The answer is to check the Default SMS app setting in Apps & Notifications. This is correct because Android routes all SMS messages exclusively through the app designated as the default; if a recently installed third-party app from an unknown source is set as the default but is malfunctioning or lacks proper permissions, incoming messages will be silently dropped even though data and calls work fine. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of Android’s app permissions and default handler architecture—a common trap is to immediately suspect carrier issues or SIM problems, but the OS setting is the first logical step. Remember the memory tip: “Default drives delivery”—the default SMS app is the single gatekeeper for all text messages, so always verify that gate before digging deeper.
220-1202 Mobile OS Features and Tools Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of mobile os features and tools. 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 Android device that cannot receive SMS messages, though data and calls work fine. The user recently installed a messaging app from an unknown source. Which mobile OS feature should be checked first?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "first"
Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Check the 'Default SMS app' setting in Apps & Notifications
Android's default SMS app setting determines which app handles SMS. If a third-party app is set as default but malfunctioning, messages may not be received. Checking this setting is the first logical step.
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.
✗
Verify that the device is not in Airplane Mode
Why it's wrong here
Airplane Mode would also affect calls and data, which are working fine.
✓
Check the 'Default SMS app' setting in Apps & Notifications
Why this is correct
If the default SMS app is misconfigured or incompatible, SMS delivery fails; resetting to the native app often resolves this.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Clear the cache of the Phone app
Why it's wrong here
The Phone app handles calls, not SMS; clearing its cache won't affect messaging.
✗
Disable Google Play Protect
Why it's wrong here
Play Protect scans apps for malware but does not control SMS routing.
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 220-1202 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.
Identify which 220-1202 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 OS Features and Tools — This question tests Mobile OS Features and Tools — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Check the 'Default SMS app' setting in Apps & Notifications — Android's default SMS app setting determines which app handles SMS. If a third-party app is set as default but malfunctioning, messages may not be received. Checking this setting is the first logical step.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 question wrong?
Identify which 220-1202 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: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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