You finally bought the Cricut Explore 5, and you’re all excited to set it up on your device. However, you might be a beginner who is afraid of damaging the machine with a minor mistake. Your concern makes sense. Setting up the Explore 5 is simple and similar to setting up other Cricut machines. This machine uses Bluetooth Low Energy, so it can connect automatically to your device when it is turned on and within range.
Hence, setting it up is even easier than the previous Cricut models. So, if you’ve been wondering how to set up your Cricut Explore 5, this guide will help you set up your machine from start to finish.
What You Need Before Setup
Now, you’re ready to set up your ‘Cricut Explore 5‘. However, you need to have a few things before you start the setup. Here is a list of those items you will need:
- A computer or mobile device
- A stable internet connection
- Power cord and USB cable (if you are not using Bluetooth)
- Cricut Design Space should be installed on your device (if you’re not sure how, you’ll learn the process in this guide).
Step 1: Unbox Your Cricut Explore 5
The first step is to unbox your machine and check its condition. You’ll also receive a power cord and a USB cable inside the machine’s box. Then, connect the power cord to the back of your machine and to the wall outlet. After that, turn on the machine to proceed with the setup. Note that the machine does not have a dedicated Bluetooth button. Its Bluetooth turns on automatically when the machine is powered on.
Step 2: Install Cricut Design Space
Design Space is the dedicated software for all Cricut cutting machines. You can access your Explore 5 via this software and cut your projects precisely. If this software isn’t installed on your device, here are the steps to install it easily.
On Computers (Windows/Mac)
- Open an internet browser on your computer and visit ‘design.cricut.com/setup‘.
- Select your machine’s model, and accept the Cricut Terms of Use and Privacy Policy by checking the box.
- Hit the green ‘Download button‘ to let the software download.
- If you have a Windows PC, go to the Downloads folder and ‘double-click‘ on the downloaded file.

https://cricutdesignspace-setup.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/image-5-300x175.png 300w" width="721" />

https://cricutdesignspace-setup.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/image-2-300x176.png 300w" width="662" />
- Now, your software will start downloading. Let the installation process finish.
- If you have a Mac, drag the ‘Cricut icon‘ to the Applications folder.
- Then, open the ‘downloaded file‘ from the Applications folder to start the installation.

https://cricutdesignspace-setup.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/image-4-300x145.png 300w" width="649" />
- Finally, open the installed software and sign in using your Cricut ID and password.
- If you do not have an account, click the ‘Create Cricut ID‘ option and enter all details, including your full name, email address, and country or region, and set a ‘strong password‘.

https://cricutdesignspace-setup.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/image-6-300x221.png 300w" width="333" />
On Mobile Devices (Android/iOS)
- Go to the ‘Play Store‘ or the App Store, and then search for Cricut Design Space.
- Select the Cricut Design Space icon, then tap “Get” or “Install” to install the app.
- Open the app, and then ‘Sign In‘ using your ‘Cricut ID‘.
- If you’re a beginner, click ‘Create Cricut ID‘ and enter all the necessary details to create a new account.
Step 3: Connect Cricut Explore 5 to Your Device
You need to connect your Cricut Explore 5 to your device through ‘Cricut Design Space‘ to get started. This machine uses BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) technology. Hence, it will connect directly to your device when it’s turned on and within Bluetooth range. Then, you’ll be able to create designs and send them to your machine for final cutting.
Method 1: Using a USB Cable
- Take the USB cable you received in your machine’s box.
- Connect one end to the ‘USB port‘ on your machine, and the other to the USB port on your computer or mobile device.
- The Design Space will automatically recognize your machine, and you’ll be good to go.
Method 2: Via Bluetooth
Bluetooth is the wireless option to use your Cricut Explore 5 machine. Most users prefer it because the setup is simple. Here are the steps to connect your computer or mobile device to the machine via Bluetooth. Ensure that your machine and the device are within 10-15 feet of each other.
Option 1: Connect to Your Computer
- Ensure your machine is turned on and within the required distance from your computer.
- Open ‘Cricut Design Space‘ and choose your machine from the upper-right device menu. Now, machines within the range will be displayed on the screen.

https://cricutdesignspace-setup.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/image-10-164x300.png 164w" width="258" />
- Then select your machine, displayed as Explore 5-B7DC or another alphanumeric name, from the list.
- Finally, ‘Cricut Design Space‘ will connect with your machine and will display the “Connected” option.

https://cricutdesignspace-setup.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/image-11-165x300.png 165w" width="260" />
- If the machine’s setup is not completed yet, it will show a Setup or Update button to complete the new product setup. Your ‘Cricut Design Space‘ will instruct you on each step.
Option 2: Connect to Mobile Device
- Your machine should be turned on and within 10-15 feet of your mobile device.
- Open Cricut Design Space and tap the ‘Menu icon‘ in the left corner to select your machine. Now your machine will appear in the list of devices.

https://cricutdesignspace-setup.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/image-12-140x300.png 140w" width="212" />
- Select your machine from the list. Your machine’s Bluetooth ID will have a 4-character alphanumeric ID. You’ll recognize your machine easily.
- The app will connect your machine and show a “Connected” option in green. It means the connection has been completed successfully.

https://cricutdesignspace-setup.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/image-13-141x300.png 141w" width="215" />
- If the new product setup is still pending, a “Setup or Update” button will appear to proceed.
Final Words
Setting up your Cricut Explore 5 was easy with proper guidance. Your Design Space will guide you through the activation process for your cutting machine. One thing you must know is that you can use your Cricut account on multiple devices with the same details or create multiple accounts with different email addresses. However, one account is usually sufficient for users. Always take a test cut before proceeding with the final project. It helps you save material.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Learn How to create a cricut account follow the steps
- Dowmnload and install the Cricut Design Space from design.cricut.com/setup.
- Open the Cricut app, and click on Create a Cricut ID.
- Enter your information as required, and create a ‘strong password’ at the end.
- Now, you can use this account whenever you want to use your Machine.
Learn how to setup your cricut explore 5 for the first time follow the steps
- Connect your Cricut machine to the wall outlet, and turn it on.
- Download and Install Cricut Design Space on Your Computer or Mobile device, it work on both and android and mac.
- Create a Cricut account by Following the Instructions.
- Open the Cricut Application an Click the Cricut “C” icon in the upper-right corner to select your Cricut Machine.
- Finally the Cricut Software is Connected and you can see on your device.
Learn How to Connect your Cricut explore 5 Machine to Computer and Bluetooth
- Ensure that your devices are within 10–15 feet of each other.
- Restart your computer or mobile device, and start pairing again.
- Now you have Learned the whole process of Connecting Cricut Explore Machine
- Cricut Explore 5 is new, so need to know everything for this Cricut machine by follow our article
You need to be a member of The Word of God Holistic Wellness Institute to add comments!
Join The Word of God Holistic Wellness Institute