Are you a beginner who is going to use the Cricut AutoPress machine for the first time? If yes, then you have come down to the correct place. Using a Cricut AutoPress machine is so fun and exciting through which you would be able to craft your project. This article post will guide you on how to set up and use it without facing any difficulty. Here you will get step-by-step instructions on the preparation, setup, activation, and registration of the Cricut machine. You will also learn to adjust the temperature and the time according to the project you are crafting.

Step 1: Open The Packaging Of the Cricut AutoPress Machine
To open the packaging of your new Cricut Auto Press machine, set up the box on its side and gently slide off its outer sleeve.
Then, pull out the perforated tape strips from the top and bottom of the box.
Now, open the lid of the box. At this point, ask someone to help you lift the machine out of the box using the front handle. Make sure to handhold at the back of the Cricut AutoPress machine.
When you open the package of your Cricut Auto Press machine, you will find two small boxes that contain the following items in them:
Cricut Auto Press Machine
Control Pod (To regulate temperature, time, and pressure)
Cricut Auto Press Mat
Instruction Manual Booklet (it is a user guide document)
A Warranty Card
Safety Instructions Manual
A USB Cable ‘
Power Cord
Step 2: Preparing For the Cricut AutoPress Machine
The Cricut AutoPress machine is quite big and will take plenty of space. When you prepare your workspace for the Cricut Auto Press Machine, make sure you have a surface with some extra room that can accommodate the size of the autopress.
When your Cricut Auto Press is sitting closed with its handle facing forward, choose the space considering the following dimensions:
Width: 16.63 inches (42.243 cm)
Height: 6.62 inches (16.812 cm)
Depth: 26.07 inches (66.207 cm)
When your Cricut Auto Press is sitting open with its handle facing forward, choose the workspace considering the following dimensions:
Width: 16.63 inches (42.243 cm)
Height: 25.14 inches( 63.848 cm)
Depth: 23.21 inches (58.961 cm)
Some other important dimensions to keep in mind are:
The heat plate of the Cricut Autopress machine is 15 inches in width x 12 inches in length
The Cricut Autopress machine weighs 24.13 kg.
The power cord that comes with your Autopress is 1.9 metres long.
The USB Cable of the Autopress machine is 99 cm long.
Step 3: Setting Up Cricut Autopress
The Cricut Autopress machine is approximately thirty inches wide and also has handles; these handles can provide support while lifting. It is recommended that at least two people lift the machine up.
Some surfaces that are suitable for keeping your Cricut Autopress machine at home are the kitchen table, counter, and wooden table at home.
Make sure the surface you are choosing for your Cricut Auto Press Machine is flat, firm, strong, and sturdy to hold the weight of the machine.
Completely avoid unstable or unsteady surfaces such as folding tables or TV trays.
Step 4: Activation And Registration Of Your Cricut AutoPress Machine
IMPORTANT: You must activate and register your Cricut Auto Press machine before using it. When you activate your Autopress machine, it automatically registers. This ensures that your machine has the most up-to-date features and software.

NOTE: The control pod that you get with your Cricut Auto Press machine is already pre-programmed, with some specific information related to the Autopress unit in the box.

First, make sure that your Auto Press machine, its control pod, and all the power cords needed to operate are out of the packaging box.
At the bottom of the control pod, a sticker is attached that reminds you that the machine needs to be registered to be used.

Connect the USB cable to the micro-USB port, which is at the bottom of the control pod.

Now, connect the other end of the USB Cable to your computer system (Windows or Mac). The display on the control pod will prompt you to connect with your computer system to complete the activation.

On your computer system, open the “cricut.com/setup” and follow the on-screen prompts. The following scenarios will most likely arise:
In case a firmware or software update is available, the control pod will be automatically updated with the new version of the firmware or software.
After you have followed the on-screen prompts on the website, the control pod and your autopress machine will be registered to your account automatically.
Also, the control pod and your autopress machine will be activated in Cricut’s system.
The display screen of the control pod will show the progress of activation and update.

The display screen on the control pod will show UPD 100% after its activation is complete. After which, you will receive a message on your computer system that the control pod is updated and the registration is complete.

Then, make sure that your Cricut Autopress machine is plugged into a wall socket. Turn its power on and connect the control pod to the auto press with the help of a USB Cable. You will find the USB port, on the back side of the auto press machine, just near the power cord.

The control pod will then use its stored information to activate the Cricut Auto Press machine. The progress of the update will appear on the display screen of the control pod.

After the update is complete, your control pod display screen will show UPD 100%, and the auto press machine will restart.

Voila, Your Cricut Auto Press machine is ready for use.
TROUBLESHOOTING: In case your control pod displays “USB PC” on its display screen when you try to use the control pod, it means that the activation process has not yet been completed. You can follow the steps given above first to connect the control pod to your computer and then go to “cricut.com/setup” to complete its activation.

Step 5: Adjusting The Time and Temperature In Cricut AutoPress Machine
NOTE: When you turn on your Cricut Auto Press machine for the first time, the machine will begin heating up to the default temperature of 157 degrees celsius or 315 degrees Fahrenheit. Else, it will always heat up by default to the last used time and temperature settings.

After you have connected your Cricut Auto Press machine and activated it successfully. You can make changes in the time and temperatures according to your project. To check the time and temperature required by each material you might be using for your projects.
To change the temperature setting from Fahrenheit to Celsius or vice versa. First, turn the control pod over, and move the small switch between both temperature signs, according to your preference.

After you have determined the temperature and time settings required for your project, by taking reference from the Cricut Heat Guide. First, turn the left dial to the right side to set a higher temperature, and to set a lower temperature, turn to the left side.
Every click will move the temperature up or down in a five degrees increment. If the auto press machine does not detect any dial rotation in 1000 milliseconds, the temperature displayed currently will be confirmed.
To set the time, turn the right dial on the control pod. You will have to turn the right dial on the pod to the right side to increase the time. To decrease the time, turn it to the left side.
Every click will move the timer settings up or down in one-second increments. If you move the dial too quickly, it will automatically change in five-second increments. If the auto press machine does not detect any dial rotation in 1000 milliseconds, the time displayed currently will be confirmed.
When the auto press machine is either heating up or cooling down, the temperature icon will flash an orange light. When the light turns green, it indicates that the machine has reached the targeted temperature. You can interpret the same when the handle flashes the same lights.
Source :- https://search-cricut.com/how-to-setup-cricut-autopress-machine