diff --git a/docs/STATUS_LANGUAGE.md b/docs/STATUS_LANGUAGE.md
index 7850f68c..d25b8e9f 100644
--- a/docs/STATUS_LANGUAGE.md
+++ b/docs/STATUS_LANGUAGE.md
@@ -312,6 +312,10 @@ attributes, so it spells the token's value.
   its marker-coloured border.
 - Error status rows and the ERROR box lead with the off-white warning sign
   (`draw_warning_sign`).
+- The Settings ERROR box says what was observed on its main line (off-white,
+  bold) and one next step under it (muted), as the web's box. A banner the
+  menu opened with brings its own step (`action=` beside `banner=`) or none;
+  the video failure's step stands only under the video failure.
 - A fault's sentence is a top-right status row, whatever raised it (a video
   failure, a missing controller, an output whose interface has no address, a
   marker another station controls too).
diff --git a/openfollow/app.py b/openfollow/app.py
index e85dc060..a2343d20 100644
--- a/openfollow/app.py
+++ b/openfollow/app.py
@@ -334,6 +334,7 @@ def __init__(
         self._settings_menu_active: bool = False
         self._settings_menu_index: int = 0
         self._settings_menu_banner: str = ""
+        self._settings_menu_banner_action: str = ""
         # Newest pushed-settings warning pending when the Settings menu opened.
         self._settings_pushed_upto: int | None = None
         self._settings_key_pressed: bool = False
@@ -536,7 +537,7 @@ def _refresh_psn_source_advisory(self) -> str:
         if resolved:
             banner += f"Using auto-detected {resolved}."
         else:
-            banner += "No usable interface – pick one to continue."
+            banner += "No usable interface."
         self._psn_source_banner = banner
         return banner
 
@@ -739,8 +740,8 @@ def _confirm_field_choice_picker(self) -> None:
     def _process_field_choice_picker_input(self) -> None:
         runtime_process_field_choice_picker_input(self)
 
-    def _enter_settings_menu(self, *, banner: str = "") -> None:
-        runtime_enter_settings_menu(self, banner=banner)
+    def _enter_settings_menu(self, *, banner: str = "", action: str = "") -> None:
+        runtime_enter_settings_menu(self, banner=banner, action=action)
 
     def _exit_settings_menu(self) -> None:
         runtime_exit_settings_menu(self)
diff --git a/openfollow/runtime/app_modes.py b/openfollow/runtime/app_modes.py
index 57f7b412..d2744aa5 100644
--- a/openfollow/runtime/app_modes.py
+++ b/openfollow/runtime/app_modes.py
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@
 from openfollow.configuration import config_file_problem, config_problem_words, is_simple_mode, save_config_fields
 from openfollow.input.touch_remote import holds
 from openfollow.runtime import paths_runtime
-from openfollow.video.failure import SourceKind, VideoFailure, failure_sentence
+from openfollow.video.failure import SourceKind, VideoFailure, failure_action, failure_sentence
 
 if TYPE_CHECKING:
     from openfollow.app import OpenFollowApp
@@ -461,14 +461,16 @@ def _settings_menu_action(app: OpenFollowApp, index: int) -> str | None:
     return action
 
 
-def enter_settings_menu(app: OpenFollowApp, *, banner: str = "") -> None:
+def enter_settings_menu(app: OpenFollowApp, *, banner: str = "", action: str = "") -> None:
     """Open the Settings menu overlay.
 
     ``banner`` is stored on the app and rendered inside the menu's
     red-bordered error box (word-wrapped, bold body) – used by the
     startup auto-open and the runtime ``check_video_disconnect_banner``
-    so the operator sees *why* the menu auto-opened. The subtitle row
-    keeps its static "Open a sub-screen." text regardless.
+    so the operator sees *why* the menu auto-opened. ``action`` is the
+    banner's one next step, drawn under it (lighter); a banner never
+    carries the step in its own sentence. The subtitle row keeps its
+    static "Open a sub-screen." text regardless.
     """
     if app._settings_menu_active:
         return
@@ -476,6 +478,7 @@ def enter_settings_menu(app: OpenFollowApp, *, banner: str = "") -> None:
 
     app._settings_menu_active = True
     app._settings_menu_banner = banner
+    app._settings_menu_banner_action = action
     app._settings_pushed_upto = newest_pending(app)
     # Below the removal, where the highlight always starts: a reflexive press
     # (the menu also opens itself on a video failure) must not acknowledge a push.
@@ -485,6 +488,7 @@ def enter_settings_menu(app: OpenFollowApp, *, banner: str = "") -> None:
 def exit_settings_menu(app: OpenFollowApp) -> None:
     app._settings_menu_active = False
     app._settings_menu_banner = ""
+    app._settings_menu_banner_action = ""
     app._video_disconnect_menu_open = False
 
 
@@ -1179,7 +1183,8 @@ def confirm_source_type_selection(app: OpenFollowApp) -> None:
             )
             exit_source_type_selection(app)
             app._enter_settings_menu(
-                banner=(f"Couldn't switch to {display}: {error}. Configure it in the web UI, then try again."),
+                banner=f"Couldn't switch to {display}: {error}.",
+                action="Configure it in the web UI, then try again.",
             )
             return
         app._config.video_source_type = new_type
@@ -1187,25 +1192,36 @@ def confirm_source_type_selection(app: OpenFollowApp) -> None:
         logger.info("Video source type set to: %s (live)", new_type)
         if not saved:
             exit_source_type_selection(app)
-            app._enter_settings_menu(banner=_unsaved_banner(app, display, "switch again"))
+            _report_unsaved(app, display, "switch again")
             return
 
     exit_source_type_selection(app)
     _route_after_video_source_change(app, new_type)
 
 
-def _why_unsaved(app: OpenFollowApp, again: str) -> str:
-    """Why a save did not reach the settings file, and the one step before the operator tries *again*."""
+def _unsaved_reason(app: OpenFollowApp, again: str) -> tuple[str, str]:
+    """What is wrong with the settings file (``""`` if it reads), and the step before the operator tries *again*."""
     problem = config_file_problem(app._config_path)
     if problem is None:
-        return f"Check the station's storage, then {again}."
+        return "", f"Check the station's storage, then {again}."
     said, step = config_problem_words(problem)
-    return f"The settings file {said}. {step}, then {again}."
+    return f"The settings file {said}.", f"{step}, then {again}."
+
+
+def _why_unsaved(app: OpenFollowApp, again: str) -> str:
+    """Why a save did not reach the settings file, and the one step before the operator tries *again*."""
+    return " ".join(part for part in _unsaved_reason(app, again) if part)
 
 
-def _unsaved_banner(app: OpenFollowApp, what: str, again: str) -> str:
+def _enter_unsaved_menu(app: OpenFollowApp, lead: str, again: str) -> None:
+    """Open Settings on a save that did not reach the settings file, *lead* naming what."""
+    seen, step = _unsaved_reason(app, again)
+    app._enter_settings_menu(banner=f"{lead} {seen}".rstrip(), action=step)
+
+
+def _report_unsaved(app: OpenFollowApp, what: str, again: str) -> None:
     # A repaired file is reloaded at once and brings its own value back.
-    return f"{what} is live but could not be saved. {_why_unsaved(app, again)}"
+    _enter_unsaved_menu(app, f"{what} is live but could not be saved.", again)
 
 
 def save_source_pick(app: OpenFollowApp, field: str, value: str) -> None:
@@ -1213,7 +1229,7 @@ def save_source_pick(app: OpenFollowApp, field: str, value: str) -> None:
     setattr(app._config, field, value)
     if not _persist_config(app, field):
         what = f"The {_input_display_name(app._config.video_source_type)} source"
-        app._enter_settings_menu(banner=_unsaved_banner(app, what, "pick it again"))
+        _report_unsaved(app, what, "pick it again")
 
 
 def _input_display_name(source_type: str) -> str:
@@ -1236,7 +1252,7 @@ def _save_for_input_not_running(app: OpenFollowApp, field: str, value: str, labe
     if _persist_config(app, field):
         logger.info("Set %s to %r; its input is not running.", field, value)
         return
-    app._enter_settings_menu(banner=f"{label} could not be saved. {_why_unsaved(app, again)}")
+    _enter_unsaved_menu(app, f"{label} could not be saved.", again)
 
 
 # ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -1333,7 +1349,8 @@ def confirm_url_editor(app: OpenFollowApp) -> None:
         target = _input_display_name(source_type)
         exit_url_editor(app)
         app._enter_settings_menu(
-            banner=(f"Couldn't switch to {target}: {error}. Configure {label} in the web UI, then try again."),
+            banner=f"Couldn't switch to {target}: {error}.",
+            action=f"Configure {label} in the web UI, then try again.",
         )
         return
     setattr(app._config, field, new_value)
@@ -1343,7 +1360,7 @@ def confirm_url_editor(app: OpenFollowApp) -> None:
     exit_url_editor(app)
     if not saved:
         what, again = (_input_display_name(source_type), "switch again") if switching else (label, "enter it again")
-        app._enter_settings_menu(banner=_unsaved_banner(app, what, again))
+        _report_unsaved(app, what, again)
 
 
 def process_url_editor_input(app: OpenFollowApp) -> None:
@@ -1476,7 +1493,8 @@ def confirm_field_choice_picker(app: OpenFollowApp) -> None:
             target = _input_display_name(source_type)
             exit_field_choice_picker(app)
             app._enter_settings_menu(
-                banner=(f"Couldn't switch to {target}: {error}. Configure {label} in the web UI, then try again."),
+                banner=f"Couldn't switch to {target}: {error}.",
+                action=f"Configure {label} in the web UI, then try again.",
             )
             return
         logger.warning(
@@ -1488,7 +1506,8 @@ def confirm_field_choice_picker(app: OpenFollowApp) -> None:
         )
         exit_field_choice_picker(app)
         app._enter_settings_menu(
-            banner=(f"Couldn't apply {label} = {value!r}: {error}. Try a different value, or edit in the web UI."),
+            banner=f"Couldn't apply {label} = {value!r}: {error}.",
+            action="Try a different value, or edit in the web UI.",
         )
         return
     setattr(app._config, field_name, value)
@@ -1498,7 +1517,7 @@ def confirm_field_choice_picker(app: OpenFollowApp) -> None:
     exit_field_choice_picker(app)
     if not saved:
         what, again = (_input_display_name(source_type), "switch again") if switching else (label, "pick it again")
-        app._enter_settings_menu(banner=_unsaved_banner(app, what, again))
+        _report_unsaved(app, what, again)
 
 
 def process_field_choice_picker_input(app: OpenFollowApp) -> None:
@@ -1569,6 +1588,14 @@ def _video_disconnect_banner_text(app: OpenFollowApp) -> str:
     return f"Video source ({source_type}) is not available{label}."
 
 
+def _video_disconnect_action(app: OpenFollowApp) -> str:
+    """The video failure's one next step, drawn under its banner."""
+    receiver = app._video_receiver
+    failure = getattr(getattr(receiver, "status_marker", None), "failure", VideoFailure.NONE)
+    kind = getattr(receiver, "source_kind", SourceKind.REMOTE)
+    return failure_action(failure, kind=kind, simple=is_simple_mode(app._config))
+
+
 def check_video_disconnect_banner(app: OpenFollowApp) -> None:
     """Startup-only Settings-menu auto-open for a video source that
     never comes up. Replaces the standalone "No Signal" overlay;
@@ -1614,6 +1641,7 @@ def check_video_disconnect_banner(app: OpenFollowApp) -> None:
     # banner from current state so a stale source name can't linger.
     if app._video_disconnect_menu_open and app._settings_menu_active:
         app._settings_menu_banner = _video_disconnect_banner_text(app)
+        app._settings_menu_banner_action = _video_disconnect_action(app)
         return
 
     # Disconnected. Only the startup case (never connected) auto-opens;
@@ -1643,7 +1671,7 @@ def check_video_disconnect_banner(app: OpenFollowApp) -> None:
         "Video source %r never connected after startup – opening Settings.",
         app._config.video_source_type,
     )
-    app._enter_settings_menu(banner=_video_disconnect_banner_text(app))
+    app._enter_settings_menu(banner=_video_disconnect_banner_text(app), action=_video_disconnect_action(app))
 
 
 # Grace period between startup and the Settings-menu auto-open when
diff --git a/openfollow/runtime/overlay_draw_hud.py b/openfollow/runtime/overlay_draw_hud.py
index c1e967f4..4cdb172e 100644
--- a/openfollow/runtime/overlay_draw_hud.py
+++ b/openfollow/runtime/overlay_draw_hud.py
@@ -715,14 +715,15 @@ def draw_settings_menu(renderer: Any, cr: Any, state: OverlayState, w: int, h: i
     # structured message including source + GStreamer error). Opening Settings
     # manually falls back to the same pair the web UI shows - the sentence
     # naming what failed, then the element's own wording - because the raw
-    # message alone was half of what the browser was reporting.
+    # message alone was half of what the browser was reporting. A banner
+    # brings its own next step; the video's goes only under the video failure.
     error_text = state.settings_menu_banner or state.video_failure_text or state.error_message
     if error_text:
         cursor_y = _draw_settings_error_box(
             renderer,
             cr,
             error_text,
-            state.video_failure_action,
+            state.settings_menu_banner_action if state.settings_menu_banner else state.video_failure_action,
             content_x,
             cursor_y,
             content_w,
diff --git a/openfollow/runtime/overlay_state.py b/openfollow/runtime/overlay_state.py
index 8a9c05af..0b343028 100644
--- a/openfollow/runtime/overlay_state.py
+++ b/openfollow/runtime/overlay_state.py
@@ -250,6 +250,7 @@ class OverlayState:
     settings_items_submenu: list[bool] = field(default_factory=list)
     settings_selected_index: int = 0
     settings_menu_banner: str = ""
+    settings_menu_banner_action: str = ""
     # About / license screen – read-only, no extra payload.
     about_active: bool = False
     # Drive picker + diagnostics export screen.
diff --git a/openfollow/runtime/services_marker_visuals.py b/openfollow/runtime/services_marker_visuals.py
index 1e7ef992..39716cc2 100644
--- a/openfollow/runtime/services_marker_visuals.py
+++ b/openfollow/runtime/services_marker_visuals.py
@@ -646,6 +646,7 @@ def build_marker_visual_state(
         state.settings_items_submenu = submenu
         state.settings_selected_index = app._settings_menu_index
         state.settings_menu_banner = app._settings_menu_banner
+        state.settings_menu_banner_action = app._settings_menu_banner_action
     else:
         state.settings_items = []
         state.settings_items_enabled = []
@@ -653,6 +654,7 @@ def build_marker_visual_state(
         state.settings_items_submenu = []
         state.settings_selected_index = 0
         state.settings_menu_banner = ""
+        state.settings_menu_banner_action = ""
 
     state.about_active = getattr(app, "_about_active", False)
     _populate_media_overlay(app, state)
diff --git a/tests/test_app_lifecycle.py b/tests/test_app_lifecycle.py
index f1c20d20..9feeb588 100644
--- a/tests/test_app_lifecycle.py
+++ b/tests/test_app_lifecycle.py
@@ -477,7 +477,7 @@ def test_stale_pin_with_multi_nic_opens_settings_with_banner(
         monkeypatch.setattr(
             app_module,
             "runtime_enter_settings_menu",
-            lambda a, *, banner="": banners.append(banner),
+            lambda a, *, banner="", action="": banners.append(banner),
         )
         app.run()
         assert len(banners) == 1
@@ -515,7 +515,7 @@ def test_stale_pin_with_single_nic_proceeds_silently(
         monkeypatch.setattr(
             app_module,
             "runtime_enter_settings_menu",
-            lambda a, *, banner="": banners.append(banner),
+            lambda a, *, banner="", action="": banners.append(banner),
         )
         app.run()
         assert banners == []
@@ -536,7 +536,7 @@ def test_empty_iface_skips_check(
         monkeypatch.setattr(
             app_module,
             "runtime_enter_settings_menu",
-            lambda a, *, banner="": banners.append(banner),
+            lambda a, *, banner="", action="": banners.append(banner),
         )
         app.run()
         assert banners == []
@@ -568,12 +568,12 @@ def test_offline_host_with_pin_logs_no_usable_ip_banner(
         monkeypatch.setattr(
             app_module,
             "runtime_enter_settings_menu",
-            lambda a, *, banner="": banners.append(banner),
+            lambda a, *, banner="", action="": banners.append(banner),
         )
         app.run()
         assert banners == []  # zero candidates → no Settings prompt
         assert app._psn_source_status == "none"
-        assert "No usable interface" in app._psn_source_banner
+        assert app._psn_source_banner == "Pinned network interface 'eth0' is not available. No usable interface."
 
     def test_iface_pin_resolves_and_skips_settings(
         self,
@@ -608,7 +608,7 @@ def test_iface_pin_resolves_and_skips_settings(
         monkeypatch.setattr(
             app_module,
             "runtime_enter_settings_menu",
-            lambda a, *, banner="": banners.append(banner),
+            lambda a, *, banner="", action="": banners.append(banner),
         )
         app.run()
         assert banners == []
@@ -792,6 +792,18 @@ def test_no_arg_delegators(
         # All helpers take ``app`` as first arg.
         assert hits[0][0] is app
 
+    def test_enter_settings_menu_forwards_the_banner_and_its_step(
+        self,
+        patched_ctor,
+        monkeypatch: pytest.MonkeyPatch,  # noqa: ANN001
+    ) -> None:
+        hits: list[dict[str, str]] = []
+        monkeypatch.setattr(app_module, "runtime_enter_settings_menu", lambda _app, **kw: hits.append(kw))
+
+        app = OpenFollowApp(config_path=patched_ctor.cfg_path)
+        app._enter_settings_menu(banner="Seen.", action="Do this.")
+        assert hits == [{"banner": "Seen.", "action": "Do this."}]
+
     @pytest.mark.parametrize("verdict", [True, False])
     def test_run_frame_forwards_the_helpers_verdict(
         self,
diff --git a/tests/test_app_modes.py b/tests/test_app_modes.py
index 0601bfc0..6d812c41 100644
--- a/tests/test_app_modes.py
+++ b/tests/test_app_modes.py
@@ -312,10 +312,10 @@ def _enter_button_detection(self) -> None:
             def _restart_app(self) -> None:
                 self._restart_called = True
 
-            def _enter_settings_menu(self, *, banner: str = "") -> None:
+            def _enter_settings_menu(self, *, banner: str = "", action: str = "") -> None:
                 from openfollow.runtime.app_modes import enter_settings_menu
 
-                enter_settings_menu(self, banner=banner)
+                enter_settings_menu(self, banner=banner, action=action)
 
         return FakeApp()
 
@@ -339,15 +339,24 @@ def test_enter_with_banner_stores_banner(self) -> None:
         the menu opened (e.g. unreachable network interface). The
         banner is stored on the app for the draw pass to surface."""
         app = self._make_app()
-        enter_settings_menu(app, banner="Configured interface unavailable.")
+        enter_settings_menu(app, banner="Configured interface unavailable.", action="Pick another interface.")
         assert app._settings_menu_active is True
         assert app._settings_menu_banner == "Configured interface unavailable."
+        assert app._settings_menu_banner_action == "Pick another interface."
+
+    def test_a_banner_without_a_step_replaces_the_last_one(self) -> None:
+        app = self._make_app()
+        enter_settings_menu(app, banner="X", action="Do Y.")
+        exit_settings_menu(app)
+        enter_settings_menu(app, banner="Z")
+        assert app._settings_menu_banner_action == ""
 
     def test_exit_clears_banner(self) -> None:
         app = self._make_app()
-        enter_settings_menu(app, banner="X")
+        enter_settings_menu(app, banner="X", action="Do Y.")
         exit_settings_menu(app)
         assert app._settings_menu_banner == ""
+        assert app._settings_menu_banner_action == ""
 
     def test_exit_clears_video_disconnect_menu_flag(self) -> None:
         """Exiting resets the auto-opened bookkeeping so the disconnect
@@ -671,9 +680,10 @@ def __init__(self) -> None:
             def _get_config_mtime(self) -> float:
                 return 1234.5
 
-            def _enter_settings_menu(self, *, banner: str = "") -> None:
+            def _enter_settings_menu(self, *, banner: str = "", action: str = "") -> None:
                 self._settings_menu_active = True
                 self._settings_menu_banner = banner
+                self._settings_menu_banner_action = action
 
             def _enter_url_editor(
                 self,
@@ -875,10 +885,10 @@ def _boom(*_a: object, **_k: object) -> None:
         assert app._swap_calls == ["rtsp"]
         assert app._config.video_source_type == "rtsp"  # it runs
         assert app._settings_menu_active is True
-        assert app._settings_menu_banner == (
-            "RTSP is live but could not be saved. "
-            "The settings file is empty. "
-            "Restart OpenFollow to start again with default settings, then switch again."
+        assert app._settings_menu_banner == "RTSP is live but could not be saved. The settings file is empty."
+        assert (
+            app._settings_menu_banner_action
+            == "Restart OpenFollow to start again with default settings, then switch again."
         )
         assert app._url_editor_calls == []
 
@@ -938,8 +948,8 @@ def test_confirm_rollback_on_swap_failure_reopens_settings_with_banner(
         assert app._config.video_source_type == "ndi"  # rolled back
         assert app._source_type_selection_active is False
         assert app._settings_menu_active is True
-        assert "RTSP" in app._settings_menu_banner
-        assert "server unreachable" in app._settings_menu_banner
+        assert app._settings_menu_banner == "Couldn't switch to RTSP: server unreachable."
+        assert app._settings_menu_banner_action == "Configure it in the web UI, then try again."
 
     def test_keyboard_arrow_down_advances_cursor(self) -> None:
         from openfollow.runtime import app_modes
@@ -1252,9 +1262,10 @@ def _exit_url_editor(self) -> None:
 
                 exit_url_editor(self)
 
-            def _enter_settings_menu(self, *, banner: str = "") -> None:
+            def _enter_settings_menu(self, *, banner: str = "", action: str = "") -> None:
                 self._settings_menu_active = True
                 self._settings_menu_banner = banner
+                self._settings_menu_banner_action = action
 
         return FakeApp()
 
@@ -1394,10 +1405,10 @@ def _boom(*_a: object, **_k: object) -> None:
         assert app._config.rtsp_url == "rtsp://192.0.2.20/stream"
         assert app._url_editor_active is False
         assert app._settings_menu_active is True
-        assert app._settings_menu_banner == (
-            "RTSP URL is live but could not be saved. "
-            "The settings file is empty. "
-            "Restart OpenFollow to start again with default settings, then enter it again."
+        assert app._settings_menu_banner == "RTSP URL is live but could not be saved. The settings file is empty."
+        assert (
+            app._settings_menu_banner_action
+            == "Restart OpenFollow to start again with default settings, then enter it again."
         )
 
     def test_an_auto_chained_switch_that_runs_but_cannot_be_saved_says_so_in_settings(
@@ -1417,10 +1428,10 @@ def _boom(*_a: object, **_k: object) -> None:
         app_modes.handle_url_editor_key(app, "Enter")
         assert app._swap_calls == ["rtsp"]
         assert app._config.video_source_type == "rtsp"
-        assert app._settings_menu_banner == (
-            "RTSP is live but could not be saved. "
-            "The settings file is empty. "
-            "Restart OpenFollow to start again with default settings, then switch again."
+        assert app._settings_menu_banner == "RTSP is live but could not be saved. The settings file is empty."
+        assert (
+            app._settings_menu_banner_action
+            == "Restart OpenFollow to start again with default settings, then switch again."
         )
 
     def test_a_plain_edit_for_an_input_no_longer_running_is_saved_without_a_swap(
@@ -1463,10 +1474,10 @@ def _boom(*_a: object, **_k: object) -> None:
         app_modes.handle_url_editor_key(app, "x")
         app_modes.handle_url_editor_key(app, "Enter")
         assert app._swap_calls == []
-        assert app._settings_menu_banner == (
-            "RTSP URL could not be saved. "
-            "The settings file is empty. "
-            "Restart OpenFollow to start again with default settings, then enter it again."
+        assert app._settings_menu_banner == "RTSP URL could not be saved. The settings file is empty."
+        assert (
+            app._settings_menu_banner_action
+            == "Restart OpenFollow to start again with default settings, then enter it again."
         )
 
     def test_enter_confirms_and_persists(
@@ -1557,8 +1568,8 @@ def test_confirm_auto_chained_swap_failure_keeps_the_running_type_and_opens_sett
         assert saves == [{"rtsp_url": "garbage"}]
         assert app._url_editor_active is False
         assert app._settings_menu_active is True
-        assert "RTSP URL" in app._settings_menu_banner
-        assert "malformed URL" in app._settings_menu_banner
+        assert app._settings_menu_banner == "Couldn't switch to RTSP: malformed URL."
+        assert app._settings_menu_banner_action == "Configure RTSP URL in the web UI, then try again."
 
     def test_confirm_plain_edit_rebuilds_pipeline(
         self,
@@ -1613,8 +1624,8 @@ def test_confirm_plain_edit_swap_failure_keeps_type_and_opens_settings(
         assert saves == []
         assert app._url_editor_active is False
         assert app._settings_menu_active is True
-        assert "RTSP URL" in app._settings_menu_banner
-        assert "malformed URL" in app._settings_menu_banner
+        assert app._settings_menu_banner == "Couldn't switch to RTSP: malformed URL."
+        assert app._settings_menu_banner_action == "Configure RTSP URL in the web UI, then try again."
 
     def test_cancel_auto_chained_leaves_the_running_type(self) -> None:
         """Esc on the auto-chain path: the picked type never reached the
@@ -1707,7 +1718,7 @@ def update(self, _dt):  # noqa: ANN001
             _browser_active=False,
             _config=AppConfig(),
         )
-        app._enter_settings_menu = lambda *, banner="": setattr(  # noqa: ARG005
+        app._enter_settings_menu = lambda *, banner="", action="": setattr(  # noqa: ARG005
             app,
             "_settings_menu_active",
             True,
@@ -1840,8 +1851,8 @@ def _enter_url_editor(
                     {"banner": banner, "source_type": source_type},
                 )
 
-            def _enter_settings_menu(self, *, banner: str = "") -> None:
-                self._settings_calls.append({"banner": banner})
+            def _enter_settings_menu(self, *, banner: str = "", action: str = "") -> None:
+                self._settings_calls.append({"banner": banner, "action": action})
 
         return FakeApp()
 
@@ -1962,9 +1973,10 @@ def __init__(self) -> None:
             def _get_config_mtime(self) -> float:
                 return 1234.5
 
-            def _enter_settings_menu(self, *, banner: str = "") -> None:
+            def _enter_settings_menu(self, *, banner: str = "", action: str = "") -> None:
                 self._settings_menu_active = True
                 self._settings_menu_banner = banner
+                self._settings_menu_banner_action = action
 
             def _enter_url_editor(
                 self,
@@ -2068,10 +2080,12 @@ def _boom(*_a: object, **_k: object) -> None:
         assert app._config.v4l2_render_resolution == "2160p"
         assert app._field_choice_active is False
         assert app._settings_menu_active is True
-        assert app._settings_menu_banner == (
-            "Render resolution is live but could not be saved. "
-            "The settings file is empty. "
-            "Restart OpenFollow to start again with default settings, then pick it again."
+        assert (
+            app._settings_menu_banner == "Render resolution is live but could not be saved. The settings file is empty."
+        )
+        assert (
+            app._settings_menu_banner_action
+            == "Restart OpenFollow to start again with default settings, then pick it again."
         )
 
     def test_an_auto_chained_switch_that_runs_but_cannot_be_saved_says_so_in_settings(
@@ -2090,10 +2104,10 @@ def _boom(*_a: object, **_k: object) -> None:
         app_modes.confirm_field_choice_picker(app)
         assert app._swap_calls == ["v4l2"]
         assert app._config.video_source_type == "v4l2"
-        assert app._settings_menu_banner == (
-            "USB Camera is live but could not be saved. "
-            "The settings file is empty. "
-            "Restart OpenFollow to start again with default settings, then switch again."
+        assert app._settings_menu_banner == "USB Camera is live but could not be saved. The settings file is empty."
+        assert (
+            app._settings_menu_banner_action
+            == "Restart OpenFollow to start again with default settings, then switch again."
         )
 
     def test_a_plain_pick_for_an_input_no_longer_running_that_cannot_be_saved_says_so(
@@ -2113,10 +2127,10 @@ def _boom(*_a: object, **_k: object) -> None:
         app_modes.confirm_field_choice_picker(app)
         assert app._swap_calls == []
         assert (app._config.video_source_type, app._config.v4l2_render_resolution) == ("rtsp", "2160p")
-        assert app._settings_menu_banner == (
-            "Render resolution could not be saved. "
-            "The settings file is empty. "
-            "Restart OpenFollow to start again with default settings, then pick it again."
+        assert app._settings_menu_banner == "Render resolution could not be saved. The settings file is empty."
+        assert (
+            app._settings_menu_banner_action
+            == "Restart OpenFollow to start again with default settings, then pick it again."
         )
 
     def test_confirm_writes_selected_value_to_config(
@@ -2207,7 +2221,8 @@ def test_confirm_same_type_swap_failure_keeps_the_running_value(
         assert app._field_choice_active is False
         assert app._settings_menu_active is True
         assert "Couldn't apply" in app._settings_menu_banner
-        assert "pattern rejected" in app._settings_menu_banner
+        assert app._settings_menu_banner.endswith(": pattern rejected.")
+        assert app._settings_menu_banner_action == "Try a different value, or edit in the web UI."
 
     def test_cancel_without_revert_just_closes(
         self,
@@ -2403,7 +2418,9 @@ def _swap_fail(_cfg):
         assert app._field_choice_active is False
         assert app._settings_menu_active is True
         assert "Couldn't switch" in app._settings_menu_banner
-        assert "ndi library missing" in app._settings_menu_banner
+        assert app._settings_menu_banner.endswith(": ndi library missing.")
+        assert app._settings_menu_banner_action.startswith("Configure ")
+        assert app._settings_menu_banner_action.endswith(" in the web UI, then try again.")
 
     def test_process_input_noop_when_input_manager_missing(
         self,
@@ -3141,11 +3158,11 @@ def _station(self, tmp_path):  # noqa: ANN001, ANN202
         path = tmp_path / "config.toml"
         for _ in range(2):  # the second save leaves the first as the backup
             save_config(AppConfig(video_source_type="ndi", ndi_source_name="OLD (A)"), str(path))
-        banners: list[str] = []
+        banners: list[tuple[str, str]] = []
         app = SimpleNamespace(
             _config=load_config(str(path), strict=True),
             _config_path=str(path),
-            _enter_settings_menu=lambda banner="": banners.append(banner),
+            _enter_settings_menu=lambda banner="", action="": banners.append((banner, action)),
         )
         return app, path, banners
 
@@ -3170,15 +3187,17 @@ def test_the_pick_is_saved_alone_and_the_reload_has_nothing_to_reconnect(self, t
         assert banners == []
 
     @pytest.mark.parametrize(
-        ("content", "why"),
+        ("content", "said", "step"),
         [
-            ("", "is empty. Restart OpenFollow to restore the settings from the latest backup copy"),
-            ("  \n\t\n", "is empty. Restart OpenFollow to restore the settings from the latest backup copy"),
-            ("not [[ toml", "could not be read. Import a settings file to replace it"),
+            ("", "is empty", "Restart OpenFollow to restore the settings from the latest backup copy"),
+            ("  \n\t\n", "is empty", "Restart OpenFollow to restore the settings from the latest backup copy"),
+            ("not [[ toml", "could not be read", "Import a settings file to replace it"),
         ],
         ids=["empty", "whitespace", "unparseable"],
     )
-    def test_a_broken_file_is_left_alone_and_the_operator_told(self, tmp_path, content: str, why: str) -> None:  # noqa: ANN001
+    def test_a_broken_file_is_left_alone_and_the_operator_told(
+        self, tmp_path, content: str, said: str, step: str
+    ) -> None:  # noqa: ANN001
         from openfollow.runtime.app_modes import save_source_pick
 
         app, path, banners = self._station(tmp_path)
@@ -3189,7 +3208,10 @@ def test_a_broken_file_is_left_alone_and_the_operator_told(self, tmp_path, conte
         assert path.read_text(encoding="utf-8") == content
         assert app._config.ndi_source_name == "NEW (B)"
         assert banners == [
-            f"The NDI® source is live but could not be saved. The settings file {why}, then pick it again."
+            (
+                f"The NDI® source is live but could not be saved. The settings file {said}.",
+                f"{step}, then pick it again.",
+            )
         ]
 
     def test_a_save_that_failed_for_another_reason_points_at_the_storage(self, tmp_path) -> None:  # noqa: ANN001
@@ -3201,5 +3223,5 @@ def test_a_save_that_failed_for_another_reason_points_at_the_storage(self, tmp_p
         save_source_pick(app, "ndi_source_name", "NEW (B)")
 
         assert banners == [
-            "The NDI® source is live but could not be saved. Check the station's storage, then pick it again."
+            ("The NDI® source is live but could not be saved.", "Check the station's storage, then pick it again.")
         ]
diff --git a/tests/test_configuration.py b/tests/test_configuration.py
index 924b1699..879d7682 100644
--- a/tests/test_configuration.py
+++ b/tests/test_configuration.py
@@ -3078,8 +3078,8 @@ def test_a_switch_that_could_not_be_saved_is_saved_by_switching_again_once_the_f
     good = AppConfig(video_source_type="ndi", ndi_source_name="CAM-HOST (Camera 1)", rtsp_url="rtsp://192.0.2.20/a")
     save_config(good, path)
     app = _app_on_file(path)
-    banners: list[str] = []
-    app._enter_settings_menu = lambda **kw: banners.append(kw.get("banner", ""))
+    banners: list[tuple[str, str]] = []
+    app._enter_settings_menu = lambda **kw: banners.append((kw.get("banner", ""), kw.get("action", "")))
     app._enter_url_editor = lambda **_kw: None
     app._available_source_types = [("rtsp", "RTSP")]
     app._selected_source_type_index = 0
@@ -3088,8 +3088,10 @@ def test_a_switch_that_could_not_be_saved_is_saved_by_switching_again_once_the_f
     app_modes.confirm_source_type_selection(app)
     assert app._config.video_source_type == "rtsp"
     assert banners == [
-        "RTSP is live but could not be saved. The settings file could not be read. "
-        "Import a settings file to replace it, then switch again."
+        (
+            "RTSP is live but could not be saved. The settings file could not be read.",
+            "Import a settings file to replace it, then switch again.",
+        )
     ]
 
     save_config(good, path, replace_unreadable=True)  # the operator repairs it
diff --git a/tests/test_overlay_draw_hud.py b/tests/test_overlay_draw_hud.py
index cb1a6408..cc9ae8a4 100644
--- a/tests/test_overlay_draw_hud.py
+++ b/tests/test_overlay_draw_hud.py
@@ -3056,6 +3056,28 @@ def test_an_auto_opened_banner_still_wins(self) -> None:
         assert "Video source (rtsp) is not available." in drawn
         assert "Nothing answered at X." not in drawn
 
+    def test_a_banner_carries_its_own_next_step_and_not_the_videos(self) -> None:
+        state = self._state(sentence="Nothing answered at X.", action="Check the camera is powered.")
+        state.settings_menu_banner = "RTSP is live but could not be saved."
+        state.settings_menu_banner_action = "Check the station's storage, then switch again."
+        cr = FakeCairo()
+        draw_settings_menu(FakeRenderer(), cr, state, 1920, 1080)
+        drawn = " ".join(cr.show_text_strings())
+
+        assert "Check the camera is powered." not in drawn
+        step = cr.find_texts("Check the station's storage")[0]
+        assert step.bold is False
+        assert step.rgba == COLOR_TEXT_MUTED
+        assert step.y > cr.find_texts("RTSP is live")[0].y
+
+    def test_a_banner_without_a_step_does_not_borrow_the_videos(self) -> None:
+        state = self._state(sentence="Nothing answered at X.", action="Check the camera is powered.")
+        state.settings_menu_banner = "Pinned network interface 'eth1' is not available."
+        drawn = self._drawn(state)
+
+        assert "Pinned network interface 'eth1' is not available." in drawn
+        assert "Check the camera is powered." not in drawn
+
     def test_a_healthy_feed_draws_no_error_box(self) -> None:
         assert "ERROR" not in self._drawn(self._state(sentence="", error=""))
 
diff --git a/tests/test_services_marker_visuals_remaining.py b/tests/test_services_marker_visuals_remaining.py
index e1226531..e36dd4e2 100644
--- a/tests/test_services_marker_visuals_remaining.py
+++ b/tests/test_services_marker_visuals_remaining.py
@@ -201,6 +201,7 @@ def _build_app(
         _settings_menu_active=settings_menu_active,
         _settings_menu_index=0,
         _settings_menu_banner="",
+        _settings_menu_banner_action="",
         _source_type_selection_active=False,
         _available_source_types=[],
         _selected_source_type_index=0,
@@ -574,6 +575,7 @@ def test_settings_menu_active_builds_items(self, monkeypatch: pytest.MonkeyPatch
     def test_settings_menu_banner_passes_through_to_state(self, monkeypatch: pytest.MonkeyPatch) -> None:
         app = _build_app(settings_menu_active=True)
         app._settings_menu_banner = "Configured IP unavailable."
+        app._settings_menu_banner_action = "Pick another interface."
 
         from openfollow.runtime import app_modes
 
@@ -584,12 +586,15 @@ def test_settings_menu_banner_passes_through_to_state(self, monkeypatch: pytest.
         )
         state = _build(app)
         assert state.settings_menu_banner == "Configured IP unavailable."
+        assert state.settings_menu_banner_action == "Pick another interface."
 
     def test_settings_menu_inactive_clears_banner(self) -> None:
         app = _build_app(settings_menu_active=False)
         app._settings_menu_banner = "stale"
+        app._settings_menu_banner_action = "stale step"
         state = _build(app)
         assert state.settings_menu_banner == ""
+        assert state.settings_menu_banner_action == ""
 
     def test_url_editor_passes_through_to_state(
         self,
diff --git a/tests/test_webkit_browser.py b/tests/test_webkit_browser.py
index aba5912d..02e5bfe8 100644
--- a/tests/test_webkit_browser.py
+++ b/tests/test_webkit_browser.py
@@ -796,8 +796,8 @@ def _make_app(
         )
         app._opened = opened
         app._exited = exited
-        app._enter_settings_menu = lambda *, banner="": opened.append(
-            {"banner": banner},
+        app._enter_settings_menu = lambda *, banner="", action="": opened.append(
+            {"banner": banner, "action": action},
         )
 
         def _exit() -> None:
@@ -931,9 +931,11 @@ def test_fires_when_disconnected_past_deadline(self) -> None:
         banner = app._opened[0]["banner"]
         # The banner is the lead line only, as in the web box: the classified
         # sentence already names the source, so a headline repeating the URL
-        # above it was printing the address twice. The next step is drawn
-        # separately, from ``OverlayState.video_failure_action``.
+        # above it was printing the address twice. The next step is its own line.
         assert banner == "Nothing answered at rtsp://10.0.0.5/stream."
+        assert app._opened[0]["action"] == (
+            "Check the camera is powered and on this network, or correct the address under Video Source."
+        )
         assert "Reconnect attempt" not in banner
         assert app._video_disconnect_banner_shown is True
         assert app._video_disconnect_menu_open is True
@@ -948,6 +950,24 @@ def test_banner_omits_optional_fields_when_empty(self) -> None:
         banner = app._opened[0]["banner"]
         assert "Error:" not in banner
         assert "Reconnect attempt" not in banner
+        assert app._opened[0]["action"] == ""
+
+    def test_the_next_step_speaks_the_source_kind(self) -> None:
+        from openfollow.runtime import app_modes
+        from openfollow.video.failure import SourceKind
+
+        app = self._make_app(
+            connected=False,
+            status_marker=SimpleNamespace(
+                failure=VideoFailure.UNREACHABLE,
+                source_name="CAM-HOST (Camera 1)",
+                error_message="",
+                reconnect_attempt=0,
+            ),
+        )
+        app._video_receiver.source_kind = SourceKind.NAMED
+        app_modes.check_video_disconnect_banner(app)
+        assert app._opened[0]["action"] == "Check the source is running and visible to this station on the network."
 
     def test_latch_blocks_repeat_fire_after_dismiss(self) -> None:
         from openfollow.runtime import app_modes
@@ -1049,9 +1069,13 @@ def test_auto_opened_menu_refreshes_banner_while_still_down(self) -> None:
                 reconnect_attempt=0,
             ),
         )
+        app._settings_menu_banner_action = ""
         app_modes.check_video_disconnect_banner(app)
         assert app._exited == []  # menu stays open
         assert app._settings_menu_banner == "Nothing answered at rtsp://10.0.0.5/stream."
+        assert app._settings_menu_banner_action == (
+            "Check the camera is powered and on this network, or correct the address under Video Source."
+        )
         assert "(ndi)" not in app._settings_menu_banner
 
     def test_no_close_when_menu_not_auto_opened(self) -> None: