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220-1102 Practice Question: A technician is troubleshooting an Android device…
A technician is troubleshooting an Android device that cannot receive SMS messages, though data and calls work fine. The user recently installed a messaging app from an unknown source. Which mobile OS feature should be checked first?
⚠ Common exam trap
CompTIA often tests the misconception that SMS issues are always related to network connectivity or Airplane Mode, but the real trap here is that Android's SMS routing is app-dependent, and a third-party app can hijack the default SMS role without the user's awareness, causing SMS to fail while other services work.
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
✓
Check the 'Default SMS app' setting in Apps & Notifications
The core issue is that SMS messages are not being received, while data and calls work fine. On Android, SMS routing is handled by a designated 'Default SMS app.' If a third-party messaging app from an unknown source was recently installed, it may have claimed this role, but misconfigured or lacks the necessary permissions (e.g., SMS permissions) to properly receive messages. Checking the 'Default SMS app' setting under Apps & Notifications is the first logical step to ensure the correct app is assigned to handle SMS, as Android will only deliver incoming SMS to the designated default app.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Verify that the device is not in Airplane Mode
Why it's wrong here
Airplane Mode disables the cellular radio entirely, so calls and mobile data would also fail; the stem states both work. It is tempting because Airplane Mode is the classic cause of no connectivity, and it is correct when all radios, including calls and data, are simultaneously unavailable.
- ✓
Check the 'Default SMS app' setting in Apps & Notifications
Why this is correct
A sideloaded messaging app can register itself as the default SMS handler, hijacking incoming messages so the native app never receives them. Checking the 'Default SMS app' setting in Apps & Notifications directly addresses the constraint that data and calls work while SMS fails after an unknown-source install.
- ✗
Clear the cache of the Phone app
Why it's wrong here
Clearing the Phone app's cache does not affect SMS delivery, which is handled by the default messaging app, not the dialler. It is tempting because cache clearing is a common first fix for misbehaving apps, and it is correct when the Phone app itself crashes or displays stale data.
- ✗
Disable Google Play Protect
Why it's wrong here
Disabling Google Play Protect removes malware scanning, worsening the suspected malicious messaging app rather than restoring SMS. It is tempting because Play Protect can block sideloaded apps, so disabling it is the correct choice when a legitimate app is wrongly flagged and cannot be installed or run.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Data Classification Levels
Key term
Default app
A default app is the program that your operating system automatically uses to open a specific type of file or perform a certain task, such as opening a web link or viewing a photo.
Key term
Android
Android is an open-source operating system used primarily on mobile devices like smartphones and tablets, developed by Google.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 220-1202 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 220-1202 exam.