The answer is a DNS misconfiguration. When a smartphone is connected to Wi-Fi but has no internet, while other devices on the same network work fine, the issue is almost always device-specific rather than network-wide. DNS (Domain Name System) translates domain names into IP addresses; if the smartphone’s DNS settings are incorrect or pointing to a non-functional server, it can establish a local Wi-Fi connection and obtain an IP address, but it will fail to resolve website names, effectively blocking internet access. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your ability to differentiate between network-layer problems (like DHCP or gateway issues) and application-layer problems (like DNS). A common trap is to blame the router or ISP, but the clue is that other devices work—pinpointing a client-side DNS error. Memory tip: “DNS = Door Number Sign—if the sign is wrong, you can’t find the house.”
220-1101 Mobile Device Network Connectivity Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of mobile device network connectivity. 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's smartphone can connect to a corporate Wi-Fi network but cannot access any internet sites. Other devices on the same network work fine. The smartphone shows it is connected with full signal. 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's DNS settings are misconfigured or pointing to a non-functional server.
This scenario points to a device-specific issue, such as an incorrect DNS server setting. The device can connect to the local network (Wi-Fi) but DNS resolution fails, preventing internet access.
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 DNS settings are misconfigured or pointing to a non-functional server.
Why this is correct
Incorrect DNS prevents domain name resolution, so the device cannot reach internet sites even though it is connected to the network.
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 corporate network is blocking the smartphone's MAC address.
Why it's wrong here
MAC filtering would prevent connection entirely, not allow connection with no internet.
✗
The smartphone's Wi-Fi adapter is faulty.
Why it's wrong here
A faulty adapter would cause disconnections or inability to connect, not a stable connection with no internet.
✗
The corporate proxy server is down.
Why it's wrong here
If the proxy were down, all devices would be affected, not just this smartphone.
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's DNS settings are misconfigured or pointing to a non-functional server. — This scenario points to a device-specific issue, such as an incorrect DNS server setting. The device can connect to the local network (Wi-Fi) but DNS resolution fails, preventing internet access.
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.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A user's iPhone connects to a public Wi-Fi hotspot but cannot load any web pages. The Wi-Fi icon shows full signal. Other devices on the same network work fine. What is the most likely issue?
medium
A.The iPhone's DNS settings are misconfigured.
✓ B.The iPhone is not accepting the captive portal's terms and conditions.
C.The iPhone's Wi-Fi antenna is faulty.
D.The public Wi-Fi network is using an incompatible security protocol.
Why B: Public Wi-Fi often uses a captive portal that requires web authentication. If the portal page does not automatically appear, the user may need to open Safari or go to a non-HTTPS site to trigger it.
Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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