easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
220-1201 Practice Question: A user complains that their smartphone's screen…
A user complains that their smartphone's screen protector has started peeling off at the edges after a few weeks. They installed it themselves. What is the most likely cause of this problem?
⚠ Common exam trap
CompTIA A+ often tests the misconception that peeling is caused by product quality or case interference, when the real culprit is improper surface preparation—a common real-world mistake that candidates overlook because they assume the user followed instructions correctly.
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
✓
The user did not clean the screen properly before installation, leaving dust or oil.
Improper cleaning leaves dust, oil, or debris on the screen, which creates microscopic gaps between the adhesive and the glass. These contaminants prevent full adhesion, causing the edges to lift over time as the protector is subjected to daily handling and temperature changes.
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 screen protector is of low quality and does not fit the device model.
Why it's wrong here
While possible, peeling at edges is more often due to installation issues than poor fit, especially if it started after weeks.
- ✓
The user did not clean the screen properly before installation, leaving dust or oil.
Why this is correct
This is correct; improper cleaning leads to poor adhesion, causing edges to lift over time.
- ✗
The smartphone case is too tight and pushes the protector off.
Why it's wrong here
A tight case can lift edges, but this would happen immediately, not after weeks, and is less common.
- ✗
The device's screen has a factory oleophobic coating that repels the adhesive.
Why it's wrong here
Oleophobic coatings do not typically interfere with screen protector adhesion; they are designed to be compatible.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
SSD TRIM, Wear Leveling, and Over-Provisioning
Key term
Smartphone
A smartphone is a handheld mobile device that combines cellular communication with computing capabilities, running an operating system that supports third-party applications, internet connectivity, and a touchscreen interface.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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