VS Code not detecting Thingy:53 (no devices connected) while Programmer sees it

[Nik01]

Hello,

I’m using **VS Code + nRF Connect SDK v3.2.1** with a **Nordic Thingy:53** board.

I can build firmware successfully, and nRF Connect **Programmer (Desktop app)** detects my board correctly:

- Nordic Thingy:53
- Serial number recognized
- USB Serial (COM5) works

However **VS Code does NOT detect any connected device** under “Connected Devices”, and the Flash button says *No devices connected*.

I have:
- Installed SEGGER J-Link V9.12
- USB-C plugged into the port labeled “USB”
- Drivers installed
- Tried different cables
- Administrator permissions

Device Manager shows **USB Serial Device (COM5)** but does NOT show J-Link.

What am I missing? Is there a setting or driver step for VS Code to detect the debug interface on Thingy:53?

Thanks!

I am supposed to use only USB so please help

[Turbo J]

Connected devices in VS code only works for J-Link debuggers - there is no such thing on a naked Thingy:53 device.

You can use the COM port for DFU, but not for debugging.

Nordic DK boards have a J-Link debug chip included btw.

[Nik01]

Well I was going through the Thingy_53 and I found this .
Is there no way to use this with VS Code ??
Also I need to take the values from the sensors . Is it possible to do it with nrf Connect for Desktop Programmer application ???
Please help.

[Menon]

Hello,

The Thingy53 does not come with an onboard debugger, so you need to use an external debugger to program it via VS Code. Please refer to the section on building and programming using VS Code in the documentation.

You can also use the Programmer application to flash an image, but for that you need to put the Thingy53 into bootloader mode. See the section programming Nordic thingy53.

Kind Regards,

Abhijith