Unboxing Cricut Explore Air 2 Machine

If you just got a brand new Cricut Explore Air 2 machine, this is a great place to start! Learn exactly how to unpack your machine and get it set up.

Note: there may be some variation in what you see in the box. Our warehouse may open the box to include bundle components and what is included in the box may change with time. If your machine does not come with the exact things shown in this post, it does not mean that your machine is used or has been returned.  Please contact us with any questions.

Let’s take a look at what is included in the box with the machine:

The bundle components would also be in the box, but that varies depending on which bundle you purchased. See all our bundle options here: Cricut Explore Air 2 Bundles

Let’s unbox the machine, step-by-step, and get it all set up. Your Cricut Explore Air 2 machine will come in a brown shipping box with a white Cricut box tucked snug inside. Both boxes will say Cricut on them. This is important to note if you are shipping this as a surprise gift or if you have shifty neighbors. The box completely gives away the contents of the box. Make sure to consider your shipping options if revealing what is in the box is in any way problematic for your delivery location.

Step 1: Unbox

Separate the two boxes.  Our warehouse often tucks bundle components between them. I recommend holding onto both boxes, just in case you need to return the machine for repairs or if you need to move or store your machine. If storage is an issue, you can flatten them down, but saving the boxes and packing materials assures your machine makes it to the next destination safely.

Inside the white box, the machine will be held in place with some packaging materials. The machine may be inside a white Styrofoam sheet and the cutting mat should be on top of the machine.

After removing the machine and mat from the box, locate the power cord, USB cord, sketch pen, the Getting Started Guide, materials for your first card (cardstock pieces), warranty information, “Learn more,” and Iron-on instructions) and a silica gel pack.

Step 2: Unwrap

Unwrap the machine. Ensure you tremove all the packing materials including clear plastic wrap on each end, plus the gray tab that is holding the machine closed. 

Push the open button on the front left of the machine to open the machine up. Inside the machine, remove the final packing materials. You’ll notice at this point that the accessory holder is pre-installed in Clamp A (for accessories) and the blade and blade housing is installed in Clamp B (for blades).

Step 3 Power On

Now you are ready to plug in your machine and get it hooked up to your computer.  Locate the USB cord and the power cords. The power cord comes with two pieces that should already be attached.  If they are not attached to each other, simply plug one end into the other.  

The round end of the power cord gets plugged into the back of the machine, on the right hand side. The other end of the power cord has a standard 2 prong US power supply cord. Plug it into an outlet or a power strip.

The USB cord will have a square end - plug that into the back of your machine on the left hand side. Plug the other end of the USB port into your computer.

Here is a helpful diagram with all the pieces of the Air 2 machine labeled.

Note: The Explore Air 2 is Bluetooth compatible, but you’ll need to connect via USB cord to get it all set up.

Now that you are all unboxed and plugged in, the next step is to set up a Design Space Account.

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