Explain how to fix the problem
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Create actionable error messages. That is, after explaining the cause of
the problem, explain how to fix the problem.
Not recommended
The client app on your device is no longer supported.
Recommended
The client app on your device is no longer supported. To update the client app,
click the Update app button.
Here's a second example:
Not recommended
Could not fetch resource:
- Quota 'CPUS' exceeded. Limit: 1.0 in region us-central-1.
Recommended
You requested 2.0 CPUs, which exceeds your quota of 1.0 CPUs in the
us-central-1 region. To fix the problem, take either of the following
actions:
- Increase your CPU quota in the us-central-1 region.
- Make your request in a region where you have more CPU quota.
See [URL of documentation] for details.
Next unit: Provide examples
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Last updated 2025-07-31 UTC.
[null,null,["Last updated 2025-07-31 UTC."],[[["\u003cp\u003eError messages should clearly explain the cause of the problem and provide actionable steps for the user to resolve it.\u003c/p\u003e\n"],["\u003cp\u003eInstead of simply stating the error, guide users on how to fix it, such as by including a button or link to update an outdated app.\u003c/p\u003e\n"]]],["Error messages should be actionable, explaining both the problem's cause and its solution. Instead of simply stating an issue, provide clear instructions on how to resolve it. For example, instead of stating \"The client app is unsupported,\" the message should read \"The client app is unsupported. To update, click the **Update app** button\", thus directing the user toward a fix.\n"],null,["# Explain how to fix the problem\n\n\u003cbr /\u003e\n\nCreate **actionable error messages**. That is, after explaining the cause of\nthe problem, explain how to fix the problem.\n\nNot recommended\n\u003e The client app on your device is no longer supported.\n\nRecommended\n\u003e The client app on your device is no longer supported. To update the client app, click the **Update app** button.\n\nHere's a second example:\n\nNot recommended\n\u003e Could not fetch resource: \n\u003e - Quota 'CPUS' exceeded. Limit: 1.0 in region us-central-1.\n\nRecommended\n\u003e You requested 2.0 CPUs, which exceeds your quota of 1.0 CPUs in the us-central-1 region. To fix the problem, take either of the following actions: \n\u003e - Increase your CPU quota in the us-central-1 region. \n\u003e - Make your request in a region where you have more CPU quota. \n\u003e See *\\[URL of documentation\\]* for details.\n\n\u003cbr /\u003e\n\n**Next unit:** [Provide examples](/tech-writing/error-messages/provide-examples)"]]
