Xteink’s compact e-readers are set to lose their standout feature.

The Xteink X4 and X3 are solid contenders against Kindles and Kobos for those seeking a pocket-friendly e-reader, though they come with some initial drawbacks. Out of the box, both devices feature stock firmware that can feel clunky and limited, but this can be easily remedied by connecting them to a PC and installing CrossPoint Reader, which enhances the user interface and overall functionality. However, recent reports indicate that Xteink may be blocking this upgrade, with restrictions potentially varying by region and retailer.

The issue first surfaced when a Reddit user noted that their second Xteink X4, purchased from a Chinese online retailer, was not recognized as a USB device by their computer. After confirming their USB-C cable worked with their original X4, they reached out to customer service. Instead of a replacement, they received a message stating that newer devices from Xteink now have firmware flashing disabled.

The support message explained that some users had encountered crashes and other problems after installing third-party firmware, even after reverting to the original firmware:
> Previously, we noticed that some users who tried using third-party firmware encountered problems such as poor optimization, frequent crashes, and even screen damage. Some users who later reverted to the official firmware experienced issues like being unable to access reading records, Wi-Fi records not opening, and the book transfer page failing to launch, and subsequently applied for official repairs.
> We are very concerned that this may affect your user experience and device safety. At the same time, flashing firmware on your own will void the official warranty, making future repairs more troublesome. Therefore, for recently shipped new devices, we have cautiously added restrictions to the flashing function.
The statement also hinted at upcoming updates that would bring significant improvements, including anti-aliased text, suggesting that third-party firmware might not be necessary in the future.

In a follow-up message shared on Reddit via Xteink’s account, the company acknowledged the firmware flashing restrictions on some e-readers, citing hardware safety as the reason. “To clarify: the information being discussed comes from internal risk assessments focused on safety and after-sales considerations for a specific market and usage context. Xteink develops and optimizes products across different regions based on local user needs, usage habits, and regulatory requirements.”

However, in another statement sent via email and shared on Reddit, Xteink clarified that “for all X3 and X4 Overseas Versions purchased through our official website, whether on sale, in transit, or already in customers’ hands, we do not restrict the use of third-party firmware. We are not making any changes that would affect how these devices are currently being used.”

Other users on Reddit have noted that the restricted versions can be identified by a new sticker on the back of the packaging featuring a barcode and serial number.

Despite these updates, all of Xteink’s e-readers retain their standard features. The changes only impact users looking to install third-party firmware for a more refined experience akin to that of Kindle and Kobo devices. CrossPoint Reader has played a significant role in boosting the popularity of Xteink’s products, helping the X4 secure a spot in Amazon’s top ten best-selling e-readers, even surpassing Amazon’s own offerings like the Scribe Colorsoft.