- A
The device is jailbroken and has a tweak interfering with authentication.
Why wrong: Jailbreaking could cause issues, but the problem is more commonly a simple token mismatch; checking for jailbreak is not the first step.
- B
The Apple ID password was changed recently and not synced to all services.
Why wrong: If the password was changed, entering the new password should work; repeated prompts suggest a token or keychain issue.
- C
iCloud Keychain is out of sync and needs to be reset by signing out of iCloud and back in.
Keychain sync issues can cause repeated password prompts; signing out and back in refreshes the authentication.
- D
The device has a hardware fault in the secure enclave.
Why wrong: Hardware faults are rare and would likely cause more severe issues, not just password prompts.
Quick Answer
The answer is that iCloud Keychain is out of sync and needs to be reset by signing out of iCloud and back in. This is correct because when iCloud Keychain becomes out of sync—often after a password change or device restore—the authentication token chain breaks, forcing the device to repeatedly request the Apple ID password even after it is entered correctly. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of iOS authentication and sync conflicts, and it often appears as a trap where test-takers mistakenly blame MDM profiles or account lockouts. Remember, if the device is not connected to any corporate MDM and the password is correct, the most likely cause is a broken Keychain sync, not a security issue. Memory tip: think “Keychain conflict = password prompt repeat”; resetting the sync by signing out and back in re-establishes the trusted token chain.
220-1202 Mobile OS and App Troubleshooting Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of mobile os and app 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 an iPhone that repeatedly prompts for the Apple ID password even after entering it correctly. The device is not connected to any corporate MDM. 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 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
iCloud Keychain is out of sync and needs to be reset by signing out of iCloud and back in.
Option C is correct because repeated Apple ID password prompts, even after correct entry, are typically caused by an iCloud Keychain sync conflict. When iCloud Keychain becomes out of sync—often after a password change or device restore—the authentication token chain breaks, forcing the device to re-request the password. Signing out of iCloud and back in resets the local Keychain state and re-establishes a trusted sync relationship with Apple's servers.
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 device is jailbroken and has a tweak interfering with authentication.
Why it's wrong here
Jailbreaking could cause issues, but the problem is more commonly a simple token mismatch; checking for jailbreak is not the first step.
- ✗
The Apple ID password was changed recently and not synced to all services.
Why it's wrong here
If the password was changed, entering the new password should work; repeated prompts suggest a token or keychain issue.
- ✓
iCloud Keychain is out of sync and needs to be reset by signing out of iCloud and back in.
Why this is correct
Keychain sync issues can cause repeated password prompts; signing out and back in refreshes the authentication.
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 device has a hardware fault in the secure enclave.
Why it's wrong here
Hardware faults are rare and would likely cause more severe issues, not just password prompts.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA often tests the misconception that repeated password prompts are always due to a password change or incorrect entry, when in fact iCloud Keychain sync issues are a common cause that requires a sign-out/sign-in cycle to resolve.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
iCloud Keychain uses end-to-end encryption with a syncing mechanism that relies on a trusted circle of devices. When the Keychain state becomes inconsistent—e.g., after a password change without re-signing in—the device may reject the stored authentication token and repeatedly prompt for the Apple ID password to re-establish trust. This behavior is distinct from a simple password mismatch because the system is not rejecting the password but rather failing to validate the Keychain's cryptographic integrity.
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.
TExam Day Tips
- 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 220-1202 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 exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
- →
Mobile OS and App Troubleshooting — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Mobile OS and App Troubleshooting practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
- →
All 220-1202 questions
750 questions across all exam domains
- →
CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
- →
220-1202 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Related 220-1202 practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Windows OS Features and Tools practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Windows OS Features and Tools.
Windows Settings and Control Panel practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Windows Settings and Control Panel.
Windows Command-Line Tools practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Windows Command-Line Tools.
Windows Administrative Tools practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Windows Administrative Tools.
macOS Features and Tools practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to macOS Features and Tools.
Linux Commands and File Permissions practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Linux Commands and File Permissions.
Mobile OS Features and Tools practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Mobile OS Features and Tools.
Virtualization and Cloud Technologies practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Virtualization and Cloud Technologies.
Physical Security Controls practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Physical Security Controls.
Logical Security Concepts practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Logical Security Concepts.
Wireless Security Protocols practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Wireless Security Protocols.
Malware Types and Removal practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Malware Types and Removal.
Practice this exam
Start a free 220-1202 practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1202 question test?
Mobile OS and App Troubleshooting — This question tests Mobile OS and App Troubleshooting — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: iCloud Keychain is out of sync and needs to be reset by signing out of iCloud and back in. — Option C is correct because repeated Apple ID password prompts, even after correct entry, are typically caused by an iCloud Keychain sync conflict. When iCloud Keychain becomes out of sync—often after a password change or device restore—the authentication token chain breaks, forcing the device to re-request the password. Signing out of iCloud and back in resets the local Keychain state and re-establishes a trusted sync relationship with Apple's servers.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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 →
Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
This 220-1202 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 220-1202 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.