Install CrossMux
Install reading firmware on Read Pico with a computer and a USB data cable.
Install CrossMux to use Read Pico as a reading screen. Installation, also called flashing, writes new firmware to the device. No coding is required.
Before you start
Prepare a computer, desktop Chrome or Edge, and a USB-C cable that supports data transfer.
Flashing replaces the current firmware and may clear its settings. Back up anything you want to keep and make sure the device has enough charge.
Open the flashing page
Open the CrossMux web flasher in Chrome or Edge on your computer. Find the device selection area.
Select your device
Select MindReset Read Pico in the device list.
Select firmware and connect the device
Select the Nightly beta firmware. Check the page for the current version number.
Confirm that the connected device is MindReset Read Pico in the flashing section. The browser identifies it as an ESP32-S3 and cannot distinguish it from other models using the same chip, so check the connected hardware yourself.
You can enable the backup option to save the complete 16 MB Flash. A backup is recommended before the first installation; the page estimates about 25 minutes.
Connect Read Pico to your computer with the USB data cable.
If you are unsure which entry is Read Pico, cancel the picker, unplug the device, and reconnect it. Look for the newly added entry.
Start installation
Check the device, firmware version, and backup option, then click the online flashing button and select the device serial port in the browser picker.
The progress area below shows firmware download and verification, device connection, partition checks, installation, result verification, and device reset. Wait for the completion message. Keep the cable connected and the page open, and prevent your computer from going to sleep.
Start using your device
The device resets automatically when flashing finishes. If it does not start, unplug and reconnect USB, then turn it on with the power key.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | What to do |
|---|---|
| No SD card detected | Insert a separately purchased microSD card. Cards up to 256 GB are supported. |
| Device missing | try another data cable or USB port, and close other flashing tools using the device. |
| Browser cannot connect | use desktop Chrome or Edge. These steps do not work in mobile or in-app browsers. |
| Flashing failed | check the connection and follow the flashing page's instructions to reconnect and retry. If download mode is required, follow the instructions for your device model. |
| Old image remains | an e-ink screen keeps its image without power. Restart the device to check whether the new firmware starts. |
To restore the official demo, see DIY Your System.
Other installation options
Besides the website's web flasher, you can clone or fork the CrossMux repository and follow its instructions to build and flash from source. You can also download firmware from Releases and follow that release's installation notes. Choose firmware and installation instructions that explicitly support Read Pico.
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