> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.mtoolstec.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.mtoolstec.com/hardware/rfid-nfc-and-uhf-hardware/proxmark3-x/quickstart.md).

# Connection and Platform Setup

Use USB for the first connection. Select Mode 0, connect a USB data cable, and identify the serial port.

## Choose a Client

Use a client built from the same source revision as the installed firmware whenever possible. A client / firmware mismatch can cause missing commands or communication errors.

| Platform      | Setup route                                                                         |
| ------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Windows       | Matching prebuilt client or an RRG client built with ProxSpace                      |
| Linux / macOS | Matching client package or a source build                                           |
| Android       | Compatible client in Termux; USB serial bridge or Bluetooth SPP bridge where needed |

See the [Windows guide](https://proxmark3x.mtoolstec.com/guides/use-proxmark3-x-on-windows), [Linux/macOS guide](https://proxmark3x.mtoolstec.com/guides/use-proxmark3-x-on-macos-linux), and [Android guide](https://proxmark3x.mtoolstec.com/guides/use-proxmark3-x-on-android) for platform-specific material. Older GUI and Android packages may require older firmware; do not treat their bundled client as universally compatible.

## USB Connection

List ports before and after connecting:

```bash
# Linux
ls /dev/ttyACM* /dev/ttyUSB* 2>/dev/null

# macOS
ls /dev/cu.*
```

For a source build, run from the repository root:

```bash
./pm3 /dev/ttyACM0
```

Replace the device path. On Windows, open the matching client with its actual COM port; for a modern client executable:

```powershell
proxmark3.exe -p COM3
```

At the Proxmark3 prompt, check:

```
hw version
hw status
```

Then test one supported tag with `hf search` or `lf search`.

## Bluetooth

Select Mode 1. The documented Bluetooth name is **Proxmark3 X**, using Classic SPP with pairing code **1234**. This is a Classic serial connection, not BLE.

On Android, pair in system settings and configure a bidirectional Classic Bluetooth-to-TCP bridge if the client requires one. USB can likewise use a serial-to-UDP bridge. Use the transport syntax supported by the installed client and bridge; avoid assuming the USB port name is a network endpoint.

Return to Mode 0 for firmware updates and connection troubleshooting. Close other programs that own the serial port.