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Flash guide · Method 4 of 5

Flash with esptool

~10 min Technical Unlocked X3 & X4

Flash CrossPoint from the command line on an unlocked Xteink X3 or X4. Install esptool with pip, find the serial port, write firmware.bin to 0x10000. No IDE, no build. About ten minutes if you already have Python.

Unlocked devices only

esptool needs a USB serial port. Locked Xteink units never show one. If the web flasher can't detect your device, use the OTA Unlocker.

What you need

  • Python 3.x installed
  • pip available
  • USB-C data cable (not charge-only)
  • Xteink device unlocked and awake

How to flash Xteink firmware with esptool

  1. 1

    Install esptool with pip.

    pip install esptool
  2. 2

    Download firmware.bin from the firmware project's GitHub releases page.

  3. 3

    Connect the Xteink over USB-C, then find its serial port:

    • macOS → /dev/cu.usbmodem…
    • Linux → /dev/ttyACM0
    • Windows → COM3 or similar (check Device Manager under Ports)
  4. 4

    Run the flash command. Swap <PORT> for the port you found in step 3.

    esptool.py --chip esp32c3 --port <PORT> --baud 921600 write_flash 0x10000 firmware.bin

Offset warning: 0x10000, never 0x0

CrossPoint and its forks write to 0x10000. Writing to 0x0 overwrites the OEM bootloader. Microreader ships a full image and flashes to 0x0. Follow each project's README for the offset.

Load your books

Send the library with Calibre or OPDS. Then add fonts, themes, and sleep screens.

Load your books Fonts and themes

Troubleshooting esptool errors

esptool.py: command not found
Run python -m esptool or python3 -m esptool. Check that your Python Scripts or bin directory is on PATH.
Failed to connect to ESP32-C3
Lower the baud. Replace 921600 with 460800. Check the cable and port, and keep the Xteink awake.
Permission denied: /dev/ttyACM0 on Linux
Add yourself to the dialout group, then log out and back in.sudo usermod -a -G dialout $USER
No serial ports found on Windows
Install the CP210x or CH340 USB driver for the ESP32-C3. Check Device Manager for an "Unknown device" under Ports.
Device bricked after flashing to 0x0
Writing to 0x0 overwrites the bootloader. Recovery needs a hardware programmer or JTAG. Use 0x10000 for CrossPoint firmware.

Still stuck? Search the Xteink firmware help & FAQ.

Owner kit

A light and a case after setup

X3 and X4 ship without a front light. A clip-on is the usual first add-on.

  • eReader Magnetic Reading Light

    eReader Magnetic Reading Light

    Official
    from $9.99
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  • X4 Pro Magnetic Case

    X4 Pro Magnetic Case

    Official
    $8.99
    Buy

Kit it on accessories .