Backup Phone with Dead Touch: OTG Adapter + Mouse
A user's smartphone has a cracked screen. The display still shows images, but the touch input is completely unresponsive. The user needs to back up all data (contacts, photos, app data) before sending the phone for repair. The phone is not rooted, and no prior backup software was configured. Which of the following methods is the MOST reliable and complete way to back up the data in this situation?
Quick Answer
The answer is to use a USB On-The-Go (OTG) adapter to connect a mouse to the phone, then enable USB file transfer and connect to a computer. This method is the most reliable because the OTG adapter bypasses the unresponsive touch screen by providing cursor control via the mouse, allowing you to navigate the phone’s settings and switch the USB connection to MTP (Media Transfer Protocol) mode. Once in MTP mode, a computer can read the phone’s internal storage, enabling a full backup of contacts, photos, and app data without needing root access or prior backup software. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of mobile device troubleshooting and peripheral connectivity—a common trap is assuming a direct USB cable connection works automatically, but most phones require manual permission via the touch screen. Remember the memory tip: “Dead touch? Mouse clutch.” This reinforces that a mouse, not a cable alone, is the key to unlocking the data.
⚠ Common exam trap
A common mix-up: candidates assume a USB cable alone provides immediate file access (Option A), overlooking that modern smartphones require touchscreen interaction to authorize the connection, which is impossible with a cracked, unresponsive screen.
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
✓
Use a USB On-The-Go (OTG) adapter to connect a mouse to the phone, navigate to enable USB file transfer, then connect to a computer via USB cable.
A USB OTG adapter allows connecting a mouse to the smartphone, enabling cursor control to navigate the touch interface. This lets the user access settings to enable USB file transfer mode (MTP), after which a computer can read the phone's storage for a full backup of contacts, photos, and app data. Since the screen is cracked but functional, and the phone is not rooted, this method provides complete control without requiring prior backup software.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Connect the phone to a computer using a USB cable; the computer should automatically detect it as a mass storage device, allowing file access.
Why it's wrong here
This typically requires the user to accept a prompt on the phone (e.g., 'Allow file transfer?') which cannot be done due to the unresponsive touchscreen.
- ✓
Use a USB On-The-Go (OTG) adapter to connect a mouse to the phone, navigate to enable USB file transfer, then connect to a computer via USB cable.
Why this is correct
A USB OTG adapter allows a mouse to control the phone. The user can then enable file transfer mode and connect to a computer to access the phone's storage.
- ✗
Remove the SIM card and any microSD card, then connect the phone to a computer via USB to access internal storage directly.
Why it's wrong here
Removing the SIM/microSD card does not grant computer access to internal storage. The phone must still permit file transfer, which requires interaction on the phone.
- ✗
Put the phone in a bag of rice to dry it out, then connect to a computer via USB, as the moisture may block the touch input.
Why it's wrong here
The issue is a cracked screen with unresponsive touch, not water damage. Rice drying is irrelevant to the touch failure, and it would not enable file transfer.
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Same concept, more angles
1 more way this is tested on 220-1101
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 smartphone has a cracked screen. The display is still visible, but the touch input is only partially responsive. The user needs to perform a factory reset to erase personal data before selling the device. The user can see the 'Reset' button on the screen but cannot tap it due to the unresponsive area. Which of the following methods would be the MOST effective way to perform the factory reset?
easy- A.Use the volume buttons and power button to navigate the recovery menu to perform a factory reset from recovery mode.
- ✓ B.Connect a USB mouse via an OTG adapter to navigate the interface and tap the reset button.
- C.Use the manufacturer's online account portal (e.g., Find My Device) to remotely wipe the device.
- D.Install a third-party backup app that can initiate a factory reset from the app's settings.
Why B: An OTG (On-The-Go) adapter allows connecting a USB mouse directly to the smartphone, enabling precise cursor control. This bypasses the unresponsive touch area, letting the user navigate to and tap the 'Reset' button without needing functional touch input on that portion of the screen.
JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 220-1101 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 220-1101 exam.