The answer is that the device’s operating system version is too old for the app. This is the most likely cause because app developers set minimum OS requirements in the Google Play Store, and if the Android phone cannot install an app from the Google Play Store, the store itself will block the download or display an incompatibility message, even when storage and internet are fine. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your ability to differentiate between hardware issues (like low storage) and software compatibility problems, a common trap where candidates overlook OS version checks. A helpful memory tip is to think “OS before storage”—always verify the Android version first when an app fails to install, as developers rarely support older releases.
220-1101 Mobile Device Application Support Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of mobile device application support. 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 reports that their Android phone will not install an app from the Google Play Store. The device has plenty of storage space and a strong internet connection. What is the most likely cause of this issue?
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.
The app is not compatible with the device's screen resolution.
Why wrong: While screen resolution can affect display, it typically does not prevent installation; most apps scale to fit.
B
The device's operating system version is too old for the app.
Many apps require a minimum Android version; if the device is outdated, the app will not install.
C
The Google Play Store app needs to be reinstalled.
Why wrong: Reinstalling the Play Store is rarely necessary and would not be the first step for a single app issue.
D
The user is not signed into their Google account.
Why wrong: Being signed into a Google account is required for purchases but not for installing free apps, and the scenario does not mention a sign-in prompt.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The device's operating system version is too old for the app.
This question tests knowledge of common mobile app installation issues. The most likely cause is that the device's operating system is too old to support the app, as app developers often set minimum OS requirements. Checking the app's compatibility with the device's OS version is a standard troubleshooting step.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
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 app is not compatible with the device's screen resolution.
Why it's wrong here
While screen resolution can affect display, it typically does not prevent installation; most apps scale to fit.
✓
The device's operating system version is too old for the app.
Why this is correct
Many apps require a minimum Android version; if the device is outdated, the app will not install.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
The Google Play Store app needs to be reinstalled.
Why it's wrong here
Reinstalling the Play Store is rarely necessary and would not be the first step for a single app issue.
✗
The user is not signed into their Google account.
Why it's wrong here
Being signed into a Google account is required for purchases but not for installing free apps, and the scenario does not mention a sign-in prompt.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Trap categories for this question
Scenario analysis trap
Being signed into a Google account is required for purchases but not for installing free apps, and the scenario does not mention a sign-in prompt.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
→Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
→Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
→Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1201 question in full detail.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 220-1201 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Mobile Device Application Support — This question tests Mobile Device Application Support — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The device's operating system version is too old for the app. — This question tests knowledge of common mobile app installation issues. The most likely cause is that the device's operating system is too old to support the app, as app developers often set minimum OS requirements. Checking the app's compatibility with the device's OS version is a standard troubleshooting step.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 220-1201 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
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?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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