ST-LINK: "Failed to execute MI command" & "Error in initializing ST-LINK device

Naveen12 · ‎2025-04-16

We are using STM32CubeIDE to configure the STM32 controller. Previously, flashing the code to the board was working fine. Recently, while trying to debug, the IDE started showing this error: "Failed to execute MI command""Error in initializing ST-LINK device" We tried upgrading the ST-LINK driver, and the controller responded to the host. In STM32 ST-LINK Utility, we could select the External Loader, which means the connection seemed okay.However, when we tried to erase the flash using ST-LINK Utility, we got:
"Target not connected" We tried many solutions in STM32CubeIDE, but we could not identify the root cause. Could anyone please help us understand what might be going wrong?

Peter BENSCH · ‎2025-04-16

Welcome @Naveen12, to the community!

Please add photos of the front and back of your ST-LINK here.

Regards
/Peter

In order to give better visibility on the answered topics, please click on Accept as Solution on the reply which solved your issue or answered your question.

Andrew Neil · ‎2025-04-16

Welcome to the forum.

You need to supply some more details - see: How to write your question to maximize your chances to find a solution.

Have you seen:

https://community.st.com/t5/stm32-mcus/how-to-solve-connection-errors-when-connecting-and-programming/tac-p/786977

https://community.st.com/t5/stm32-mcus/how-to-solve-debugger-connection-issues/ta-p/49693

Are you using a genuine ST-Link:

https://community.st.com/t5/stm32-mcus/how-to-recognize-a-genuine-st-link-v2-versus-a-cloned-one/ta-p/49471

Note that the old ST-Link Utility is long obsolete - have you tried CubeProgrammer ?

A complex system that works is invariably found to have evolved from a simple system that worked.
A complex system designed from scratch never works and cannot be patched up to make it work.

Naveen12 · ‎2025-04-16

Andrew Neil · ‎2025-04-16

@Naveen12 wrote:
Recently, while trying to debug, the IDE started showing this error:

So what did you change immediately before that started happening?

A complex system that works is invariably found to have evolved from a simple system that worked.
A complex system designed from scratch never works and cannot be patched up to make it work.

Mike_ST · ‎2025-04-16

Hello,

Please use STM32Cubeprogrammer, ST-Link utility is deprecated:

STM32CubeProgrammer

The error message "No device found on target" indicates that the STM32H7 is probably not powered, or is in a state where it can't be accessed.

Please download the User Manual , and check the jumpers and solder bridges configuration.