Xteink has begun shipping versions of its X3 and X4 e-readers with firmware flashing disabled, preventing users from installing CrossPoint Reader — the third-party software widely credited with making the devices popular.
The issue surfaced in early May 2026 when a Reddit user reported that a second Xteink X4 purchased from Taobao, the Alibaba-owned Chinese retailer, was not recognized as a USB device by their computer. After confirming the problem wasn’t with their cable, the user contacted customer support and received a statement acknowledging that recently shipped devices now have firmware flashing restrictions in place.
In its support statement, Xteink cited user safety and after-sales concerns as the reason for the change, noting that some customers who installed third-party firmware experienced crashes, screen damage, and issues with reading records and Wi-Fi after reverting to stock firmware. The company also stated that future official updates would include improvements such as anti-aliased text, suggesting third-party software may become less necessary.
In a follow-up statement posted to Reddit, Xteink described the restrictions as stemming from “internal risk assessments focused on safety and after-sales considerations for a specific market and usage context,” and said it develops products differently across regions based on local needs and regulatory requirements. However, the company told The Verge that “for all X3 and X4 Overseas Versions purchased through our official website,” no restrictions on third-party firmware are being applied.
It remains unclear exactly which retailers are selling restricted units or which regions are affected. Xteink has not yet responded to The Verge’s request for that clarification. Reddit users have noted that restricted devices can be identified by a new barcode sticker on the back of the packaging.
The development matters because CrossPoint Reader — which adds improved fonts and a more polished interface — is a key reason Xteink’s devices gained traction, helping the X4 reach Amazon’s top ten best-selling e-readers list, ahead of Amazon’s own Scribe Colorsoft. Users purchasing restricted units will be limited to the stock firmware, which has been described as clunky and limited.
Source: The Verge