diff --git a/data/core.yaml b/data/core.yaml
index efb948d32..1e5eb737e 100644
--- a/data/core.yaml
+++ b/data/core.yaml
@@ -246,6 +246,7 @@ en:
     help: "Save changes to OpenStreetMap, making them visible to other users."
     no_changes: No changes to save.
     error: An error occurred while trying to save
+    unknown_error_details: "Please ensure you are connected to the internet."
     uploading: Uploading changes to OpenStreetMap.
     unsaved_changes: You have unsaved changes
   success:
diff --git a/dist/locales/en.json b/dist/locales/en.json
index a04c2cfb4..fdcd04bda 100644
--- a/dist/locales/en.json
+++ b/dist/locales/en.json
@@ -301,6 +301,7 @@
         "help": "Save changes to OpenStreetMap, making them visible to other users.",
         "no_changes": "No changes to save.",
         "error": "An error occurred while trying to save",
+        "unknown_error_details": "Please ensure you are connected to the internet.",
         "uploading": "Uploading changes to OpenStreetMap.",
         "unsaved_changes": "You have unsaved changes"
     },
diff --git a/js/id/modes/save.js b/js/id/modes/save.js
index 270de91c4..ab41f507d 100644
--- a/js/id/modes/save.js
+++ b/js/id/modes/save.js
@@ -30,7 +30,7 @@ iD.modes.Save = function(context) {
                     confirm
                         .select('.modal-section.message-text')
                         .append('p')
-                        .text(err.responseText);
+                        .text(err.responseText || t('save.unknown_error_details'));
                 } else {
                     context.flush();
                     success(e, changeset_id);