In this topic, we’ll focus on solving connection issues between an iMac and the iEngrave machine. Personally, I haven’t experienced any problems when connecting my iEngrave to other devices, such as my mobile phone and a laptop/desktop running the IS version on Windows 11. This is my first time encountering this specific concern with an iMac.
If any of you have helpful troubleshooting tips for this iMac-related issue, I’d love to hear your experiences and how you resolved the connection challenges.
Thanks for the kudos! Agreed it is a huge milestone.
I would love to use the desktop version but I cannot get the laser to connect at all. I installed the driver and continually get the same error over and over as I try to establish the connection. It says that there is no device and cannot establish a connection. I have tried for days as I would prefer to use the desktop version as the app seems limited compared to the exposure I have had with the desktop version. If you have any recommendations @rinsky, I would certainly welcome any thoughts you have. I have scoured the community and haven’t found anything yet that has offered any assistance in fixing the issue.
I believe you don’t need to install a separate driver on your desktop if you already have the LOKLik app installed. Try opening your IS desktop version. On your canvas, open the text tool and type your name. Then highlight the entire text and click the Make button.
Before doing that, make sure the iEngrave machine is turned ON, the SD card is inserted, and both the keys and emergency stop button are properly engaged. Connect your laptop or desktop to the iEngrave using a USB cable. On your screen, select the iEngrave machine and click the Connect button. Once connected, I believe it will beep once.
On the other hand, if you want to use the Lightburn software you need to install the driver that came with the iEngrave. Once properly installed, it might need a restart to refresh your system. The software will give you a 30-day trial version.
Just wanted to let you know that I followed your recommendations and unfortunately I still cannot get it to work. I deleted the driver I installed and tried your recommendations. It tells me in the desktop app, when I try to connect to the iEngrave, that I need to install the driver after I try to connect. I have troubleshooted everything I can think of but nothing is working. I still have the iPad app but dang do I wish I could get the laptop version working because I would love the flexibility. I have even tried a couple different USB cables and both cables work because I can see them in the iMac USB report. What isn’t there is the driver that I have installed and uninstalled so many times. LOL! A google search shows that there are lots of issues with this driver application, so my guess is that it is that. Thanks for your help. I would welcome any additional recommendations you may have.
No. I was just trying to start with the LOKLiK app and desktop software. So in the desktop version when I try to connect to the iEngrave, it says the driver has to be installed. I follow all the instructions and nothing.
@Cory_Barger, Okay, I see. That shouldn’t be giving you too much trouble. Once you connect the USB cable to your iEngrave, it should be plug-and-play. Quick question—did you reinsert the SD card into your iEngrave before opening the IS app from your iMac? Just wondering.
Troubleshooting steps
Check the USB cable and port. Ensure the cable is securely plugged into both devices. If you have a different port or cable, try that to rule out hardware failure. Consider using a “dumb” USB 2.0 hub, as this can force a compatible connection on a modern Mac.
Manually approve the driver. When you first install the Loklik driver on macOS, the operating system’s security settings may block it. Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security to approve the driver.
Verify the connection in System Information. To confirm if your Mac is even seeing the device, go to Apple Menu > About This Mac > More Info > System Report and check under the USB section.
Confirm the software connection. In the IdeaStudio app, check the console for a successful connection message, such as “OK”. For LightBurn, confirm that the engraver is detected in the “Devices” list.
Temporarily disable security. Some users have found that temporarily disabling System Integrity Protection (SIP) on their Mac can solve blocked driver issues, but this is a more advanced step and comes with security risks.
If you tried everything in this list above, you may need to contact customer support for further assistance.
The SD card is in the iEngrave. All of the recommendations you mentioned I have tried with the exception of the last one about System Integrity Protection. I will look into that option and if it does not work I will reach out to the support team for further assistance.
I am going to use my laptop next weel to send a project to the iEngrave as I have been using the LOKLiK App before. I’ll come back to see if there are any other tips that may be helpful.
Hi @Cory_Barger! Any updates in your case? What was the support recommendations for you? Did they concluded that you have a defective machine? Looking forward to hearing your side soon!
There was no resolution overall. I still have not been able to get it to connect to the desktop software. I was finally able to get it to connect to LightBurn and work brilliantly. But then the laser stopped working and it’s a whole new issue where I can’t cut anything. They are supposed to be sending me a new laser module so I hope that is/was the problem. Cause I really need to get back to cutting things for my upcoming craft markets. I had only had that thing 2 weeks before it stopped working but I quickly came to depend on it to help me expand my offerings. Now not having it will certainly delay that expansion. Thanks for reaching out to check on me.
Ugh, I’m so sorry you’re dealing with all that—especially right before your craft markets. That’s such a tough time for a machine to go down, especially when it was already helping you grow your offerings so quickly. I totally get how disruptive that must feel.
It’s good to hear LightBurn worked well before the laser issue hit—fingers crossed the new module solves it cleanly and you’re back to cutting soon. You’ve clearly been putting in the effort to troubleshoot every angle, and that persistence is no small thing. I hope support comes through quickly so you can get back to creating without the tech headaches.
Please keep us posted when the new module arrives—I’d love to hear how it goes. You’ve got this
Just wanted to let you know that after more than two weeks of waiting I finally got my new laser modulation today for the iEngrave. The new laser module is working. Of course I couldn’t wait for the new laser to come because I had orders backing up and was trying to get ready for these two craft markets, so I had to buy a different laser from another company to get me back to making money. Thanks for all your help!
I’m so glad to hear your new laser module finally arrived and is working! I know that wait must have been tough, especially with orders piling up and craft markets right around the corner. Smart move grabbing another laser to keep your business flowing—you did exactly what you needed to do to stay on track.
Thank you for updating us, and I’m happy the iEngrave is back in action for you. Wishing you smooth sailing (and lots of sales!) at your upcoming markets. You’ve definitely earned some stress-free creating time after all that waiting.
‘coz I don’t think if I still have troubleshooting on hand to offer you. 
I know that wait must have been tough, especially with orders piling up and craft markets right around the corner. Smart move grabbing another laser to keep your business flowing—you did exactly what you needed to do to stay on track.
and I’m happy the iEngrave is back in action for you. Wishing you smooth sailing (and lots of sales!) at your upcoming markets. You’ve definitely earned some stress-free creating time after all that waiting. 