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Silhouette Troubleshooting >> Silhouette Hardware Issues >> How to connect via Bluetooth

How to connect via Bluetooth

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expand_more Bluetooth Setup - Computer

In order to use a Bluetooth connection with Bluetooth compatible Silhouette machines, you will first need to confirm your computer is compatible and set up properly.

First, check to ensure your computer or device has Bluetooth 4.0 support. Computers or devices not equipped with Bluetooth 4.0 support cannot properly use the Bluetooth communication option. You can click here to check your computer. Please note that an LMP of 6.0 or above indicates the presence of the Bluetooth 4.0 protocol.

Next, set up your computer to ensure Bluetooth devices can be connected properly:

PC

  1. Click the Windows icon
  2. Select Settings
  3. Select Devices
  4. Click "Bluetooth & other devices"
  5. In the Bluetooth Settings window, make sure the option "Allow Bluetooth devices to find this PC" is checked

Mac

  1. Check to make sure the Bluetooth symbol in the top right-hand corner of the macOS menu bar is active
  2. If Bluetooth is not active, click on the Bluetooth symbol to turn it on
  3. If the icon is not present, please click here for further information on checking to see if your computer is Bluetooth enabled

NOTE: If you're running on macOS Big Sur, you may need to do the following:

  1. Go to the Apple menu
  2. Select System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy
  3. Go to Bluetooth
  4. Click the Add button
  5. Select Silhouette Studio

After you have confirmed your computer is compatible and Bluetooth is set up properly, select your machine model from one of the sections below and follow the instructions provided.

chevron_right Bluetooth Setup - Portrait 2 & 3, Cameo 4

Please do the following to ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your cutting machine:

Cameo 4 Series

  1. Power on your cutting machine
  2. Make sure the Bluetooth symbol button is dark blue, indicating Bluetooth is ON
  3. If it is not dark blue, tap the Bluetooth symbol button until it is dark blue

Portrait 2 & 3

  1. Power on your cutting machine
  2. Make sure the light next to the Bluetooth symbol button is ON
  3. If the light it is not on, press the Bluetooth symbol button to turn it on

Once Bluetooth has been confirmed on your machine, go to the SEND panel in Silhouette Studio and Bluetooth should automatically scan and connect to your machine. Once a connection is established you will see that your machine is “Ready” in the SEND panel. 

If you are not running the latest version of Silhouette Studio, you may need to update your software.

chevron_right Bluetooth Setup - Cameo 3

Please do the following to ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your cutting machine:

  1. Power on the Cameo 3
  2. Select the gear icon in the Upper Right of the touch-screen
  3. Scroll down using the down arrow
  4. Select the "Bluetooth®" option
  5. Select the "On" option
  6. Select the back arrow several times to return to the main loading screen

Once Bluetooth has been confirmed on your machine, go to the SEND panel in Silhouette Studio and Bluetooth should automatically scan and connect to your machine. Once a connection is established you will see that your machine is “Ready” in the SEND panel. 

If you are not running the latest version of Silhouette Studio, you may need to update your software.

If you encounter problems with setting up a Bluetooth connection, please ensure that your Cameo 3 notes "Bluetooth® Included" on the front of the Cameo box, rather than just "Bluetooth® Compatible". The "Included" notation indicates that a Bluetooth adapter is included and installed in your Cameo whereas "Compatible" indicates there is a port for a Bluetooth adapter, but one is not included.

chevron_right Connecting Cameo 3 to Bluetooth (Video Guide)



chevron_right Connecting Portrait 2 to Bluetooth (Video Guide)



chevron_right Bluetooth Adapter Recommendation

The Silhouette Cameo® Bluetooth Edition model comes with a Bluetooth adapter installed.

While some other Silhouette Cameo 3 models offered in various markets and parts of the world do not include a pre-installed Bluetooth adapter, they are still Bluetooth compatible and can have a 3rd party adapter installed.

If you wish to communicate wirelessly via Bluetooth using a Bluetooth compatible Cameo 3 model (adapter not included), you can obtain a third-party Bluetooth adapter which meets the requirements below:


  • Size: The measurements of the recommended adapter cannot exceed the above dimensions. However, either measurement can be smaller.
  • Type: The chip type for the Bluetooth® adapter must be the following CSR chip.

    CSR8510 A10

    Other Bluetooth adapters with alternate chipsets will not work with Silhouette cutting machines.

We do not have any specific recommendations for Bluetooth adapters that may be compatible with our machines.

chevron_right Checking Your Adapter Connection

If you have reviewed all information above but are having issues connecting to Bluetooth, it is possible that the Bluetooth adapater is loose and needs to be checked.

To check the Bluetooth adapter connection:

  1. Find the Bluetooth panel on the bottom of the Silhouette cutting machine (as indicated by the word "Bluetooth" on the panel)
  2. Use a small Phillips head screwdriver to remove the screw on the panel
  3. Once the panel is opened, you will see a small Bluetooth adapter plugged into the machine
  4. Use the prongs on the Blade Adjustment Tool (received with your cutting machine) to unplug and remove the adapter
  5. Place the Bluetooth adapter back into the slot and push it in tightly
  6. Replace the Bluetooth panel and screw into place
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