easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
Capacitive Stylus Not Working on Tablet: Unresponsive Screen Fix
A sales representative reports that their tablet's screen becomes unresponsive when they try to use it with a capacitive stylus. They need to annotate documents during client meetings. Which accessory should you recommend to resolve this issue?
Quick Answer
The answer is a fine-point capacitive stylus. A capacitive touchscreen relies on the electrical conductivity of your finger or a compatible stylus to register touch; a standard passive stylus lacks this conductive tip, which is why the screen remains unresponsive. A fine-point capacitive stylus solves this by providing the necessary conductivity while also offering the precision needed for document annotation. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of touchscreen input technologies and common troubleshooting for mobile devices. A frequent trap is assuming any stylus will work, but the key distinction is that the stylus must be capacitive—not resistive or passive. For a memory tip, remember: “Capacitive needs conductive” to instantly rule out non-conductive accessories.
⚠ Common exam trap
Candidates often confuse a passive stylus with a rubber tip (Option D) as a universal solution for all touchscreens, not realizing that capacitive screens require a conductive stylus, whereas rubber-tip styluses are for resistive screens.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
A fine-point capacitive stylus
The issue is that the tablet's screen is unresponsive to the capacitive stylus. A capacitive stylus works by conducting the electrical charge from your finger to the screen. A fine-point capacitive stylus (Option B) provides a more precise tip while still maintaining the necessary conductivity for the touchscreen to register input, allowing the sales representative to annotate documents effectively.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
A Bluetooth keyboard
Why it's wrong here
A Bluetooth keyboard does not interact with the touchscreen and won't help with annotation tasks.
- ✓
A fine-point capacitive stylus
Why this is correct
A capacitive stylus is designed to work with capacitive touchscreens, providing the necessary conductive tip for accurate input.
- ✗
A screen protector
Why it's wrong here
A screen protector may protect the screen but does not improve stylus responsiveness; it could even reduce sensitivity.
- ✗
A passive stylus with a rubber tip
Why it's wrong here
Passive rubber-tipped styluses often don't work well with capacitive screens because they lack conductivity, leading to unresponsive input.
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Same concept, more angles
1 more way this is tested on 220-1201
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A technician is setting up a new tablet for a field worker who needs to capture signatures from customers. The tablet has a standard USB-C port. Which accessory is most appropriate for this task?
easy- A.A Bluetooth keyboard for typing notes.
- ✓ B.A capacitive stylus with a fine tip.
- C.A USB-C to HDMI adapter for external display.
- D.A screen protector to prevent scratches.
Why B: A capacitive stylus with a fine tip (Option B) is the most appropriate accessory because it allows the field worker to accurately capture signatures on the tablet's touchscreen. Capacitive styluses work by mimicking the electrical properties of a human finger, and a fine tip provides the precision needed for signature capture without relying on a digitizer or active pen protocol.
JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 220-1201 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 220-1201 exam.