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Flash guide · Method 3 of 5

Unlock a Locked Xteink X4 or X3 (OTA Unlocker)

~10 min Easy Locked X3 & X4

The OTA Unlocker installs CrossPoint or CrossInk on a locked Xteink X4 or X3 over WiFi. No USB. Your computer serves the update. The Xteink installs it like a normal system update.

YouTube tutorial: Cómo instalar CrossPoint en Xteink X4/X3
Community tutorial (6,700+ views): watch on YouTube

What the OTA Unlocker does

The OTA Unlocker turns your computer into a local WiFi hotspot. When the locked Xteink X4 or X3 checks for updates, it joins that hotspot instead of Xteink's servers and receives CrossPoint or CrossInk.

Only CrossPoint and CrossInk install this way

Papyrix and other firmware will not install on a locked Xteink through the OTA Unlocker. The Unlocker does not enable USB. AliExpress and other hardware-locked units stay USB-silent after the flash; later updates go on the SD card from inside CrossPoint.

Already unlocked? Skip the Unlocker. Settings → System → Check for updates pulls the latest GitHub release automatically.

Unlock a locked Xteink X4 or X3 in 3 steps

About ten minutes. Download the Unlocker, start its hotspot, then run a system update on the Xteink.

  1. Download the CrossPoint OTA Unlocker

    Get it for macOS, Windows, Linux, or Raspberry Pi from crosspointreader.com/unlocker.

  2. Run the Unlocker on your computer

    The Unlocker creates a local WiFi hotspot.

  3. Connect the Xteink and trigger an update

    On the device, join that hotspot via Settings → WiFi, then trigger a system update.

USB flashing stays locked. The Unlocker does NOT re-enable USB flashing. Later firmware goes on through CrossPoint's in-app SD update, or by running the Unlocker again.

After CrossPoint, load your books

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

Load your books Fonts and themes

OTA Unlocker troubleshooting

If the Xteink never joins the hotspot or the update check hangs, start here.

Device can't see or connect to the hotspot
Disable your computer's firewall temporarily, or add an exception for the Unlocker app. Make sure the Xteink's WiFi is enabled.
Update check fails / stays on stock
The Unlocker must be running, with its hotspot active, before you trigger the update check. Try again from Settings → System → Check for updates.
Only CrossPoint and CrossInk are available, not Papyrix
By design. Locked units can only receive CrossPoint and CrossInk via this method. Once CrossPoint is installed, use its in-app SD update to install other firmware.
Hotspot appears but device can't download
Move the Xteink closer to your computer, and check that no VPN is running on the computer during the process.

Different error? 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
    Buy
  • X4 Pro Magnetic Case

    X4 Pro Magnetic Case

    Official
    $8.99
    Buy

Kit it on accessories .