XCTU cannot discover devices

If XCTU doesn't discover an XBee module or doesn't display any serial ports, try the following resolutions.

Check the configuration of your USB serial converter

  1. On the Start menu, click Computer > System Properties > Device Manager.
  2. Under Serial Bus controllers, double-click the first USB Serial Converter to open the USB Serial Converter dialog.
  3. Click the Advanced tab, make sure Load VCP is selected, and click OK.
  4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 for each USB Serial Converter listed in the Device Manager.

Check cables

Double-check all cables. The USB cable should be firmly and fully attached to both the computer and the XBee development board. When attached correctly, the association LED on the adapter will be lit.

Check that the XBee module is fully seated in the XBee development board

When the XBee module is correctly installed, it should be pushed fully into the board and no air or metal should be visible between the plastic of the adapter socket and the XBee module headers. Also, double-check that all ten pins on each side of the XBee module made it into a matching hole in the socket.

Check the XBee module orientation

The angled "nose" of the XBee module should match the lines on the silk screening of the board and point away from the USB socket on the XBee development board.

Check that the XBee modules are in the same network

Check that the Network ID (ID)and the Channel (CH) settings have the same value for both XBee modules.

Check driver installation

Drivers are installed the first time the XBee development board is plugged in. If this process is not complete or has failed, see Cannot install device driver.

Check if the modules are sleeping

The On/Sleep LED of the Grove Development Board indicates if the XBee module is awake (LED on) or asleep (LED off). When an XBee module is sleeping, XCTU cannot discover it, so press the Commissioning button to wake it up for 30 seconds.

XBee TH Grove Development Board

XBee SMT Grove Development Board

Check the loopback jumper

The loopback jumper should not be connected when XCTU is trying to find the module. Make sure the loopback jumper is not connected to the loop-back pins.