The answer is a Bluetooth profile mismatch, specifically that the smartphone lacks the Hands-Free Profile (HFP) or Headset Profile (HSP) required for call audio. While the Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) handles high-quality music streaming, phone calls rely on HFP or HSP to manage two-way audio and microphone control. This is why the headphones pair and play music but produce no audio during calls. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of Bluetooth profiles as distinct functional layers—a common trap is assuming pairing guarantees full functionality. Remember that A2DP is for listening, but HFP is for talking; if call audio fails, suspect the profile, not the hardware. A useful memory tip is “Music needs A2DP, calls need HFP”—if one works and the other doesn’t, the missing profile is the culprit.
220-1201 Mobile Device Connection Methods Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of mobile device connection methods. 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 customer reports that their new Bluetooth headphones pair with their smartphone but produce no audio during calls. The headphones work fine with other devices. What is the most likely cause?
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 the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The smartphone does not support the required Bluetooth profile for call audio.
This scenario tests knowledge of Bluetooth profiles. The correct answer is that the smartphone may not support the Hands-Free Profile (HFP) or Headset Profile (HSP) required for call audio, even if the Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) works for music. Bluetooth devices rely on specific profiles for different functions.
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 headphones are out of battery.
Why it's wrong here
If the headphones were out of battery, they would not pair or produce any audio at all, not just during calls.
✗
The smartphone's Bluetooth antenna is damaged.
Why it's wrong here
A damaged antenna would likely cause intermittent or no connectivity, not a profile-specific failure.
✓
The smartphone does not support the required Bluetooth profile for call audio.
Why this is correct
Bluetooth profiles like HFP or HSP are needed for call audio; A2DP only handles music. If the phone lacks these profiles, calls will be silent.
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 headphones are paired to too many devices simultaneously.
Why it's wrong here
Most Bluetooth headphones connect to one device at a time; multi-point pairing is limited and would not cause profile-specific silence.
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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1201 question in full detail.
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 Device Connection Methods — This question tests Mobile Device Connection Methods — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The smartphone does not support the required Bluetooth profile for call audio. — This scenario tests knowledge of Bluetooth profiles. The correct answer is that the smartphone may not support the Hands-Free Profile (HFP) or Headset Profile (HSP) required for call audio, even if the Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) works for music. Bluetooth devices rely on specific profiles for different functions.
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
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 →
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 user reports that their new Bluetooth headset pairs with their smartphone but no audio is heard during calls. The headset works fine with another phone. What is the most likely cause?
easy
A.The headset battery is low.
✓ B.The phone is not using the correct Bluetooth profile for calls.
C.The headset is out of Bluetooth range.
D.The phone's Bluetooth radio is faulty.
Why B: Bluetooth audio requires correct profile support; the most common issue is the phone using the wrong audio profile (e.g., HSP for calls vs. A2DP for media). The headset may be connected but not set as the active audio device for calls.
Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.