Bluetooth connection problem

Jayhawk714 · Sep 1, 2024

i have a Lenovo Thinkpad running Windows 11 and cannot get it to connect to a Cricut Maker machine. The laptop knows its there but will not connect it. I have the Cricut app on my phone and it connected to the Cricut in just a few seconds. Any ideas or suggestions??

Winuser · Sep 1, 2024

Jayhawk714 said:
i have a Lenovo Thinkpad running Windows 11 and cannot get it to connect to a Cricut Maker machine. The laptop knows its there but will not connect it. I have the Cricut app on my phone and it connected to the Cricut in just a few seconds. Any ideas or suggestions??

Have you tried setting it up using a USB cable. Did it come with any software? My guess is that a driver needs to be installed first.

Jayhawk714 · Sep 1, 2024

No I have not tried with a USB. By using Bluetooth it should connect wireless/WiFi, at least that's what the Cricut manual says. No software, everything is done online.

antspants · Sep 1, 2024

A couple of questions;

Do you need to install the Design Space software, if not have you tried anyway?

Does your Maker 545C come with a dongle or is the wireless adapter in the Maker?

A few (blind) suggestions;

Have you checked Settings>Windows Update>Advanced Options>Optional Updates

I am not sure if the “Advanced” mentioned on this page is still relevant (not at my PC)

https://help.cricut.com/hc/en-us/articles/16511514972183-Windows-11-Bluetooth-Devices-Discovery-Issues

Is your Thinkpad up to date?

https://pcsupport.lenovo.com/us/en

Jayhawk714 · Sep 1, 2024

The software is downloaded direct from DesignSpace.com. It did not come with a dongle so I'm guessing a wireless adapter must be internal. I bought this used, however, I checked on Cricuts website and a dongle was not part of a new machine "Whats in the box". Both the laptop and Windows 11 are up to date.

antspants said:
I am not sure if the “Advanced” mentioned on this page is still relevant (not at my PC)

https://help.cricut.com/hc/en-us/ar...Windows-11-Bluetooth-Devices-Discovery-Issues

My laptop was already on the Advanced option.

antspants · Sep 1, 2024

Have you successfully connected to anything else via Bluetooth with your Thinkpad? And if so is that device/s still connected?

antspants · Sep 1, 2024

For safe measure:

Windows has been removing troubleshooters and I am not at my PC. Check the following and run the troubleshooter for Bluetooth if it’s available. If not, I think there is a work around.

Open Settings >> Update and Security >. Troubleshoot >> click Bluetooth >> click Run the troubleshooter.

Jayhawk714 · Sep 2, 2024

This is getting crazy, or maybe I'm just going crazy. I went into Bluetooth and removed the device and then ran add a device and it showed up. I clicked on it and it came back saying it was connected. However, that only lasted about 5 seconds and switched back to Not Connected. I did that with all the other Not Connected devices and the all did the same thing. So to answer your question I would have to say no, Bluetooth will not connect to any of my devices.

Jayhawk714 · Sep 2, 2024

I found out it looks like Bluetooth is not connecting. When i click on the internet icon in the task bar it says Bluetooth is not connected. When I click on the Bluetooth icon and go to the next screen it shows Bluetooth is on, but, not connecting. Also there is a blue line that is scrolling across that screen.

antspants · Sep 2, 2024

Jayhawk714 said:
I found out it looks like Bluetooth is not connecting. When i click on the internet icon in the task bar it says Bluetooth is not connected. When I click on the Bluetooth icon and go to the next screen it shows Bluetooth is on, but, not connecting. Also there is a blue line that is scrolling across that screen.

Did you run the troubleshooter?
Also, I would roll back on Bluetooth driver for the Thinkpad, did you keep any older ones? Perhaps there is an older version at Lenovo on the manual download page I linked

Can you take a photo or type the exact model that is under the Thinkpad please Jay?

There is a possibility that you might have to buy an affordable Bluetooth dongle to rule out issues with the Thinkpad's Bluetooth

Jayhawk714 · Sep 2, 2024

Yes, I ran the troubleshooter with no luck. It kept sending me back to the same Bluetooth screens I've been to numerous times. I have never replaced or upgraded the Bluetooth since I bought this laptop. It might have been upgraded in one of the many updates but do not know for sure. Not sure if this was the info you asked for, if its not let me know. I have another Lenovo in my shop and going to try it and see it will connect. I will go the Lenovo website and see what info I might find there.
T15 (type 20S6, 20S7 Laptop (ThinkPad) - Type 20S6

antspants · Sep 2, 2024

Jayhawk714 said:
Yes, I ran the troubleshooter with no luck. It kept sending me back to the same Bluetooth screens I've been to numerous times. I have never replaced or upgraded the Bluetooth since I bought this laptop. It might have been upgraded in one of the many updates but do not know for sure. Not sure if this was the info you asked for, if its not let me know.

All good, that’s exactly what I was wondering.

Jayhawk714 said:
I have another Lenovo in my shop and going to try it and see it will connect.

Good Idea, at least then you may be able to see if it may be the wireless in the “Maker”

Thanks for the Laptop info.

Please confirm the Model on the left of this page, download the August Bluetooth driver and install it.
I have my fingers crossed for you that it changes something.

Click the drop arrow, download the driver as in this picture.

https://pcsupport.lenovo.com/us/en/products/laptops-and-netbooks/thinkpad-t-series-laptops/thinkpad-t15-type-20s6-20s7/downloads/driver-list/component?name=Bluetooth%20and%20Modem&id=631A1C55-4962-4A5C-B7FD-CB19B42CDF9F

Jayhawk714 · Sep 2, 2024

I downloaded that about 20 minutes ago. Sadly, no joy. A dongle is starting to sound better all the time!!

antspants · Sep 2, 2024

Jayhawk714 said:
I downloaded that about 20 minutes ago. Sadly, no joy. A dongle is starting to sound better all the time!!

I am extremely frustrated for you, Jay.

See how you go at the store with your other laptop

antspants · Sep 2, 2024

Jay, can you see the Maker in “Device Manager” under Bluetooth or other devices.
Might be worth right clicking and removing it, then trying to connect again.

Jayhawk714 · Sep 3, 2024

Once again, no joy. I should get out to my shop this morning. I'll try Bluetooth on that laptop and see what happens.

Jayhawk714 · Sep 4, 2024

Just an update to say I ordered a so hopefully that will cure this PITA problem. I'll let to know the result after I get it.

antspants · Sep 4, 2024

A wireless adapter?

Did it work with your store laptop?

antspants · Sep 4, 2024

Sorry jay I posted a video on the wrong thread

Jayhawk714 · Sep 4, 2024

Meant to say I ordered a dongle for Bluetooth. Also, it did not work on my laptop in my shop,but, that is also a Lenovo. That sort of points to the Cricut, however, my phone connects to the Cricut in just a matter of seconds on Bluetooth. Go figure........