X Series: Quick Reader

X Series: Quick Reader

Applicable Models: X2, X3, X4, X4 Air, and X5

By connecting the Quick Reader, you can quickly back up camera media and conveniently view files on the memory card. This article details how to use the Quick Reader.

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How to connect the Quick Reader to a camera

1. Prepare a memory card

Before use, insert a Micro SD card that meets the specifications (UHS-I, V30, exFAT format, maximum capacity 1TB) into the Quick Reader's memory card slot.

2. Connect the Quick Reader to your camera

Power on the camera. Remove or open the USB Port Cover of camera. Plug the Quick Reader into the camera's Type-C port.

3. Perform configurations according to the camera model

Whether additional settings are required after connection depends on your camera model:

Model	USB Mode Required	Action
X5, X4 Air, and X4	No	It can be connected and used directly after insertion, and the camera will recognize it automatically.
X3	Yes	After insertion, the camera screen will prompt "Restart to use Quick Reader". Tap to restart the camera. You can also set it manually: Swipe down from the top of the camera screen to access the "Shortcut" menu > tap "Settings" (Gear icon ⚙) > "USB Mode" > select "Quick Reader".
X2	Yes	After insertion, the camera screen will prompt "Restart to use Quick Reader". Tap to restart the camera. You can also set it manually: Swipe down from the top of the camera screen to access the "Shortcut" menu > tap "Settings" (Gear icon ⚙) > "General" > "USB Mode" > select "Quick Reader".

How to use the Quick Reader by connecting it to a mobile phone or tablet

1. Connect the Quick Reader

Open the Insta360 app and connect the Quick Reader with a Micro SD card inserted to your phone or tablet.

The X3 Quick Reader must be updated to v3.12 or later to connect with an iPhone featuring a Type-C port. You can follow the steps below to perform the update, then retry the connection after completing the update:

1. Update the camera firmware: Update your camera's firmware to version v1.0.93 or above.

Please refer to: X Series: Check and Update Firmware Version

1. Update the Insta360 app: Update the Insta360 app to the latest version.
2. Update the Quick Reader firmware: Insert the Quick Reader into your phone's Type-C or Lightning port, open the Insta360 app, and follow the prompts to complete the firmware update for the Quick Reader. If you don't receive a pop-up notification of firmware update in the Insta360 app when the Quick Reader is inserted into your phone, please update the firmware manually: Go to "Me" > select "Quick Reader Settings" > tap "Version Update" > select "Start Download".

2. Access files

• iOS device: After connecting, you can directly view and edit videos and photos from the Quick Reader's Micro SD card within the Insta360 app.
• Android device:
  • When using the Quick Reader for the first time, you need to set up the directory. Open the Insta360 app, tap "Me" > select "Quick Reader Settings" > Choose directory > tap USE THIS FOLDER to view and edit photos.
  • When connecting X2 Quick Reader to an Android device, you need to enable the "OTG Connection" feature in the system settings before accessing files. After connecting, go to the Album page in the Insta360 app > tap the "Storage" option in the top right corner > select "External Storage" > choose the folder corresponding to the external storage.

FAQ

1. Is my phone model compatible with the Quick Reader?

As long as your phone's system supports the exFAT format, it should generally be compatible.

2. What are the compatibility requirements for the X2 Quick Reader?

• Due to Apple's official restrictions, if you are using an iPad with a Type-C port, you cannot view and edit the media from the Quick Reader in the Insta360 app. However, you can use the "Files" app that comes with the iOS system to view non-360 media.
• The Google Pixel 6 series and later models, as well as Android 14 devices, support the exFAT storage format.
• The Flyme OS (Meizu) does not support external storage management. Users can only access files within the Insta360 app; formatting the card or performing other file operations is not supported.
• For OPPO, vivo, and some OnePlus phones, you need to manually enable the OTG switch in the system settings first to ensure proper recognition of the Quick Reader.
• After formatting the Quick Reader's memory card in an Android device, the card may become unreadable on iOS/macOS devices. You can resolve this problem by reformatting the card via the camera.

3. Can the Type-C connector of the Quick Reader be connected to the Type-C port of an iPad for use?

The Quick Reader is compatible with iPads for models X5, X4 Air, and X4; it is not compatible for models X3 and X2.

4. What is the transfer speed of the Quick Reader?

The following are the reference read speeds in a laboratory environment. Actual speeds are affected by the performance of your phone/computer and the speed class of your SD card:

• Type-C 3.0 connector (for X5 / X4 Air / X4 Quick Reader): Approx. 60 to 85MB/s when connected to a mobile phone, or approx. 70 to 80MB/s when connected to a computer.
• Type-C 2.0 connector (for X3 / X2 Quick Reader): Approx. 30MB/s when connected to either a mobile phone or a computer.

5. Can I transfer files through the Type-C port (USB-C charging port) on the Quick Reader for X5 / X4 Air?

No. This Type-C port of X5 / X4 Air Quick Reader is designed for charging only and does not support transferring camera files; X4 / X3 / X2 Quick Reader do not have this Type-C port.

6. Can the Quick Reader directly connect to a computer's Type-C port?

You can connect X5 / X4 Air / X4 Quick Reader directly to a computer's Type-C port to view or transfer files.

7. What is the maximum amount of extended memory that Quick Reader can support?

This depends entirely on the capacity of the memory card, and the size of the memory card determines the capacity of the expansion.

8. If there is a memory card in the camera and the connected Quick Reader also has a memory card, where is the media stored?

The camera will recognize the memory card in the Quick Reader first and store media there. If you unplug the Quick Reader during recording, the camera will stop recording immediately.

9. If the camera has a memory card inserted and uses the Quick Reader, how will the files be stored? Will they be stored in both locations?

Files will be stored in one location only, and where they are stored depends on the settings:

• When the Quick Reader Mode is enabled, and Quick Reader is inserted: Files will only be saved onto the Quick Reader. Even if the memory card in the Quick Reader is full, the camera will not save files to the memory card inside the camera body.
• When the Quick Reader Mode is enabled, but Quick Reader is not inserted: The files will be stored on the camera's memory card.
• When the Quick Reader Mode is not enabled, but Quick Reader is inserted: The files will be stored on the camera's memory card.

10. If the media shot by X3 is stored on the SD card, when the SD card is placed into the X4 Quick Reader and the Quick Reader is connected to a phone/computer, can the media be recognized?

Yes, the media can be recognized and exported. Similarly, if the media shot by X4 is stored on the SD card, when the SD card is placed into the X3 Quick Reader and the Quick Reader is connected to a phone/computer, the media can also be recognized and exported.

11. If the X3 Quick Reader is only used to connect to a phone to read files and not connected to a camera, can I use the X2 Quick Reader to read the files?

Yes, the X2 Quick Reader can be used for this purpose.

12. Can X3 connect to a portable SSD to expand storage? And does it support charging while connected to a portable SSD?

We haven't tested third-party external storage devices, so compatibility cannot be guaranteed. If you wish to connect an external device, we recommend using our Quick Reader. However, please note that charging is not supported when using the Quick Reader.

13. When the Quick Reader is connected to X3, the GPS remote may occasionally fail to wake up the camera. In this case, the camera screen will display the message: "Bluetooth remote Quick Capture is temporarily not supported with Quick Reader". What should I do?

In the Quick Reader Mode, the Quick Capture feature cannot be used. If you want to use the Quick Capture feature via the Bluetooth remote, it is recommended to switch the USB Mode to another mode. If you only want to wake up the camera, you can disable the Quick Capture feature in the camera settings or use the power button to wake up the camera.

14. Will the X2 Quick Reader work with the X2 Utility Frame?

It's OK, but it may not fit snugly.

15. Is Quick Reader suitable for cycling scenarios?

To ensure stability when connecting the camera, it is not recommended to use the Quick Reader in high-intensity sports or high-frequency vibration scenarios. However, if you must use it, it is recommended to purchase a Vibration Damper to use with it.

16. Does Quick Reader support HarmonyOS NEXT devices?

Currently, Quick Reader does not support smartphones and tablets running HarmonyOS NEXT.