The correct action is to replace the torn home button flex cable with a new one. This is necessary because the flex cable is the physical circuit that carries electrical signals from the home button to the tablet’s motherboard; a tear breaks that connection, and simply pressing the torn ends together will not restore reliable conductivity or function. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of component-level repair and the importance of replacing damaged ribbon cables rather than attempting temporary fixes—a common trap is assuming you can just tape or reconnect a torn flex cable. Remember the memory tip: “If the trace is torn, it must be reborn” — any break in a flex cable’s conductive traces means the entire cable must be swapped out for the device to work properly.
220-1101 Mobile Device Hardware Servicing Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of mobile device hardware servicing. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 technician is replacing a cracked screen on a tablet. After removing the digitizer and LCD assembly, they notice the home button flex cable is torn. The tablet still has a physical home button. What should the technician do to ensure the repair is complete and the home button functions?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Replace the home button flex cable with a new one.
The torn flex cable must be replaced because it is essential for the home button to communicate with the motherboard. Simply reconnecting a torn cable will not restore function. The technician should order a replacement home button flex cable and install it.
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.
✗
Solder the torn ends of the flex cable together.
Why it's wrong here
Flex cables are delicate and not designed for soldering; attempting to solder them often causes further damage or unreliable connections.
✗
Use electrical tape to hold the torn cable together.
Why it's wrong here
Taping a torn cable does not restore electrical continuity. The home button will remain non-functional.
✓
Replace the home button flex cable with a new one.
Why this is correct
Replacing the torn flex cable with a new one restores the electrical connection, allowing the home button to function properly.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Ignore the tear and reassemble the tablet.
Why it's wrong here
Ignoring the tear will leave the home button non-functional, which is an incomplete repair and will likely result in a customer complaint.
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 Hardware Servicing — This question tests Mobile Device Hardware Servicing — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Replace the home button flex cable with a new one. — The torn flex cable must be replaced because it is essential for the home button to communicate with the motherboard. Simply reconnecting a torn cable will not restore function. The technician should order a replacement home button flex cable and install it.
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.
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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