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Firmware 101

Stock vs custom firmware (CrossPoint and others), safety basics, and the step-by-step flashing guide for X3 & X4.

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Stock vs custom firmware

Stock firmware (official)

  • Works out of the box
  • Simple interface, minimal settings
  • Officially supported by the manufacturer
  • Aligned with official manuals and support

CrossPoint & forks (community)

  • Open-source, created for X3 and X4
  • Better EPUB handling, navigation, more options
  • Requires flashing — you change the system software yourself
  • Carries additional risk (bugs, locked device)

If you're a new owner: use stock for at least a few days first, then decide if you're missing something. Only then read a current, trusted guide before flashing anything.

Region & flashing restrictions

In early 2026, Xteink started restricting third-party firmware on some X3 and X4 units sold in specific regions, citing safety and warranty concerns.

  • Chinese-market devices may block custom firmware.
  • Many overseas models remain open — for now.

Before flashing, always:

  1. Confirm your model and region.
  2. Read the full install guide from the firmware author.
  3. Assume that custom firmware can affect warranty.

What you need before flashing

Flashing is a low-level operation on firmware partitions. It is usually fine when done correctly, but you should treat it like maintenance.

If you are looking for a firmware .bin to install (not your own backup): for each firmware, the .bin is normally provided in its GitHub repository, usually under the Releases section. You do not need to hunt random mirrors—open the project's repo and check Releases first. Our firmware gallery links to projects so you can jump straight to the right place.

Choose the right flash mode

Full flash controls

Backup + full restore. Save full flash takes around 25 minutes and writes a full image as a .bin file (the download name may differ; it is still the same kind of backup).

OTA fast flash controls

Faster switch path for English / Chinese / CrossPoint or file-based flash, while keeping your settings.

Step-by-step with Xteink Flash Tools

1

Open Xteink Flash Tools and connect your device.

2

Run Save full flash in Full flash controls, then store the downloaded .bin backup in a safe place—you can rename the file; what matters is that you keep that backup.

3

Choose your action: Flash English firmware, Flash Chinese firmware, Flash CrossPoint firmware, or Flash firmware from file.

4

Start flashing and wait until completion. Do not close the tab or disconnect the device.

Language tip: set device language to English before flashing, otherwise you may still see Chinese after reboot and assume nothing changed.

After flashing: restart correctly

  1. Press and release the small Reset button.
  2. Immediately press and hold Power for around 3 seconds.

First boot can be slower than usual. Wait before trying another flash.

Safety and common mistakes

Mistake: flashing without backup. Fix: always save the full-flash .bin backup first (step 2), whatever name the file has when you download it.
Mistake: unplugging during write. Fix: keep cable connected until final completion.
Mistake: assuming device is dead after a bad flash. Fix: restore with Write full flash from file.

Quick FAQ

Is fast flash safer than full flash?
It is faster, but safety still comes from stable connection + backup-first process.

Can I recover from failure?
Usually yes, if you restore your saved full flash backup.

Which tool should I use?
Use crosspointreader.com; this guide is built around it.

Where do I download the firmware .bin?
For each firmware, the .bin is typically in that project's GitHub repository, usually under Releases. Use the link from the firmware gallery to find the correct repo.