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220-1201 Practice Question: A technician is replacing a cracked screen on a…
A technician is replacing a cracked screen on a smartphone. After removing the old screen, they notice a small, flat, rectangular component with a metal shield is loose near the battery connector. What should they do?
⚠ Common exam trap
CompTIA A+ often tests the misconception that any loose metal component must be soldered back, when in fact many smartphone components are secured with adhesive to avoid heat damage to sensitive battery circuits.
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
✓
Reattach it using double-sided adhesive tape.
The loose component is a battery connector bracket or grounding clip, which is typically secured with adhesive to prevent the battery connector from dislodging. Reattaching it with double-sided adhesive tape restores mechanical stability without soldering, as these parts are not soldered to the motherboard. This ensures reliable power delivery and prevents intermittent shutdowns or charging issues.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Discard it as it is not needed for the screen replacement.
Why it's wrong here
Discarding this component is a critical error as the battery connector bracket serves an essential structural role in securing the battery's connection to the motherboard. Without this bracket, the battery connector is vulnerable to becoming loose due to device movement, drops, or even routine handling. This instability can lead to intermittent power loss, charging failures, or even physical damage to the connector pins over time, severely compromising the device's reliability and user experience.
- ✓
Reattach it using double-sided adhesive tape.
Why this is correct
Reattaching the battery connector bracket with double-sided adhesive tape is the correct and recommended procedure. This method provides the necessary mechanical stability to secure the battery connector against vibrations and accidental dislodgement without introducing thermal stress or electrical hazards. Many portable electronic devices utilize specialized, thin, and strong adhesives for component retention, making this a standard and appropriate repair technique. It ensures the connector remains firmly seated, preventing intermittent power issues.
- ✗
Solder it back onto the motherboard.
Why it's wrong here
Soldering this battery connector bracket back onto the motherboard is incorrect because it is a mechanical retention component, not an electrical one requiring a conductive bond. Applying heat from a soldering iron risks damaging delicate surrounding components, such as integrated circuits, flex cables, or even the battery itself, due to thermal stress or accidental short circuits. The bracket's function is purely to provide physical stability, which does not necessitate a permanent, high-temperature electrical connection.
- ✗
Leave it loose; it will not affect screen operation.
Why it's wrong here
Leaving the battery connector bracket loose is unacceptable because it directly compromises the device's power integrity and long-term functionality. A loose bracket allows the battery connector to move freely, increasing the risk of it dislodging from its socket, especially under vibration or impact. This can result in unexpected shutdowns, charging interruptions, or even permanent damage to the connector or motherboard traces due to repeated stress. While screen operation might initially seem unaffected, system stability will be severely degraded.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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