220-1101 Mobile Devices Practice Question
A user reports that their smartphone will not charge when plugged into a wall outlet, even though the charging cable appears undamaged and the outlet works with other devices. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause of this issue?
⚠ Common exam trap
CompTIA often tests the misconception that a dead battery or insufficient wattage is the primary cause, but the trap here is that physical obstruction is a simpler and more common hardware issue that candidates overlook in favor of software or battery failure explanations.
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
✓
Dirt or lint is blocking the charging port.
The most likely cause is dirt or lint blocking the charging port. When debris accumulates in the port, it can prevent the charging cable from making proper electrical contact with the pins, even though the cable and outlet are functional. This is a common issue with smartphones due to pocket lint or dust, and it typically does not require a battery or system replacement.
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 battery has reached the end of its life and must be replaced.
Why it's wrong here
A battery that has reached end-of-life typically manifests as rapid unscheduled shutdowns, swollen casing, or severely reduced runtime under load. It does not interrupt the DC power path from the wall adapter to the charging IC, so the phone would still accept current and show a charging indicator. Replacement is only indicated after verifying the port, cable, and adapter are all delivering power correctly.
- ✗
The operating system has corrupted system files preventing charging.
Why it's wrong here
Corrupted system files in the OS can cause erratic UI behavior or boot loops, but the charging circuit is managed by dedicated hardware (PMIC) that operates independently of the main OS. Even with a bricked OS, the phone will usually display a charging icon or LED when power is applied. Thus, software corruption is not a plausible root cause for a complete lack of charging response.
- ✓
Dirt or lint is blocking the charging port.
Why this is correct
Dirt or lint compacted at the bottom of the charging port is a classic cause of complete charging failure: the connector cannot seat flush, so the Vbus and ground pins do not make reliable contact. This also explains intermittent charging or needing to wiggle the cable. Inspect the port with a flashlight and carefully clean it with a non-conductive tool, not a metal pin.
- ✗
The user is using a charger with insufficient wattage for this phone model.
Why it's wrong here
An insufficient-wattage charger (e.g., a 5W adapter on a phone that supports 18W) will charge slowly or may not charge under heavy load, but it still provides standard 5V power. The phone's charging IC will negotiate the available current and still trickle-charge the battery. Therefore, it would not prevent charging entirely; a complete failure implies no electrical connection at all.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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