diff --git a/docs/core/build/embedded.md b/docs/core/build/embedded.md
index de30074a0..a331580d6 100644
--- a/docs/core/build/embedded.md
+++ b/docs/core/build/embedded.md
@@ -34,6 +34,10 @@ For other users:
 3. To install OpenOCD, run `brew install open-ocd`
 4. Run `make vendor build_boardloader build_bootloader build_firmware`
 
+## Protobuf Compiler
+
+The protocol buffer compiler `protoc` is needed to (unsurprisingly) compile protocol buffer files. [Follow the installation instructions for your system](https://grpc.io/docs/protoc-installation/).
+
 ## Rust
 
 Install the appropriate target with [`rustup`](https://rustup.rs/):
diff --git a/docs/core/build/emulator.md b/docs/core/build/emulator.md
index 61cf28da4..431a38a3b 100644
--- a/docs/core/build/emulator.md
+++ b/docs/core/build/emulator.md
@@ -52,6 +52,10 @@ brew install scons sdl2 sdl2_image pkg-config llvm
 
 * __Windows__: not supported yet, sorry.
 
+## Protobuf Compiler
+
+The protocol buffer compiler `protoc` is needed to (unsurprisingly) compile protocol buffer files. [Follow the installation instructions for your system](https://grpc.io/docs/protoc-installation/).
+
 ## Rust
 
 You will require Rust and Cargo. The currently supported version is 1.64 nightly. The