Silhouette CAMEO 3 Bluetooth Set Up Tutorial

The Silhouette CAMEO 3 Bluetooth feature is one of those features that has been highly anticipated. However, let's just be honest here, it's also causing a lot of frustration, confusion and questions on how to set up and establish the Silhouette CAMEO 3 Bluetooth connection.

 There are several steps and - again being honest - they can be confusing. Like I literally thought my head was going to explode!  Lucky for you, I figured it out and now I'm going to try to lay it out in as simple as steps as possible for you so you can get your Silhouette CAMEO 3 Bluetooth set up and cutting!

Step 1: Setting Up Silhouette CAMEO 3

Start by plugging the power cord into the machine and turning it on.  Using the touch screen, you will need to set the machine up for the correct language.  When you've finished the quick set up, your machine will confirm set up has completed successfully.

You're now ready to start cutting - using the USB cord.  If you want to use the Silhouette CAMEO 3 Bluetooth capabilities, you need to go several steps further.

Step 2: Enabling Bluetooth on CAMEO 3

On the touchscreen on the Silhouette CAMEO 3, click the gear icon. A menu will come up on the screen with an arrow at the bottom. Click the arrow to scroll down the menu. Click the button for Bluetooth. From the Enable/Disable Bluetooth click "On".

When you click the left arrow to go back to the home screen you should now see the Bluetooth icon in the top left corner of your Silhouette CAMEO 3 touchscreen. 

Step 3: Pairing Silhouette CAMEO 3 with your Computer

The next step is to get your computer to recognize that you have a Bluetooth device. This process will be slightly different for all computers depending on if you have a MAC or PC and depending on which operating system you are using.

On a MAC, open the System Preferences.  Click the Bluetooth Icon.  

When the Devices box opens, make sure you have Bluetooth "ON" on your computer. Then you should see your Silhouette CAMEO 3 listed there - but still not connected.

Click "Pair".

Your computer should now sync to the CAMEO 3 to recognize the Bluetooth connection. You can confirm this has worked corrected when you see "Connected" under the device name.

Step 4: Downloading Silhouette Studio Version 3.8.07

I would highly recommend you back up your Silhouette Studio library before going any further!

You're not done yet. Now you need to go to the Silhouette America website and download the latest version of Silhouette Studio. You need to be using at least Silhouette Studio Version 3.8.070.

Select MAC or Windows and download AND install the software onto your computer. Again, the installation process will depend on the type of computer and operating system you are using.

Most likely after you select either MAC or Windows the software will download into your Downloads folder on your computer.

You'll need to go find it > double click it > and follow the installation instructions. On a MAC that's dragging the Silhouette Studio software icon into the applications folder.

You will then be able to launch the software from the Applications folder.

Confirm you are running Silhouette Studio V3.8.07 by going to the "Silhouette Studio" menu in the software and clicking "About Silhouette Studio."

The pop up window will tell you exactly what version of Silhouette Studio you are running. (Mine says SSBE at the end because I have Business Edition.)

 

Going this far will allow you to use your Silhouette CAMEO 3 with your machine - with the exception of the Bluetooth capabilities.

Step 5: Downloading Silhouette Studio Firmware Update

To get the Silhouette CAMEO 3 Bluetooth feature working, you'll need to return to the Silhouette Studio Download website and download the CAMEO 3 Firmware V1.13.0.



Again, the update will likely go to your Downloads folder where you'll need to go find it and double click to open the folder.

Once you click it to open, it may put another zip-looking folder on your desktop. Open it and click the icon with the blue S in the middle to launch the firmware update.

Follow the on-screen instructions. This is a lot of plugging in and out and holding down the power button and takes about 15-20 minutes.  Make sure you follow the directions exactly.

At this point I would recommend re-starting your computer and re-launching Silhouette Studio.

Step 6: Adding Bluetooth Cutter in Silhouette Studio 

Go back into Silhouette Studio and from the "Silhouette" menu click "Add Bluetooth Cutter."

The Send to Silhouette window will open on the right side of the software. You should see your Silhouette CAMEO 3 listed there under the Bluetooth Connection tab.

Step 7: Connecting and Syncing Silhouette CAMEO 3 with Silhouette Studio for Wireless Cutting 

Select the Silhouette CAMEO 3 from the list and while it's highlighted blue click "Connect."  It will take a few seconds, but your CAMEO 3 should sync with the software.

If all has gone correctly, the software should now indicate that the Silhouette CAMEO 3 is "Connected by Bluetooth".

You are now able to cut without using the USB cord connecting your computer and the machine. Keep in mind, however, you will still need to be close enough to both your computer and your CAMEO 3 so you can press "Send to Cut" on your computer from the software and load the mat and material into the cutter.

If you don't get the Silhouette CAMEO 3 Bluetooth connection the first time - try again. Believe, me I spent quite a bit of time trying to figure this out. You need to make sure all of your Silhouette Studio software systems are updated in order to properly sync the Silhouette cutting machine and the software.

Want more on how to get the most out of your Silhouette CAMEO 3? I have created a 45 Minute Getting Started with Silhouette CAMEO 3 video course to walk you through everything from taking it out of the box to using the AutoBlade and Dual Carriage features for your  first projects!

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. By clicking on them and purchasing products through my links, I receive a small commission. That's what helps fund Silhouette School so I can keep buying new Silhouette-related products to show you how to get the most out of your machine!

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