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The Cricut Joy is Cricut’s smallest and most portable cutting machine, designed for crafters who want to create quick, on-the-go projects without a large workspace. Whether you’re making custom labels, cards, iron-on decals, or vinyl stickers, the Joy and Joy Xtra set up in just a few minutes and connect wirelessly so you can craft from anywhere.
The Cricut Joy and Joy Xtra connect via Bluetooth only — there is no USB connection option for these machines. Make sure your device supports Bluetooth before beginning setup.
1

Unbox and Check Contents

Remove all packaging and confirm you have the following items:
  • Cricut Joy or Joy Xtra machine
  • Power adapter
  • StandardGrip cutting mat (Joy) or LightGrip cutting mat (Joy Xtra)
  • Fine-Point Blade (pre-installed)
  • Getting-started materials and welcome card cardstock
Set the machine up near a power outlet within Bluetooth range of your device.
2

Download Cricut Design Space

Go to cricut.com/setup on your smartphone, tablet, or computer and download the free Cricut Design Space app. Design Space is available for iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac, and is required to send cuts to your Joy.
3

Sign In or Create a Cricut Account

Open Design Space and sign in to your Cricut account, or tap Create Account to register for free using your email address.
4

Power On Your Cricut Joy

Press the power button on your Cricut Joy or Joy Xtra to turn it on. The status light will illuminate to indicate the machine is ready to pair.
5

Enable Bluetooth on Your Device

Open the Bluetooth settings on your phone, tablet, or computer and make sure Bluetooth is turned on. Keep the settings screen open — you do not need to manually select the Joy from your device’s Bluetooth list, as Design Space handles pairing.
6

Select and Pair Your Machine in Design Space

In Design Space, tap the machine icon or navigate to Machines and select your Cricut Joy or Joy Xtra from the list of available devices. Follow the in-app pairing prompts to complete the Bluetooth connection.
7

Complete New Machine Setup

After pairing, Design Space will launch the New Machine Setup flow. Follow the on-screen steps to confirm your machine and prepare for your first cut.
8

Load the Mat and Cardstock

Place the included practice cardstock onto your cutting mat, pressing it down firmly and evenly. Align the mat with the guides on the front of the Joy and push it gently into the machine until the rollers catch and pull it into position.
9

Start Your First Cut

When Design Space indicates the machine is ready, the C button on top of the Joy will begin blinking. Press it to start cutting the welcome card project. The machine will complete the cut automatically.
Both the Cricut Joy and Joy Xtra support Smart Materials, which let you cut long, continuous labels and designs without a mat. Feed Smart Label materials directly into the machine and cut labels up to 4 feet long in a single pass — perfect for custom pantry labels, name tags, and banners.
The Joy Xtra features a wider cutting width of 4.5 inches, compared to the original Joy’s 3.5-inch cutting width. The Joy Xtra accommodates a broader range of project types, including wider cards and larger labels. Both machines cut materials up to 4 feet long in a single continuous cut.

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Quick Cutting Specs