Every so often a screen tells you something like "Update failed (error 0x80070005)" or "Storage almost full" and offers no clue what to do. Instead of guessing, take a picture of it and let a chatbot such as ChatGPT or Gemini explain it.
Take a screenshot (or just photograph the screen with another phone), open ChatGPT or Gemini, attach the picture and write something like:
"I am not technical. What does this message mean, is it serious, and what should I do next? Please give me the steps one at a time, in plain words."
Tell it which device you use (for example "iPhone" or "Windows laptop") so the steps match what you see. If a step does not work, say so: "I do not see that button" gets you a different route. You can also ask "Is it safe to press OK?" before you tap anything.
One thing to watch: Before you attach a screenshot, check that it does not show passwords, card numbers or private messages. And if the message tells you to call a phone number, pay money or install something urgently, do not follow it, even if the chatbot explains it politely. Real warnings from your phone or computer rarely ask for that. Show it to someone you trust first.
Next time a pop-up makes your stomach drop, take a screenshot first. Understanding it takes about a minute.