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Xteink X3 — Getting Started

The ultra-portable one. Follow the checklist and read the pogo-pin section carefully — the cable is the one thing you cannot lose.

2026 Edition · Community guide

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1. What the X3 is (and is not)

The Xteink X3 is one of the smallest e-readers you can buy — closer to a credit card than a traditional ebook reader.

What it is

  • A 3.7" high-DPI e-ink reader with physical buttons
  • An ultra-portable device — lives in a pocket or on a phone
  • A side-loading reader for EPUB/TXT files

What it is not

  • Not a full-size reader — fewer words per page
  • Not a tablet — no touchscreen, no apps, no store
  • Uses a proprietary pogo-pin cable you must not lose

2. 15-minute checklist — do this first

Do not skip the firmware update and index rebuild. They eliminate many of the early frustrations.

1

Plug in the proprietary pogo-pin cable and charge for at least 30 minutes.

2

Power the X3 on with the power button.

3

Connect to Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz) in Sync → Network Connection.

4

Run System Update and wait until it completes.

5

Open any book and use OK → Index to rebuild the index.

6

Load a known-good EPUB to confirm everything works.

3. Charging and the pogo-pin cable

How charging works

  • The X3 charges via a magnetic pogo-pin cable that snaps onto the device.
  • Align the metal pins carefully — the magnet pulls the connector into place.
  • A small indicator on the screen confirms charging.

Why the cable matters so much

Unlike the X4, the X3 does not use USB-C. If you lose or damage the pogo-pin cable, finding a replacement may be slow or expensive.

  • Label the cable and keep it in a fixed place (e.g. a pouch in your bag).
  • Avoid bending the connector sharply.
  • Do not use the device while the cable is pulling awkwardly on the pins.

4. Connect to Wi-Fi and update the firmware

The Wi-Fi and update steps are almost identical to the X4.

Connect to Wi-Fi

  1. Go to Sync → Network Connection.
  2. Select your 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and enter the password.
  3. Wait for the confirmation.

System Update + index rebuild

  1. Go to Sync → System Update and install any available update.
  2. After updating, open a book and use OK → Index to rebuild the index.

5. Adding books to the X3

Internally, the X3 behaves much like the X4. microSD is the most reliable method.

Supported formats

EPUB for ebooks · TXT in UTF-8 · JPG/BMP for images/wallpapers

Using a microSD card

  1. Power off or put the X3 to sleep, remove the microSD card.
  2. Insert into your computer, format as exFAT or FAT32 if needed.
  3. Create folders (e.g. /Books/Fiction) and copy your files.
  4. Safely eject and re-insert into the X3.

Using the Wi-Fi hotspot

  1. Go to Sync → Wi-Fi Hotspot and enable it.
  2. Connect your phone or laptop to the displayed network.
  3. Open the IP address shown on the X3 in a browser and upload books.

6. Reading on a 3.7" screen

Higher pixel density but less physical space than the X4. Tuning helps significantly.

Tune your layout for comfort

  • Increase the font size compared to what you'd use on a larger device.
  • Reduce margins to see more text per page.
  • Adjust line spacing until dense but not cramped.

Ideal use cases for the X3

  • Reading in short bursts — queues, public transport, quick breaks
  • Focused texts: essays, short stories, language learning material
  • A tiny reader "paired" with your phone for always-on-you reading

7. Magnets and phone attachment

One of the headline features of the X3 is magnetic attachment to phones or magnetic cases.

Magnetic strength depends heavily on your phone model and case. On some setups it feels very secure; on others it's more "good enough for a desk."

Always test by gently shaking over a soft surface before trusting it outdoors.

Use the magnet for convenience (grab-and-go), not as a permanent mount in risky situations.

8. Stock firmware vs CrossPoint on X3

Stock firmware

  • Straightforward, minimal, official
  • Good for basic reading with little configuration

CrossPoint and forks

  • More settings, better EPUB handling, flexible navigation
  • Flash at your own risk — read a current guide first

New to the X3? Start with stock. Once you know what you want to change, check Firmware 101 before flashing anything.

9. Common issues and quick fixes

Tiny text or too many page turns

Increase font size and decrease margins. Use the X3 for short-session reading (essays, short stories) and keep 800-page epics for a larger device.

Charging problems

Double-check pogo-pin alignment. Clean the contacts gently with a dry cloth. Make sure the cable is not under strain while charging.

Wi-Fi and hotspot issues

Prefer 2.4 GHz. Restart both router and device. If the hotspot IP doesn't load, try a different browser.

Frozen screen or random glitches

Charge for 10–15 minutes via pogo-pin. Long-press power to reset. Remove the microSD and try booting without it.

10. How X3 and X4 work together

A lot of owners end up using both. Give each device a clear role:

X3

  • Short-form, experimental reading
  • Language practice, articles
  • Always-with-you, attached to phone

X4

  • Main reading queue: novels, long-form
  • Longer evenings and weekend sessions
  • On a desk, bedside table, or in a bag

Both can share the same microSD card and firmware family, especially if you explore CrossPoint.

11. Quick FAQ

Is the X3 too small for serious reading?

Many people use it happily for shorter texts. For multi-hour sessions, a larger screen is usually more comfortable.

Can I really use it on the back of my phone?

Yes, but test your specific phone/case combination. Magnet strength varies significantly.

What happens if I lose the cable?

You'll need a replacement pogo-pin cable from the manufacturer or a compatible third party. Plan ahead.

Does it support the same formats as the X4?

Yes: primarily EPUB and UTF-8 TXT, plus basic image support for covers and wallpapers.