The answer is that the smartphone has the wrong Wi-Fi password or security type saved. This is the most likely cause because the device connects successfully at home but fails at the office, while other devices connect to the office network without issue, isolating the problem to the smartphone’s stored credentials or security configuration. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your ability to differentiate between client-side configuration errors and broader network failures—a common trap is assuming the office router is faulty when the real issue is a mismatched passphrase or security protocol like WPA2 vs. WPA3. A useful memory tip: when a smartphone connects to home Wi-Fi but not office Wi-Fi, think “password or protocol mismatch,” not hardware failure.
220-1101 Mobile Device Network Connectivity Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of mobile device network connectivity. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 smartphone can connect to Wi-Fi at home but not at the office. Other devices connect fine to the office Wi-Fi. What is the most likely cause?
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.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The smartphone has the wrong Wi-Fi password or security type saved.
This scenario tests understanding of Wi-Fi configuration issues. The most common cause is an incorrect password or security mismatch on the device, as other devices connect successfully to the same network.
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.
✗
The smartphone's Wi-Fi antenna is damaged.
Why it's wrong here
If the antenna were damaged, the device would likely fail to connect at home as well, not just at the office.
✗
The office Wi-Fi router is out of range.
Why it's wrong here
Other devices connect fine, so range is not the issue.
✓
The smartphone has the wrong Wi-Fi password or security type saved.
Why this is correct
A saved incorrect password or mismatched security type (e.g., WPA2 vs WPA3) prevents connection while other devices succeed.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The smartphone's IP address is static and conflicting.
Why it's wrong here
An IP conflict would cause intermittent issues, not a complete failure to connect, and other devices would still work.
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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1201 question in full detail.
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.
Mobile Device Network Connectivity — This question tests Mobile Device Network Connectivity — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The smartphone has the wrong Wi-Fi password or security type saved. — This scenario tests understanding of Wi-Fi configuration issues. The most common cause is an incorrect password or security mismatch on the device, as other devices connect successfully to the same network.
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.
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?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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