Tips & Tricks

Buy your X4 from the official xteink.com website to ensure proper support coverage

The first thing to do after receiving your device is to update the firmware via Sync → System Update for the latest layout fixes

Firmware exists in two versions: Chinese and English - both receive regular updates from the official site

A 32GB microSD card comes with the device, but you can upgrade it - always use exFAT format to avoid compatibility issues

The three essential accessories are the official magnetic case, the reading light, and MagSafe rings to attach to your phone

After firmware update, open any book and press OK to access the menu, then select 'Index' to properly reload

MagSafe cards included in the box are designed for phones without built-in magnets - the X4 already has integrated magnets

The language can be changed in settings - this persists after firmware updates

International shipping typically takes 7-14 days to Europe; no additional import fees reported for USA orders

The lightweight design (74g) and compact dimensions (4.49x2.72 inches) make it the most portable e-reader on the market

Use Calibre to clean your EPUBs: Repair HTML → Beautify all files → Delete unused CSS → Smarten punctuation

If you experience word spacing issues in English, update to firmware 2.1.8 or higher which fixes this problem

The English hyphenation algorithm has been significantly improved in latest updates - verify you're running the current version

Screen contrast is excellent and allows reading even in poor lighting, but not in complete darkness

You'll typically read about 5 words per line - this is normal and you'll adapt after a few pages

EPUB format is ideal, but plain TXT files work just as well for simple content

JPG and BMP images display well, but test some files first before importing large batches

Performance doesn't slow down with large books as the indexing is well optimized

EPUB covers transform into lock screens - convenient for adding custom designs on startup

You can switch between default fonts, but for more options create your own via the font converter tool

Two standard fonts are included, but you can add your own in .bin format

Community members share converted fonts on xteink-community-hub.replit.app where you can find ready-to-use options

Google Lens helps translate the font converter interface if it's in Chinese

All specialized characters (Polish, German, Greek, Slavic characters) display perfectly with the default font

Japanese support is included and displays characters correctly, though not yet vertically

For languages with specialized accents, convert a TTF font containing all glyphs to .bin format using the developer converter

The official app coming soon will allow font uploads directly from your phone - this will simplify the process

Custom fonts can include settings like size, character spacing, and weight

A community gallery of converted fonts is available on the hub, including Bookerly for Amazon fans

Each custom font should be tested via preview before loading to avoid errors

Files go in the root folder or in a folder named 'Books' on the microSD

Create a logical folder structure (by genre, by author) for better navigation of your library

TXT files are limited to FAT32 (4GB max per file) - use exFAT to exceed this limit

Always format the microSD in exFAT for best compatibility with large files

A 32GB microSD can contain approximately 700-1000 books depending on format

The file system supports both UTF-8 and GBK encoding for TXT files

If the microSD isn't recognized, use a card reader via USB and completely reformat in exFAT

A defective microSD can cause freezes - switching to SanDisk or another reliable brand usually resolves this

Backup your original EPUB files in case you need to reconvert them

Image files (JPG, BMP) used as screensavers should be in low resolution to display correctly

The device can create its own WiFi hotspot for file transfer without external WiFi infrastructure

Connect via the X4's hotspot from your computer to copy files via network sharing

Bluetooth can connect to physical page-turners - several third-party devices work

An official Bluetooth page-turner from Xteink is in development

Bluetooth stability has been improved in versions 2.1.8+ with fewer freezes

For WiFi transfers, you don't need stable Internet - just WiFi range

You can add the X4 to an existing WiFi network for firmware updates without a cable

The official app in development will offer more sync and customization options

Devices with Chinese firmware can now access the English version via OTA update

Bluetooth connection persists between sessions once paired

The 4 front buttons: top (back) and bottom (OK) in center, previous page (left) and next page (right)

The 2 side buttons: top (volume up) and bottom (volume down) act as alternate page up/page down

Press and hold the OK button to add a bookmark - a flash appears at the top of the page to confirm

Press and hold the Back button to exit menus and return to reading

The Power button completely shuts off the device - the EPUB cover displays on screen

For a soft reset, there's a reset button next to the microSD slot

Customize the side buttons in settings for volume control or custom functions

There's no touchscreen - button-only navigation offers better precision

Bluetooth page-turners can replace physical buttons for a more hands-free experience

Button navigation takes a few minutes to adapt to but becomes natural quickly

Battery life is excellent - several weeks with moderate use

Many users haven't needed to recharge after weeks of use

The E Ink screen consumes very little power - main activity depends on WiFi and Bluetooth

Charge via USB-C - a cable is included in the box

Sleep mode can be configured to 5 minutes before automatic shutdown

Auto-shutdown timer can be adjusted - tested at 20 minutes in settings

Leaving the device in sleep mode for several days doesn't significantly affect battery

Full charge from 0 to 100% takes approximately 2-3 hours

Battery indicator is visible in menus, but not on the lock screen

Low battery never affects your reading progress - it's saved immediately

If you see 'Reading History Error', convert the EPUB to TXT or clean it with Calibre

If an EPUB starts at the wrong chapter, it may be a structure problem - use Calibre Repair HTML

Characters appearing as squares are missing glyphs in the font - use a converted TTF font

The non-touchscreen device can't unlock accidentally in your pocket

If firmware won't install, ensure the microSD is formatted correctly and you're connected to WiFi

Bluetooth freezes occurred in firmware before 2.1.7 - update to fix

If the device doesn't recognize the new microSD, format it first on your computer in exFAT

Indexing TXT files takes a few seconds - be patient when importing large files

Errors like 'there was a problem with this' usually mean the file is corrupted

A soft reset (button next to microSD) solves 90% of software issues

Beautifying your EPUB in Calibre solves most formatting issues

Removing unused CSS from Calibre reduces file size

Smarten Punctuation normalizes quotes and other punctuation characters

Converting to UTF-8 in Calibre before importing improves compatibility

Reindexing after each firmware update improves performance

Organize your microSD with folders to avoid lag when navigating menus

Delete unnecessary images from EPUBs to speed up rendering

Very large TXT files (>100MB) can be split for better speed

Clear reading history occasionally to maintain menu performance

Disable book pop-up notifications in settings (recently improved)

The official magnetic case provides excellent protection with integrated stand

The magnetic reading light has continuous brightness buttons without steps

Adhesive MagSafe rings attach to the back for mounting on phones without magnets

The device itself has built-in magnets - don't glue rings directly to it (hard to remove)

Rings work best on iPhone Pro Max models, with possible overhang on standard models

The magnetic light can be oriented different ways for position flexibility

Multiple third-party DIY 3D-printed cases are available in the community hub

A screen protector is included - use it if you have a nomadic lifestyle

Light temperature settings oscillate between warm white and cool white

The magnetization at the device's back doesn't interfere with Bluetooth or device functions

At 74 grams, it's one of the lightest e-readers on the market

The dimensions (4.49x2.72 inches) make it smaller than a credit card

It fits easily in shirt pockets, small bags, or even wallets

Compared to Boox Palma 2, it's more compact and lighter

Ideal for light travel or reading during public waiting periods

Attaches magnetically to the back of iPhone 14+ for integrated portability

Taking up minimal space, you can easily slip it into a handbag

The weight makes one-handed reading comfortable for extended periods

Smaller than your phone, it's a true companion for extreme mobility

No touchscreen means no need for bulky screen protectors

The Reddit community r/xteinkereader is very active with Xteink responding regularly to questions

The community hub at xteink-community-hub.replit.app shares resources, fonts, and guides created by users

A gallery of custom fonts is available online for direct downloads

The community develops tools to automate batch EPUB conversions

Check 'first impressions' posts for real user feedback from early adopters

Ask for font recommendations if you're looking for a specific reading style

Users share Calibre tips for the most common problems

Discussions on comparisons with Boox Palma 2 help you choose the right device

Users from different countries share shipping times and import fees

Various users share setups with third-party lights and successful DIY cases

The device uses ESP32 architecture - reverse engineering projects are underway

Koreader isn't natively supported yet, but it's a popular community request

The official app in development will allow syncing reading progress across devices

Bookmarks are saved per page (improved since V2.1.8) in preparation for app integration

Reading time is tracked but not yet displayed in the interface (feature coming)

Reading histories are preserved even if the EPUB file is deleted (V2.1.8+)

Future updates plan to display images in EPUBs (beta in November 2025)

You can customize the lock screen with any BMP or JPG image

Improved multi-language support arrives with upcoming updates

The Xteink developer is considering Android models (S4) for more future functionality

EPUB is the recommended format for best formatting results

Simple TXT files work well for unstructured content

BMP and JPG images can be displayed in gallery or as lock screens

PDF support is not officially available - convert to EPUB via Calibre if needed

Markdown files (.md) aren't natively supported - use a converter tool to transform them to TXT or EPUB

DRM-protected EPUBs from Amazon Kindle don't work - use unprotected versions or free sources

Project Gutenberg offers an excellent selection of free, compatible EPUBs

Calibre can convert almost any format to compatible EPUB

Compressed ZIP files aren't detected - decompress manually before transfer

Paragraph and indentation settings can be adjusted via Calibre's EPUB editor

Official price is around $69, with occasional discounts available

Bundles with case, light, and magnetic rings offer best value

Devices purchased through official resellers receive full Xteink support

Devices with third-party/hacked firmware lose warranty coverage according to Xteink

No additional import fees reported for USA shipments

Shipping from China to Europe takes 7-14 days with standard services

Contact support@xteink.com for warranty or technical support questions

The company appears responsive to support requests with replies within days

Refurbished or second-hand products may not be covered - verify first

A first firmware update is usually free for all users

Compared to Boox Palma 2: X4 is smaller, lighter, and cheaper, but without full Android

Compared to Kindle: X4 offers more format control, no default DRM

Compared to Kobo: X4 is significantly more compact and cheaper

X4's main advantage: extreme portability and very low price for e-ink

X4's main disadvantage: no touchscreen, no frontlight

For pure reading: X4 is better. For productivity: Palma 2 is better

If you like large e-readers: X4 isn't for you - consider Kobo Libra instead

For iPhone users: X4 attaches magnetically, offering a new experience

X4 is an ideal entry point for those new to e-readers

Kindle users notice better screen quality than recent Paperwhites