> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.thebridgesolutions.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Installation Guide

> Learn how to install and set up the Bridge Payment Gateway for WooCommerce

# Installing the Bridge Payment Gateway

Follow these steps to install and activate the Bridge Payment Gateway plugin for WooCommerce.

## Prerequisites

Before installation, ensure you have:

* WordPress 5.0 or higher
* WooCommerce 3.0 or higher
* A Bridge merchant account
* Your Bridge API credentials

## Installation Steps

### Method 1: Direct Upload (Recommended)

1. Download the [Bridge Payment Gateway Plugin](https://thebridge-space.fra1.digitaloceanspaces.com/plugins/bridge-woocommerce.zip)
2. Log in to your WordPress admin panel
3. Navigate to **Plugins > Add New**
4. Click the **Upload Plugin** button at the top
5. Choose the downloaded ZIP file
6. Click **Install Now**
7. After installation, click **Activate Plugin**

### Method 2: Manual Installation

1. Download the plugin ZIP file
2. Extract the ZIP file
3. Upload the extracted folder to `/wp-content/plugins/` via FTP
4. Log in to WordPress admin
5. Go to **Plugins**
6. Find "Bridge Payment Gateway"
7. Click **Activate**

## Post-Installation Setup

1. Go to **WooCommerce > Settings > Payments**
2. Find "Bridge Payment Gateway" in the list
3. Click **Manage**
4. Enable the payment gateway
5. Configure your [API credentials and settings](/plugins/woocommerce/configuration)

## Verification

To verify the installation:

1. Create a test product in WooCommerce
2. Go to your store's frontend
3. Add the product to cart
4. Proceed to checkout
5. Confirm that "Bridge Payment Gateway" appears in payment options

## Troubleshooting

If you encounter any issues:

* Ensure your WordPress and WooCommerce versions are compatible
* Verify your PHP version is 7.2 or higher
* Check that your server meets the minimum requirements
* Confirm your API credentials are correctly entered
* Review the [error logs](/plugins/woocommerce/configuration#debug-log) if enabled

For additional support, contact [support@thebridgesolutions.com](mailto:support@thebridgesolutions.com)