Quick Answer
The correct accessory is a USB-C to HDMI adapter. This is necessary because the USB-C port on the laptop uses a different physical connector and signaling protocol than the HDMI input on the TV; the adapter converts the digital video signal from USB-C’s alternate mode into the HDMI standard that the TV can accept, enabling 4K video output. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your knowledge of display interfaces and adapter types, often appearing in troubleshooting or connectivity questions where a user needs to bridge incompatible ports. A common trap is confusing a simple USB-C to USB-A adapter, which does not carry video, with the correct video-capable adapter. Remember the memory tip: “C to H, video to the TV”—if the source is USB-C and the display is HDMI, you need a dedicated adapter that supports DisplayPort Alt Mode over USB-C.
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of mobile device accessories. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 user wants to connect their laptop to a 4K TV for a movie marathon. They have a USB-C port on the laptop but the TV only has HDMI. Which accessory is required?
A USB-C to DisplayPort adapter.
Why wrong: DisplayPort is not compatible with HDMI without an active adapter, and the TV only has HDMI.
A USB-C to HDMI adapter.
This is correct; it converts the USB-C video signal to HDMI for the TV.
A USB-C to VGA adapter.
Why wrong: VGA is analog and does not support 4K resolution, and the TV lacks VGA input.
A USB-C to Ethernet adapter.
Why wrong: Ethernet is for network connectivity, not video output.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
A USB-C to HDMI adapter.
A USB-C to HDMI adapter or cable is needed to convert the signal from USB-C to HDMI. This allows the laptop to output video to the TV. The correct answer is a USB-C to HDMI adapter.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
A USB-C to DisplayPort adapter.
Why it's wrong here
DisplayPort is not compatible with HDMI without an active adapter, and the TV only has HDMI.
A USB-C to HDMI adapter.
Why this is correct
This is correct; it converts the USB-C video signal to HDMI for the TV.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
A USB-C to VGA adapter.
Why it's wrong here
VGA is analog and does not support 4K resolution, and the TV lacks VGA input.
A USB-C to Ethernet adapter.
Why it's wrong here
Ethernet is for network connectivity, not video output.
Common exam traps
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Ethernet is for network connectivity, not video output.
Detailed technical explanation
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.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
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.
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FAQ
Mobile Device Accessories — This question tests Mobile Device Accessories — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: A USB-C to HDMI adapter. — A USB-C to HDMI adapter or cable is needed to convert the signal from USB-C to HDMI. This allows the laptop to output video to the TV. The correct answer is a USB-C to HDMI adapter.
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.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Same concept, more angles
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 customer wants to use their tablet as a secondary display for their laptop while traveling. They need a solution that does not require a Wi-Fi network. Which accessory should you recommend?
easyWhy B: A USB-C to HDMI adapter allows the tablet to act as a monitor via a wired connection, which works without Wi-Fi. Wireless solutions like Miracast or AirPlay require a network. The correct answer is the USB-C to HDMI adapter.
Variation 2. A customer wants to use a portable projector with their smartphone for impromptu presentations. The smartphone has a USB-C port that supports DisplayPort Alt Mode. Which accessory will enable this connection?
mediumWhy B: A USB-C to HDMI adapter leverages the smartphone's DisplayPort Alt Mode to output video to the projector's HDMI input. A USB-C hub with HDMI would also work, but a direct adapter is the simplest. A wireless adapter or USB-C to USB-A cable cannot carry video signals.
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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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