From c26e410c587dddd67261d59ebbd173a5918ad753 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Justin Mitchell Date: Fri, 15 May 2026 11:44:47 -0400 Subject: [PATCH] fix: Add documentation for USB-locked Xteink devices (#1990) Document the Xteink Unlocker tool requirement for third-party purchased xteink units that ship with USB flashing locked. Include warnings about bricking risks when flashing unsupported firmwares (e.g. Papyrix) on locked devices, as they may permanently lock the device with no recovery path. # Conflicts: # README.md --- README.md | 24 ++++++++++++++++++++++++ 1 file changed, 24 insertions(+) diff --git a/README.md b/README.md index dba1d013..6d4ee9d6 100644 --- a/README.md +++ b/README.md @@ -50,6 +50,30 @@ CrossPoint is open-source e-reader firmware - community-built, fully hackable, f --- +## USB-locked devices (Xteink Unlocker) + +Some Xteink units purchased from third-party stores (e.g. AliExpress) ship with USB flashing locked from the factory. +If your device is locked, you will need to use the **Xteink Unlocker** tool available at +https://crosspointreader.com/#unlock-tool before you can flash CrossPoint. + +**You do not need this tool if you bought your device directly from xteink.com.** Those units are not locked. + +**Not sure if your device is locked?** Power it on, connect the USB-C cable, and try flashing via the web flasher first (see +[Install firmware](#Install%20firmware) below). If the browser's serial device picker does not show your device, try a different +USB port or browser before assuming the device is locked. Only reach for the unlocker if the device still doesn't appear. + +### ⚠️ WARNING: READ THIS BEFORE USING THE UNLOCKER ⚠️ + +**The only officially supported firmwares in the unlock tool are CrossPoint and CrossInk.** + +Flashing any other firmware on a USB-locked device may **permanently brick the device** or leave it **permanently +stuck on that firmware with no recovery path**. Once USB flashing is re-locked, your only way back is via OTA, and if +the firmware you flashed doesn't support OTA, **there is no way out**. + +**The Papyrix fork has removed OTA update support from its code.** If you flash Papyrix onto a +USB-locked unit, you will have **zero update or recovery path** and will be stuck on it forever. **Do not flash +Papyrix (or any other unsupported firmware) on a locked device.** + ## Install firmware ### Web installer (recommended)