# Cricut Explore Air 2 not turning on

Source: https://bladeandmat.com/blog/cricut-explore-air-2-not-turning-on
Published: 2026-10-09
Publisher: Blade & Mat

**Short answer:** Most Explore Air 2 machines that will not turn on have a power supply problem. Plug the adapter straight into a wall outlet you know works, push the cord firmly into the machine's power port, and check the adapter's own light if it has one. Hold the power button for a moment rather than tapping it. If a known good Cricut power adapter still gets no response, contact Cricut Member Care.

An Explore Air 2 that stays dark when you press the power button is worrying, but the fault is often outside the machine. The power adapter, its cord, the outlet or a loose connection at the back of the machine account for many no-power cases. This page is for Explore Air 2 owners whose machine shows no lights at all, turns on and off by itself, or lights up but will not start. We go through the checks in order, from free and quick to the point where you should contact Cricut.

## What you are seeing

Write down exactly what happens when you press the button: nothing, a flicker, a light that stays on, or a light in a particular color. That detail helps you pick the right fix here and helps Cricut support if you need them.

| Symptom | Likely cause | Start with |
| --- | --- | --- |
| No lights at all | No power reaching the machine | Outlet, adapter and cable checks |
| Lights flash then go off | Weak or failing adapter | Try a known good Cricut adapter |
| Turns off during a cut | Loose plug or overloaded strip | Plug straight into the wall |
| Power on but no movement | Firmware or startup fault | Power cycle and update firmware |
| Power light red | Error state | Check Design Space for the message |

Symptoms and likely causes

## Check the outlet and power strip

Power strips fail more often than you might expect, and some machines get just enough power to light up but not enough to run. Testing straight from the wall removes that variable.

1. Unplug the power adapter from any power strip, extension cord or surge protector.
2. Plug a lamp or phone charger into the wall outlet you want to use and confirm it works.
3. Plug the Cricut adapter straight into that outlet.
4. If the outlet is on a wall switch or a GFCI, make sure the switch is on and the GFCI is not tripped.
5. Press and hold the power button on the machine for a moment.

## Check the adapter and cable

The Explore Air 2 uses an external power adapter with a cord that plugs into the back of the machine. Check both ends of every cable. The plug into the machine should seat fully; a plug that sits halfway can give intermittent power that cuts out when the carriage moves. Look along the cord for kinks, cuts or crushed sections, and check the adapter brick for damage.

If you have another Cricut machine that uses the same type of adapter, try its adapter on the Explore Air 2. If the machine starts, the original adapter has failed. Buy a replacement from Cricut or an exact match rated for your machine. Do not use a random adapter with a plug that happens to fit: the wrong voltage or polarity can damage the board.

Note: Do not open the machine or the adapter. They contain mains voltage parts, and opening the case can void the warranty. If you see scorch marks, smell burning or the adapter is hot, unplug it and stop using it.

## Try the power button and a reset

Press the power button firmly and hold it for a second or two. A sticky or worn button can need a firmer press. If the machine was working recently and then stopped, unplug the adapter from the wall and from the machine, wait about a minute, then reconnect the machine end first and the wall end second, and press the power button.

If the machine powers on but the carriage does not move or Design Space cannot see it, update Design Space and the firmware with a USB connection. Our [Cricut not connecting by Bluetooth](https://bladeandmat.com/blog/cricut-not-connecting-bluetooth) guide covers connection steps once the machine has power.

## When the machine turns off during a cut

A machine that powers on but shuts off partway through a cut usually has a loose connection or a weak adapter that cannot supply enough current when the motors work hard. Plug straight into the wall, make sure the cord is fully seated, and route the cable so the moving mat or carriage cannot pull on it.

Also check that nothing blocks the carriage or the mat path. A jam can make the machine stop and show an error that looks like a power fault. Clear any bits of material, make sure the mat is the right size for the job, and see [Cricut moves my design](https://bladeandmat.com/blog/cricut-moves-my-design) if cuts are landing in the wrong place.

## When to contact Cricut or replace the machine

If the machine does not respond on a known good outlet with a known good Cricut adapter, the fault is inside the machine, often on the power board. Contact Cricut Member Care with the serial number, which is on the label on the bottom of the machine, and describe what you have tried. They can confirm whether it is a repair, a replacement part or a warranty case.

The Explore Air 2 is an older model, so check repair costs against the price of a new machine. The [Cricut Explore 4 vs Explore 3 vs Air 2](https://bladeandmat.com/blog/cricut-explore-4-vs-explore-3-vs-air-2) comparison and our [best Cricut machine](https://bladeandmat.com/best/best-cricut-machine) guide cover current options.

[Compare current Cricut machines](https://bladeandmat.com/best/best-cricut-machine)

## Frequently asked questions

**Why won't my Cricut Explore Air 2 turn on?** Usually a power problem: a dead outlet or power strip, a loose plug at the back of the machine, or a failed adapter. Test each before assuming the machine is broken.

**Can I use another power cord with my Explore Air 2?** Only a Cricut adapter or an exact match rated for the Explore Air 2. The wrong voltage or polarity can damage the machine.

**My Explore Air 2 lights up but does nothing. What now?** Power cycle it, then connect by USB and update Design Space and the firmware. If it still does not start, contact Cricut Member Care.

**Is it worth repairing an Explore Air 2?** It depends on the cost and warranty. Ask Member Care first, then compare the quote with a current Explore model.

## Gear guides for this topic

- https://bladeandmat.com/best/best-cricut-machine
- https://bladeandmat.com/best/best-cutting-machine-for-beginners
- https://bladeandmat.com/best/best-cricut-bundle