Cricut Joy Xtra Issues

A Cricut Joy Xtra machine can face an issue sometimes while loading a cutting mat and cutting a material. It happens when the material settings are incorrect, the cutting mat is incompatible, or the feed rollers are dirty. Sometimes, the cutting mat loses its stickiness, which causes further issues with cutting. Here are the troubleshooting methods for all of these issues. 

Problem 1: Cutting Mat Loading Issues 

Sometimes the cutting mat doesn’t load straight into the machine; it can bend or misfeed. It’s possible that one side goes smoothly, but the other side may bend or get stuck in the rollers. Due to this problem, the material will be cut unevenly, and users will not receive the expected results. 

The primary reason behind this issue is the misalignment of the mat and the buildup of dust and debris in the rollers. Here are the right fixes to this issue: 

Solution 1: Align the Cutting Mat Properly

Most users make mistakes while loading the cutting mat. This is the right way to load it on a Cricut Joy Xtra: 

1. Keep the material to be cut on the upper left corner of the machine. 
2. Select the mat type (StandardGrip/ StrongGrip/LightGrip/FabricGrip) in the Design Space software. (Note: After clicking the “Make It” button, the Design Space will show the mat preview and option to select the right mat type.) 
3. Select the Cricut Joy Xtra machine from the drop-down menu. 
4. Select the right material setting, and click the Browse All Materials option to search for a compatible material. 
5. Now, insert the cutting mat by holding down its bottom center into the machine and allow it to touch the rollers. 
6. Press the Load button, and then press Go. 

Try aligning the cutting mat using these steps, and if the issue persists, check out the next method. 

Solution 2: Clean the Rollers 

If the feed rollers are dirty and surrounded by debris, they stop the cutting mat from loading correctly. Therefore, clean the rollers with a soft brush or cloth. Avoid using water or a wet cloth to clean them. Ensure that you clean the rollers on a timely basis. 

Note: Always turn off the Cricut machine by switching off the main power switch before cleaning the rollers. 

Problem 2: Material Doesn’t Stick Properly 

It’s possible that a material doesn’t stick properly on the Cricut cutting mat. It happens when the cutting mat type isn’t suitable for the material, or the mat has lost its stickiness due to overuse. Here are the solutions to this problem. 

Solution 1: Check if the Mat and Material Are Compatible

When the material is not compatible with the cutting mat, it won’t stick to it. Cricut has categorized four cutting mats according to the type of materials. 

StandardGrip: Cardstock, paper, iron-on vinyl 

StrongGrip: Chipboard, mat board, specialty cardstock, backed fabric 

LightGrip: Paper, vellum, light cardstock, vinyl, printer paper, printable fabric 

FabricGrip: Cotton, silk, felt, polyester, etc. 

However, if the cutting mat is correct and the material is not sticking, use the next method. 

Solution 2: Wash the Mat with Mild Detergent

Thoroughly clean the mat with water and a mild detergent. Use a gentle scrub to remove any leftover materials, dirt, or debris, if necessary. Don’t scrub too harshly on the cutting mat as it can damage it. After washing, let it dry completely. 

Problem 3: The Material Doesn’t Cut Properly

Sometimes, the Cricut Joy Xtra may not cut materials properly due to dull or damaged blades or incorrect material selection in Design Space, which is why the material is cut unevenly. Here is the fix to this problem. 

Solution 1: Select the Right Material in the Design Space

If the material is not set right in the Design Space, the Cricut Joy Xtra will not cut it properly. Hence, check the selected material in the Design Space. 

1. Open the Design Space and click the Make It button. 
2. Click Continue and then select the material type from the Material Settings. 
3. Scroll down the list until the right materials appear. 

If the material was set correctly, and still the problem persists, use the next method to fix it. 

Solution 2: Check the Rollers 

If the rollers are dull or dirty, the Cricut Joy Xtra will not cut the material correctly. In this situation, check the rollers and clean them thoroughly. 

1. Start by pulling the blade housing from the machine’s carriage, located at the mat loading area. 
2. Gently press the lever at the top of the housing to take out the blade. (Note: Don’t touch the tip of the blade as it’s too sharp and may hurt you.) 
3. To clean the blade, make a ball of aluminum foil and stab the blade into it approximately 20-50 times. It will clean the dirt without hurting your hands. 
4. Insert the blade into the blade housing through a hole. The tip of the blade should be downwards. 
5. Then, place the blade into the carriage again, and make sure it sits straight there. 

Finally, try to cut materials now. They will be cut smoothly now. 

Problem 4: Machine Is Freezing While Cutting

With time and use, a Cricut Joy Xtra can freeze during the cutting process. It can occur due to a minor technical issue with the machine. In this situation, a restart can work. 

Solution: Restart the Machine and Computer

Sometimes, the technical issue prevents the material from cutting. Restart the devices using these steps. 

1. Disconnect the Cricut Joy Xtra’s power cable from the power outlet. 
2. Press and hold the power button on the machine to turn it off. 
3. Wait for 1-2 minutes and reconnect the power cable to the power outlet, and press the power button. 
4. On the computer, click the Start menu at the bottom left, and click the power button. 
5. Select the Restart option. 

Now, the machine is ready to start cutting.