Some of Xteink’s credit card-sized e-readers are losing their best feature

Users say some newly shipped Xteink X3 and X4 e-readers no longer show up as USB devices, blocking firmware flashing and third-party installs like CrossPoint Reader.

Xteink says the change is for safety and after-sales reasons in certain markets, not for all devices.

The company says overseas units sold through its official website remain unrestricted.

The move removes a major selling point for the pocket-sized readers and could hurt usability, value, and regional availability.