← Epubby blog Guide

How to install CrossPoint on your Xteink e‑reader

· 3 min read

CrossPoint is free, open-source reading software for small e-ink readers like the Xteink X4. It replaces the stock software with faster, better-looking EPUB pages, more font and layout options, and Wi-Fi file transfer. You install it from a computer in a few minutes, and you can switch back to the stock software any time.

Which devices it runs on:

DevicePick this in the installer
Xteink X4 ProX4 Pro
Xteink X4 ClassicXteink X4C
Xteink X4 (original) and X3X3 or X4
Seeed reTerminal StickyreTerminal Sticky
M5Stack PaperMonoM5PaperMono

Before you start

You need:

  • Your reader, charged and awake. A sleeping reader won't show up on your computer.
  • A computer with Chrome or Edge.
  • The right cable. The X4 and X3 use a USB-C cable that carries data, not a charge-only one. The X4 Pro and X4 Classic connect through their magnetic charging adapter.

Back up your books. Copy everything on the SD card to your computer first. Installing doesn't touch the card, but a copy costs nothing.

A word on risk. CrossPoint is a community project, not made by Xteink. Flashing is usually smooth, but don't unplug the reader or close the browser tab while it's writing.

Install with the web flasher

This is the easiest way, and it all happens in your browser.

  1. Connect your reader to your computer and leave it on its home screen.
  2. Open crosspointreader.com/#flash-tools in Chrome or Edge.
  3. Select your device (see the table above). The X4 Pro and X4 Classic need their own versions, not the X3/X4 one.
  4. Choose the latest official CrossPoint release and start the flash.
  5. When your browser asks, pick your reader from the list of devices.
  6. Wait for it to finish. On the X4 Pro you may need to flash twice.
  7. Restart: press Reset, then hold Power for 3 to 5 seconds. A blank screen after flashing usually just means it needs this restart.

Install by hand

If you prefer the command line:

  1. Install esptool: pip install esptool.
  2. Download the firmware.bin for your device from the CrossPoint releases page.
  3. Connect the reader and find its port (for example /dev/ttyACM0 on Linux).
  4. Flash it. For the X3 or X4:
esptool.py --chip esp32c3 --port /dev/ttyACM0 --baud 921600 write_flash 0x10000 firmware.bin

For the X4 Pro, reTerminal Sticky or M5PaperMono, use --chip esp32s3 instead.

If your reader doesn't show up

First try a different cable, USB port or browser, and make sure the reader is awake. If it still doesn't appear, it may be USB-locked. Some units sold through third-party stores such as AliExpress are. Readers bought from xteink.com aren't.

For a locked reader, use the Xteink Unlocker, which installs CrossPoint without USB flashing. On a locked reader, only install CrossPoint or CrossInk. The CrossPoint team warns that other firmware “may permanently brick the device.”

Updating and going back

First steps. After the restart you'll land on the Home screen. Open Settings to set your Wi-Fi network, fonts and button layout.

Updating. Go to Settings → System → Check for updates to update over Wi-Fi. No computer needed.

Going back to Xteink's software. Open the same flash tools page and flash the official Xteink firmware.

Troubleshooting

ProblemTry this
The browser can't find the readerWake it, use a data cable or the magnetic adapter, try another port, and close other serial tools
Blank screen after flashingPress Reset, then hold Power for 3 to 5 seconds
Stuck restartingPress Reset, then hold Back and Power to reach Home
Strange settings or a book won't openDelete the .crosspoint folder on the SD card. Your books stay

Send books to CrossPoint with Epubby

CrossPoint has Wi-Fi file transfer built in, so Epubby can send clean ebooks straight to your reader:

  1. On the reader, open File Transfer and choose Join a Network.
  2. In your Epubby library, tap Send to e-reader and choose CrossPoint sync.
  3. Check the address (usually http://crosspoint.local, or the one your reader shows) and tap Send EPUB.

More in our guide on how to send ebooks to your e-reader. New to CrossPoint? Read what CrossPoint is and what it does.

Sources