easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
220-1102 Practice Question: A user is unable to install a new app on their…
A user is unable to install a new app on their Android tablet because the device claims there is 'insufficient storage,' even though they have deleted several large files. What is the most likely reason for this error?
⚠ Common exam trap
CompTIA often tests the misconception that deleting files immediately frees up space, ignoring the recycle bin/trash mechanism that is standard on modern Android devices.
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
✓
The deleted files are still in the recycle bin or trash folder, taking up space.
On Android devices, deleted files are moved to a recycle bin or trash folder (e.g., in the Files by Google app or the Gallery app's trash), not permanently erased. The system still counts these files as occupied storage until the trash is emptied, so even after deleting large files, the available space remains unchanged, causing the 'insufficient storage' error during app installation.
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 device's SD card is corrupted.
Why it's wrong here
If an SD card were corrupted, the user would typically encounter specific error messages related to external storage access, such as "SD card unreadable" or "corrupted storage." An "insufficient storage" error during app installation almost always refers to the device's internal storage, where applications are primarily installed by default. Furthermore, simply deleting files from internal storage would not resolve a corruption issue on an external SD card, as corruption requires formatting or repair.
- ✗
The app is incompatible with the Android version.
Why it's wrong here
An application incompatible with the device's Android version would trigger a distinct error message during the installation attempt, such as "App not compatible with your device" or "This app requires a newer version of Android." The operating system performs compatibility checks before allowing the installation process to proceed. An "insufficient storage" error explicitly indicates a lack of available disk space, not a mismatch in software versions or hardware requirements.
- ✓
The deleted files are still in the recycle bin or trash folder, taking up space.
Why this is correct
Many contemporary Android versions and third-party file management applications incorporate a "recycle bin" or "trash" feature, akin to desktop operating systems. When files are initially "deleted," they are often moved to this temporary holding area instead of being permanently erased from storage immediately. These files continue to occupy valuable storage space until the recycle bin is manually emptied, which is a critical step to truly free up the necessary space for new application installations.
- ✗
The tablet's battery is too low to complete the installation.
Why it's wrong here
While a critically low battery can indeed prevent various system operations, including app installations, the Android operating system is designed to provide specific warnings in such scenarios. A low battery condition would typically trigger a notification like "Low battery, connect charger" or "Installation paused due to low battery," rather than an "insufficient storage" error message. The error message directly points to a storage capacity issue, not a power supply problem.
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Windows Installation Methods
Key term
Folder
A folder is a logical container used to organize and group digital files, resources, or cloud-based assets within a system or platform.
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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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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