Does the Cricut Maker use cartridges? The answer is ‘no’, but there are still ways to link your cartridges. Keep reading, because in this article we’ll show you how to link Cartridges with the Cricut Maker.
Table of Contents
Does the Cricut Maker Use Cartridges?
The Cricut Maker does not use physical cartridges directly, as it does not have a slot to accept them. When you’re looking at older machines, like Explore Air 2 and prior, linking cartridges to those machines was straightforward because they had a slot for cartridges. So how do you link cartridges with the Maker?
If you’re not using an older machine like the Explore to upload your cartridges, you’ll need to purchase the Cricut Cartridge Adapter.
Using the Cricut Cartridge Adapter to Link Cartridges
UPDATE: Cricut has had some major stocking issues for the Cartridge Adapter, they plan to get them back in stock but do not have a time frame. Cricut recommends users contact them directly and they can “look into adding the cartridges to their accounts”
https://help.cricut.com/hc/en-us/articles/360020316674-Cricut-Contact-Information
The Cricut Cartridge Adapter allows you to upload cartridges to design space without using a machine. This means if you have a Cricut Maker, you can still upload your cartridges to Design Space.
Here’s how to upload cartridges using the cartridge adapter:
- Make sure your cartridge adapter is plugged into a USB port on your computer, but without the cartridge plugged in. If you are using an Android or iOS app, uploading cartridges won’t work as you need to be on a desktop or laptop.
- Login to your Design Space account and select ‘Link Cartridges’ from the menu.
- Select ‘Adapter’ from the drop-down menu.
- When Design Space alerts you, plug the cartridge into the adapter.
- Design Space will then detect the cartridge. When this happens, select ‘Link Cartridge’.
- Press ‘Link Cartridge’ and you’re done! If you wish, you can continue to link additional cartridges.
Help Linking Cartridges
Sometimes you may have trouble linking cartridges or receive errors. Here are the common problems with linking cartridges.
‘Cartridge already linked’ error
- Cartridges can only be linked once to one account. If you purchased a pre-owned cartridge, it’s possible it has already been linked.
- If the cartridge was linked to Cricut Craft Room, it will automatically be available in Design Space if you are logging in under the same ID.
- Is your cartridge linked the Gypsy? If so, you’ll need to contact Cricut Support.
‘Cartridge not recognized’ error
- Try clearing your browser history, cache, and cookies.
- Be sure your machine has completed the new machine setup.
- Be sure you are on a desktop or laptop. Linking cartridges does not work with the Android or iOS apps.
- Be sure your machine has the latest firmware. You can do this by going to the Design Space menu and selecting ‘Update Firmware’
- If you still have trouble, contact Cricut Support. Some cartridges such as the George and Basic Shapes cartridges have trouble linking.
- Is the cartridge linked to your Gypsy? If so, contact Cricut Support
- Is the cartridge purchased used? If so, it may be linked to another account. Linking to multiple accounts is not allowed.
‘Machine already in use’ error
- Be sure your machine has completed the new machine setup.
- Try Design Space in a different browser
- Try to use a different USB port or USB cable
- Disconnect the machine from your computer, and turn it off. Restart your computer and plug in your machine again.
🙂 love
This was so helpful. Thanks
I would like the ultimate beginners guide. Thanks
Once you have linked the cartridge to design space, will you need the cartridge the next time that you want to use it?
Nope, once you link a cartridge to your account, you don’t need to use the physical cartridge anymore.
If the cartridge has already been linked can you still use it with the adapter?
Hi Megan, the adapter is only to link your cartridges to the online Design Space. Once the cartridge is linked, you won’t need to use the adapter anymore.
What if the cartridge I have has been linked already by someone else…. can I still use it with the adapter on my cricut maker?
Question: using the Cricut adapter onto my design space, and I still use the cartridges on my older machine. ..
thanks for your help. I have the adapter, and ready to link them, but I still need them to work on my Cricut original.
I need to know this also..
I need a Cartridge Adapter but I cannot find one anywhere. I need help
I ordered mine on ebay from Global Trade emporium (uk). It cost way more than the original, but worth it because I own soooooo many cartridges.
Can Cricut Imagine cartridge be linked through this adapter?
The adapter is no longer being sold. Any other options in linking with the Maker?
Someone is selling them on amazon… its $50 but worth it if you have a bunch of cartridges or if you have a friend to split the cost with
No one has the adapter! Anyone looking to sell one? Cricut says it’s just out of stock…
Same here looking to buy the adapter no ones has them. Wonder what’s up with that?
I am also looking to buy the adapter and it appears that no one has them.
Very frustrating. I just contacted Cricut this morning & they said they have NO estimate on when the cartridge adapters will be back. That’s very annoying considering they’re on sale for $17.50 now (but out of stock), and upwards of $100 by sellers on eBay… ridiculous. I don’t quite understand why the fanciest machine doesn’t have a way to transfer them right now.
I reached out to them and asked what to do and they told me to get one of these and I cant find it anywhere!!!
How can I use the cartridge in the maker without linking because I still use my expression
What a scam. The adapter can’t be found and didn’t create a slot on maker. I will be returning my maker until the bugs are ironed out.
I’m having trouble with the adapter. It says no device found. Anyone having trouble? I used it before and I didn’t have any problem. I used 2 computers different browsers different ports same issue. Frustrating. 🙁
The adapter is not working on my Mac book. keeps saying the device is open in another window and to close that one first. what window? I have tried everything I can think of, but no luck.
Hi, I’m having the exact same problem. Did you manage to get it sorted?
Same problem here too! Cricut can’t give me a fix to get in at all. They are “stumped”!
Having the same problem. Very frustrating. All my other windows are closed.
Im having the same issue!
I finally made mine work! I had to manually install cricut drivers to get it to work. It is a process but well worth it.
I just ordered the Cricut Maker today. None of my cartridges are linked since my old machine wasn’t capable of doing that. Now that I have ordered a machine that can’t read my cartridges how am I supposed to link them into Design Space?
I agree. It is a scam. I already purchased a cartridge years ago in anticipation of buying a Cricut, but I ended up buying a Maker. Now they expect you to purchase an add on to the price of your cartridge. I think that is outrageous! I’m disgusted with Cricut’s constant money making schemes. These machines are supposed to ultimately help crafters to save money by not having to keep purchasing dies. Now I find you have to buy even the most basic of shapes. I also have a ScanNCut. Brother I feel are a better company and their software is superior to Cricut.
Can’t find an adapter anywhere either… been looking for months. You would think that circuit would have a good supply of them considering more and more people are getting the maker. I still have an older machine that I can use my cartridges on but what was the point of purchasing the bigger, better machine when you can’t even link your cartridges without that adapter!
I am also looking for an adapter and they are now selling for almost 200 dollars! This is ridiculous!! I would really like for them either to make them again or create a way to link via code on your cricut design space. Solease please do this to help out!!
I am in the same boat as you. I have cartridges and bought a maker. Can’t find a cartridge adapter anywhere except eBay which is charging close to $200. Don’t really want to have the Expression still taking up
Space but otherwise it seems I have lost the cartridges. Have you had any luck finding a source for the adapter?
I contacted Cricut directly about the adapter supply issue. This is the response I received
“I totally understand the frustration! We will be getting them back in stock but we don’t have a time frame for that. Please have them contact us and we can look into adding the cartridges to their accounts. :)”
https://help.cricut.com/hc/en-us/articles/360020316674-Cricut-Contact-Information
I hope that helps and they are able to add the cartridges to your account for you.