Cannot get into command mode but XCTU works perfectly

I have an XBEE ZB running coordinator API mode.
It works fine in XCTU (MAC version)I can send remote packets in XCTU. ALL functions in XCTU work with this XBEE.
When I use coolterm to connect to the xbee I cannot enter command mode. I use +++. Also when in coolterm I can see packets coming in from other xbees but I cannot enter command mode. IS there some setting I am missing?
My term settings 9600 8 1 n and it matches up with what I see in XCTU. any info is helpful.

your settings sound correct. You might want to check the xbee product manual. look up the API section at the end. it talks about how to switch modes. There might be some useful information there.