- A
Remove the battery first, then the back cover, and reseat the display cable.
Why wrong: The back cover must be removed first to access the battery and internal components. Removing the battery before the cover is not possible.
- B
Remove the back cover, disconnect the battery, then reseat the display cable.
This is the correct sequence: back cover off, battery disconnected for safety, then reseat the display cable. It prevents short circuits and damage.
- C
Reseat the display cable by inserting a spudger through the charging port.
Why wrong: The display cable is internal and not accessible from the charging port. This approach is impossible and would damage the port.
- D
Perform a factory reset to rule out software issues.
Why wrong: The device vibrates for calls, indicating it powers on. A black screen with vibration suggests a hardware display issue, not software. A reset would not fix a loose cable.
Quick Answer
The correct sequence is to remove the back cover, disconnect the battery, then reseat the display cable. This order is critical because the battery must be isolated first to prevent a short circuit or accidental power surge when handling the delicate ribbon cable, which is typically located near the motherboard. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of safe disassembly procedures and component identification after physical damage, such as a fall that loosens the display cable. A common trap is skipping the battery disconnect and immediately reseating the cable, which risks damaging the motherboard or causing electrical shock. Remember the mnemonic “Back, Battery, Cable” to lock in the safe access order for any loose internal connector.
220-1101 Mobile Device Hardware Servicing Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of mobile device hardware servicing. 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 after a recent fall, their smartphone's screen is completely black, but the device still vibrates when calls come in. The technician suspects the display cable is loose. What is the correct sequence of steps to access and reseat the display cable?
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
Remove the back cover, disconnect the battery, then reseat the display cable.
To access the display cable, the technician must first remove the back cover, then the battery (if not integrated), and disconnect the display cable from the motherboard. This sequence ensures safe access without risking a short circuit from a live battery. The display cable is typically a thin ribbon cable near the motherboard.
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.
- ✗
Remove the battery first, then the back cover, and reseat the display cable.
Why it's wrong here
The back cover must be removed first to access the battery and internal components. Removing the battery before the cover is not possible.
- ✓
Remove the back cover, disconnect the battery, then reseat the display cable.
Why this is correct
This is the correct sequence: back cover off, battery disconnected for safety, then reseat the display cable. It prevents short circuits and damage.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Reseat the display cable by inserting a spudger through the charging port.
Why it's wrong here
The display cable is internal and not accessible from the charging port. This approach is impossible and would damage the port.
- ✗
Perform a factory reset to rule out software issues.
Why it's wrong here
The device vibrates for calls, indicating it powers on. A black screen with vibration suggests a hardware display issue, not software. A reset would not fix a loose cable.
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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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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Mobile Device Hardware Servicing — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1201 question test?
Mobile Device Hardware Servicing — This question tests Mobile Device Hardware Servicing — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Remove the back cover, disconnect the battery, then reseat the display cable. — To access the display cable, the technician must first remove the back cover, then the battery (if not integrated), and disconnect the display cable from the motherboard. This sequence ensures safe access without risking a short circuit from a live battery. The display cable is typically a thin ribbon cable near the motherboard.
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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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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