- A
The USB cable is defective
Why wrong: While possible, a defective cable is less likely than a software setting issue, especially since the tablet is charging (assuming it does).
- B
The tablet is in USB charging-only mode and cannot be changed due to the cracked screen
Android devices often default to 'Charging only' when connected via USB. Changing to 'File transfer' requires screen interaction, which is difficult with a cracked screen.
- C
The tablet's USB port is damaged from the drop
Why wrong: A cracked screen does not necessarily mean the USB port is damaged. The tablet still charges, indicating the port is likely functional.
- D
The PC lacks the proper Samsung USB drivers
Why wrong: Missing drivers could cause recognition failure, but the more immediate issue is the USB mode setting on the tablet.
Quick Answer
The answer is that the tablet is stuck in USB charging-only mode, and the cracked screen prevents changing this setting. When a Samsung Galaxy tablet connects to a PC via USB, it defaults to charging mode unless the user manually selects “File Transfer” or “MTP” from the notification panel. With a cracked screen that still responds to touch, the digitizer may work, but the user cannot reliably navigate to the USB settings prompt—especially if the crack obscures the notification area or the touch input is needed to confirm the selection. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of default USB configurations and how physical damage can limit software control. A common trap is assuming the cable or port is faulty, but the real issue is the locked USB mode. Remember the mnemonic “Cracked screen, charging only—no data, no touch to change it.”
220-1201 Mobile Devices Troubleshooting Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of mobile devices troubleshooting. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A technician is troubleshooting a Samsung Galaxy tablet that has a cracked screen but still responds to touch. The user wants to transfer data to a new tablet. The technician connects the tablet to a PC via USB, but the PC does not recognize the device. What is the most likely reason?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"most likely"Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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
The tablet is in USB charging-only mode and cannot be changed due to the cracked screen
When a device's screen is cracked, the digitizer may still work, but the user might not be able to change USB settings from 'Charging only' to 'File transfer' if the touch input is needed for that selection. This is a common scenario where the default USB mode prevents data access.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
The USB cable is defective
Why it's wrong here
While possible, a defective cable is less likely than a software setting issue, especially since the tablet is charging (assuming it does).
- ✓
The tablet is in USB charging-only mode and cannot be changed due to the cracked screen
Why this is correct
Android devices often default to 'Charging only' when connected via USB. Changing to 'File transfer' requires screen interaction, which is difficult with a cracked screen.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
The tablet's USB port is damaged from the drop
Why it's wrong here
A cracked screen does not necessarily mean the USB port is damaged. The tablet still charges, indicating the port is likely functional.
- ✗
The PC lacks the proper Samsung USB drivers
Why it's wrong here
Missing drivers could cause recognition failure, but the more immediate issue is the USB mode setting on the tablet.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 220-1201 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which 220-1201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
- →
Mobile Devices Troubleshooting — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
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Mobile Devices Troubleshooting practice questions
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CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 study guide
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220-1201 practice test guide
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1201 question test?
Mobile Devices Troubleshooting — This question tests Mobile Devices Troubleshooting — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The tablet is in USB charging-only mode and cannot be changed due to the cracked screen — When a device's screen is cracked, the digitizer may still work, but the user might not be able to change USB settings from 'Charging only' to 'File transfer' if the touch input is needed for that selection. This is a common scenario where the default USB mode prevents data access.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Identify which 220-1201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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.
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