The answer is to check the physical mute/orientation lock switch on the side of the iPad. This is correct because many iPad models, particularly older generations like the iPad 2 through iPad 4 and some iPad mini variants, include a dedicated hardware switch on the side edge that can be configured to lock screen orientation independently of the software toggle in Control Center. Even when the software rotation lock appears off, this physical switch can override the setting and keep the screen stuck in portrait mode, making it the logical next step in iPad screen rotation lock troubleshooting. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this question tests your understanding of hardware versus software controls for mobile devices, a common trap where candidates focus only on the Control Center setting. A helpful memory tip: think of the physical switch as the “hard lock” that overrides the “soft lock” in software.
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 user's iPad will not rotate the screen when turned sideways, even though the rotation lock is off in the Control Center. The screen remains in portrait mode. What should you check next?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Check the physical mute/orientation lock switch on the side of the iPad.
The correct answer is B because many iPad models (particularly older ones like iPad 2 through iPad 4, and some iPad mini models) include a physical switch on the side edge that can be configured to act as a mute/orientation lock toggle. Even if the software rotation lock in Control Center is off, this hardware switch can independently lock the screen orientation, overriding the software setting. Checking this physical switch is the logical next step before attempting more invasive troubleshooting.
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.
✗
Check if the app has its own orientation lock setting.
Why it's wrong here
While possible, this is not the first step; the issue is system-wide, so checking the physical switch is more appropriate.
✓
Check the physical mute/orientation lock switch on the side of the iPad.
Why this is correct
On some iPad models, the side switch can be set to lock rotation; if it's engaged, it overrides the Control Center setting.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Perform a hard reset of the iPad.
Why it's wrong here
This is a troubleshooting step but should be done after checking simpler hardware controls.
✗
Update the iPadOS to the latest version.
Why it's wrong here
Software updates are important but not the immediate fix for a rotation issue that started suddenly.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA often tests the distinction between software-based and hardware-based controls, and the trap here is that candidates assume the Control Center rotation lock is the only mechanism for locking orientation, overlooking the independent physical switch that can override it.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The physical side switch on iPads is a hardware interrupt that communicates directly with the iOS kernel via GPIO (General-Purpose Input/Output) pins, bypassing the software-based rotation lock in the Control Center. When the switch is set to the orientation lock position, the system reads a hardware signal that forces the UIWindow to remain in its current orientation, regardless of accelerometer data or software toggles. This is distinct from the software lock, which simply sets a preference in the SpringBoard process to ignore accelerometer events.
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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1202 question in full detail.
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: Check the physical mute/orientation lock switch on the side of the iPad. — The correct answer is B because many iPad models (particularly older ones like iPad 2 through iPad 4, and some iPad mini models) include a physical switch on the side edge that can be configured to act as a mute/orientation lock toggle. Even if the software rotation lock in Control Center is off, this hardware switch can independently lock the screen orientation, overriding the software setting. Checking this physical switch is the logical next step before attempting more invasive troubleshooting.
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.
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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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 iPad will not rotate the screen when they turn the device sideways. The rotation lock icon appears in the status bar. What is the most likely cause?
medium
A.The accelerometer is faulty.
B.The app being used does not support rotation.
✓ C.Rotation lock is enabled in Control Center or via the side switch.
D.The device needs a software update to fix a rotation bug.
Why C: The rotation lock icon indicates the feature is enabled. On an iPad, this can be controlled via the Control Center or a physical switch on the side. The technician should disable rotation lock before any other troubleshooting.
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Question Discussion
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