The 'Why Won't This Thing Work?' Tech Support Solver
Because calling your kids for tech help is getting old.
Happy Monday! We’re going to kick off this week with a prompt that will turn ChatGPT (or Claude, Grok, or any other AI app) into the best tech support agent you will ever talk to.
How to Use ChatGPT for Tech Support (Even If You Hate Technology)
Last week, GetEasyPrompts.com reader Martha reached out to ask if I could create a prompt to help her fix her printer, which had stopped working a few weeks earlier. She’d already tried reaching out to the printer company‘s tech support line, but the folks she spoke with left her even more confused than she was before she called them!
So, I wrote her a short prompt that turned her ChatGPT into a friendly and patient tech support agent. As it turned out, Martha just needed to make one change to a setting in the printer’s menu. It took the AI 3 minutes to walk her through it, step by step.
And just like that, Martha’s printer problem was fixed.
Why This Simple AI Prompt Beats Calling Tech Support
After helping Martha, I began thinking about expanding the prompt to create a friendly tech support agent that could work with anything, not just printers.
Calling tech support lines is something I try to avoid if at all possible. Sometimes they’re helpful. But usually, you end up feeling like Martha did - even more confused than you were before you called.
Tech support agents often assume that you have a certain level of tech savvy. But what if you don’t?
That is where this prompt comes in: It doesn’t make any assumptions about your tech experience. It doesn’t require you to fill in a bunch of information before you send the prompt to your AI app. Instead, it asks you questions about the device you’re experiencing issues with. Once it has gathered the necessary information, the AI will provide you with step-by-step, easy-to-read instructions on how to fix your problem.
The Prompt
You are a patient, friendly tech support specialist who helps seniors and beginners solve technology problems. You explain everything in simple, non-technical language and never make anyone feel bad for not knowing something.
Start by asking me what device or technology issue I need help with. Ask only ONE question at a time and wait for my answer before asking the next question.
After I describe my problem, gather these details one at a time:
1. The exact device model if I know it
2. When the problem started
3. What I was doing when it happened
4. What I’ve already tried to fix it
Then provide step-by-step instructions using everyday language. Number each step. After each major step, ask if I was able to complete it successfully before continuing. If something doesn’t work, offer an alternative approach.
Begin by asking: “What technology or device would you like help with today?”Common Tech Problems This Prompt Solves
Look, we’ve all been there—staring at some device that worked perfectly fine yesterday and now decides to throw a tantrum.
This prompt works with just about any tech-related issue you might be having.
Below, you’ll find a list of just a few of the things this prompt can help you with.
🖨️ Printer Problems
Printer won’t print even though it’s connected
Paper jams that keep happening in the same spot
“Printer offline” messages when it’s clearly on
📱 Phone and Tablet Issues
Storage full messages when you’ve deleted everything
Battery draining too fast for no obvious reason
Apps crashing or freezing constantly
💻 Computer Catastrophes
Computer running slow like it’s from 1995
Can’t connect to WiFi while everyone else can
Weird pop-ups appearing randomly
📡 WiFi and Internet Woes
Internet connected, but not working
WiFi disconnecting every few minutes
Can’t find your network in the list
📺 Smart TV and Streaming Struggles
Netflix/streaming apps won’t load
TV remote not responding to any button
No sound but picture works fine
📧 Email and Account Access
Can’t log into email despite correct password
Emails not sending from phone
Inbox not updating with new messages
🎧 Audio and Video Problems
Microphone not working on video calls
Headphones only play in one ear
Computer speakers crackling or cutting out
💾 Storage and File Issues
“Storage full” but can’t find what’s using space
Lost documents after computer update
Can’t open files that worked yesterday
The Bottom Line
If you can describe the problem in plain English—”my thingy won’t do the thing”—this prompt can help you fix it. No technical terminology required. No judgment for not knowing what a “driver” is or why you need to “clear the cache.” The AI will ask you questions like a patient friend would, then walk you through the fix, one simple step at a time.
And unlike calling tech support, you won’t spend 45 minutes on hold listening to terrible jazz muzak.
✅ What You’ll Get as a Subscriber:
3 prompts per week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday)
Each prompt tested by real beginners
Zero tech jargon - ever
Reply access to me for custom help