Break Free from the Walled Garden: How to Sync Reading Progress Across XTEINK and KOReader Devices
By Stefan Svartling
There is a specific kind of freedom that comes with reading on an e-ink display—a distraction-free sanctuary away from the glaring LCDs and OLEDs of our smartphones. As an avid e-reader enthusiast who relies on devices like the XTEINK X3, XTEINK X4, and e-Readers running KOReader, I often switch between form factors depending on where I am. But moving between different e-readers usually introduces a frustrating problem: losing your reading progress.
If you are trapped in an ecosystem like Amazon's Kindle, cross-device syncing happens automatically behind the scenes. But what if you prefer open systems, or you want to sync your pocket-friendly XTEINK device with a jailbroken Kindle or a Kobo running KOReader? The good news is that you can achieve perfect, cloud-like synchronization across completely different hardware. The secret lies in KOReader Sync, and it is vastly easier to set up than you might think.
The Wireless Transfer: Cutting the Cord
Before you can sync your progress, both devices need the exact same digital book. Thankfully, transferring EPUB files to an XTEINK device doesn't require a tangle of USB cables. The XTEINK X3 and X4 (and remember, the X4 isn’t newer than the X3, just a different form factor in the lineup) feature excellent built-in wireless file transfer options.
From the XTEINK menu, you can connect directly to your Calibre library, but I often prefer the network transfer method. If you are at home, you can simply select the "Join Network" option. This generates a QR code on your e-reader that you scan with your phone, or you can navigate to crossink.local on your desktop browser. This opens a surprisingly robust web-based file manager directly on your phone or computer, allowing you to peek into the XTEINK’s storage seamlessly.
Even more impressively, if you are completely off the grid—say, out in a cabin without a local Wi-Fi network—you can use the XTEINK’s "Create Hotspot" feature. This initiates a Wi-Fi Direct connection between your phone and the e-reader. You do not need 4G or 5G cell service; as long as your phone's Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are active, you can transfer books in the middle of nowhere.
The Secret Sauce: File Name Matching
Here is the most critical step for cross-device synchronization: KOReader relies heavily on file names to match documents across different platforms. If your book is titled spindeln.epub on your Kobo Libra H2O, it must be named exactly spindeln.epub on your XTEINK device. "Close enough" will not work.
When uploading the book via the XTEINK web interface, you have the opportunity to rename the file before you disconnect. Just tap the edit (pen) icon in the file manager and remove any extraneous text to ensure the file names are identical.
A crucial warning here: when uploading, never select the "Optimize EPUB" option. Modifying the EPUB structure during transfer will almost certainly break the syncing process.
Configuring KOReader Sync
Once the identically named book is on both devices, it is time to link them up. On your KOReader-enabled device (like your Kobo), ensure you are logged into your KOReader Sync account and that you have enabled "Keep documents in sync." Importantly, set your "Document matching method" to "File name."
Next, jump over to your XTEINK device. Navigate to Settings > System > KOReader Sync. Input the exact same username, password, and sync server details. Just like on the Kobo, you must ensure the document matching method is set to use the file name.
The Magic of Multi-Device Reading
With the setup complete, you are ready to read. When you open the newly transferred book on your XTEINK for the first time, have a little patience. E-ink processors prioritize battery life over speed, and the device needs a moment to index the file and generate the cover art.
Once it opens, the magic happens. Read a few chapters on your XTEINK, push your progress to the cloud via the progress sync menu, and later that evening, pick up your Kobo Libra H2O. With a quick tap to pull the remote progress, your Kobo will jump precisely to where you left off.
You are no longer tied to a single brand's ecosystem. By leveraging the open-source power of KOReader and the versatile wireless features of the XTEINK lineup, you can build a personalized, synchronized reading utopia that spans across all your favorite e-ink screens.
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