. Now, check if the left and right edges of the cutting mat are touching the little plastic holders.

Position your cutting mat according to these instructions. 

Solution 2: Clean the White Rollers

When the white rollers (which hold the cutting mat) are dirty, they will not hold your cutting mat. You need to clean these rollers to fix the problem.

1. First, turn off the Cricut Explore Air 2 machine by removing its power cable from the power switch. 
2. Then, take a lint-free cloth to gently remove the dust and dirt from the rollers. 
3. Clean the rollers slowly with your hands.

Note: Don’t use water or spray, as it can damage the rollers.