Your phone reports an error and you don't know what to do? Show it to artificial intelligence (a guide for beginners)

You want to install a new app, but instead, a window with text you don’t understand pops up on the display. Two buttons, no explanation, and the fear of pressing the wrong one. In such a moment, you can show the message to artificial intelligence as an image and have it explained in English what it means and what to try next. It won’t fix every error for you, but it often helps you understand what’s going on.

What you need for this

In this guide, we will use Gemini. It’s Google’s artificial intelligence, to which you write similarly to a person in messages, and you can do so in English. You need the Gemini app from the Play Store, a Google account login, and an internet connection. Gemini also works in a web browser at gemini.google.com, but we will stick to the app.

You can attach an image even without a paid subscription. The free version only has usage limits: when you approach them, the app will notify you, and they will reset after some time. Google does not specify exact numbers in its help and may change them.

If you already use ChatGPT or Claude, you can also send them an image, even in the free version. The process is similar, only the button names may differ.

Screenshot, or a photo of what’s on your display

A screenshot, or screen capture, is an image of what you currently see on the display. The phone saves it like a regular photo.

1. Keep the message displayed on the screen.
2. Briefly and simultaneously press the power button and the volume down button.
3. A small preview of the screenshot will briefly appear on the display, usually in the bottom left. You’re done.

Doesn’t work? Hold the power button alone for a few seconds and tap Screenshot. For some brands, the procedure is different; the manufacturer’s help will advise. Or artificial intelligence itself.

How to send an image to Gemini

1. Open the Gemini app.
2. Type your question into the text field at the bottom. You’ll find the complete wording a bit further down.
3. Tap Add files and select Photos.
4. Find your screenshot and tap to select it.
5. Tap Send and wait for a response.

What to write to artificial intelligence? This message appeared on my phone. Explain simply in English what it means. I’m a beginner. If you need to know what phone I have or what I was doing before, ask first. First, suggest a procedure that won’t result in data loss. Always write one step at a time and wait for my reply. If you’re unsure, tell me.

It helps if you include the phone’s brand and model, the app name, and what you were trying to do. You don’t necessarily need to know the Android version.

Something doesn’t match? Write it down and send another image

This is the most important part of the entire process: you don’t have to understand the entire solution at once. The conversation continues, and the AI builds on your previous messages. For example, write „I don’t have this item there“ or „My screen looks different“ and attach another screenshot. The advice can then be adjusted according to what you actually see.

Before you confirm anything

AI can make mistakes and describe an option that your phone doesn’t have at all. Furthermore, a screenshot itself doesn’t give it the ability to control your phone; you perform all steps. Without understanding, never confirm data deletion, factory reset, or security disabling, and do not send passwords or verification codes.

What was the last phone message you didn’t know how to deal with?