easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
220-1201 Practice Question: That their Android phone will not install an app…
A user reports that their Android phone will not install an app from the Google Play Store. The device has plenty of storage space and a strong internet connection. What is the most likely cause of this issue?
⚠ Common exam trap
The 220-1201 exam often tests the misconception that storage or connectivity are the only blockers, but the trap here is that OS version compatibility is a silent filter enforced by the Play Store's server-side logic, not a client-side error message.
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 device's operating system version is too old for the app.
The most likely cause is that the device's operating system version is too old for the app. Android apps specify a minimum API level (minSdkVersion) in their manifest; if the device runs an older OS version below that threshold, Google Play Store will block the installation and display an incompatibility message. Since the user has plenty of storage and a strong connection, the OS version is the primary remaining constraint.
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 app is not compatible with the device's screen resolution.
Why it's wrong here
Modern Android applications are typically designed with responsive layouts and utilize density-independent pixels (dp) to adapt to a wide range of screen sizes and resolutions. While an incompatible resolution might lead to display issues or a suboptimal user experience after installation, it rarely prevents the initial installation of an application from the Google Play Store. The Play Store primarily filters apps based on OS version, CPU architecture, and device features, not usually screen resolution as a hard blocker for installation.
- ✓
The device's operating system version is too old for the app.
Why this is correct
Many Android applications leverage specific Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) and features introduced in newer versions of the Android operating system. Developers declare a minimum API level in their app's manifest file, which the Google Play Store uses to determine compatibility. If a device's Android OS version is older than the app's declared minimum API level, the Play Store will prevent installation, as the app would likely crash or fail to function correctly due to missing system components.
- ✗
The Google Play Store app needs to be reinstalled.
Why it's wrong here
The Google Play Store is a deeply integrated system application on Android devices, and reinstalling it is an extremely rare and often complex procedure, typically requiring advanced troubleshooting steps like factory resets or flashing firmware. For a single application failing to install, issues are almost always specific to the app itself, the device's configuration, or network connectivity, rather than a fundamental corruption of the Play Store application itself. Reinstalling it would be an unwarranted and disproportionate first step.
- ✗
The user is not signed into their Google account.
Why it's wrong here
While a Google account is essential for accessing the Google Play Store and is required for purchasing paid applications or managing subscriptions, it is not strictly necessary to be signed in to download and install many free applications. Furthermore, if a user were not signed in, the Play Store would typically prompt them to sign in or create an account before attempting any download, rather than simply preventing an app from installing without explanation. The scenario does not indicate such a prompt.
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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.