easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
220-1102 Practice Question: A user on an Android tablet reports that the…
A user on an Android tablet reports that the Google Play Store is not downloading any apps, showing an error message about insufficient storage. The device's storage settings show 2GB free. What should you do first?
⚠ Common exam trap
CompTIA often tests the misconception that 'insufficient storage' errors always require freeing up physical space, when in reality the error can stem from a corrupted app cache that misreports storage, making clearing the cache the correct first step rather than deleting apps.
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
✓
Clear the cache and data of the Google Play Store app.
Clearing the cache and data of the Google Play Store app is the correct first step because the error message about insufficient storage, despite 2GB free, often indicates a corrupted cache or data within the Play Store itself. This corruption can cause the Play Store to misreport storage availability or fail to initialize downloads. Clearing these app-specific files forces the Play Store to rebuild its state, resolving the false positive without affecting user data or requiring additional free space.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Factory reset the tablet.
Why it's wrong here
A factory reset erases all user data and system configurations, but it does not address the root cause of insufficient storage—the device still has 2GB free, which should be adequate for most Play Store downloads. This option is tempting because a reset can resolve systemic software conflicts or corrupted cache partitions that mimic storage errors, and it would be correct if the device exhibited persistent boot loops or unresponsive system apps unrelated to available space.
- ✓
Clear the cache and data of the Google Play Store app.
Why this is correct
Clearing the cache and data for the Google Play Store app is a primary troubleshooting step because it removes any corrupted temporary files or outdated configuration data that the app has stored. These files can interfere with the Play Store's ability to download or install applications correctly, even when ample device storage is available. This action forces the app to rebuild its operational data, often resolving transient download errors without affecting other user data or system settings.
- ✗
Uninstall large apps to free up more storage.
Why it's wrong here
Uninstalling large applications to free up more storage is generally unnecessary when the device already reports 2GB of available space. Most individual applications do not require more than 2GB for installation, and the problem likely stems from an issue within the Google Play Store app itself, rather than a true system-wide storage deficit. This action is disruptive and premature, as it removes user data without directly addressing the probable root cause.
- ✗
Check for a system update.
Why it's wrong here
Checking for a system update is a general maintenance practice but is not the most direct or immediate solution for a specific Google Play Store download error, especially when 2GB of storage is free. System updates primarily address operating system bugs, security patches, or introduce new features, which are less likely to be the cause of an isolated app download issue. This process can be time-consuming and does not target the specific app-level data corruption that often causes such errors.
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Related to this question
Learn chapter
Data Destruction and Disposal
Key term
Android
Android is an open-source operating system used primarily on mobile devices like smartphones and tablets, developed by Google.
Key term
False positive
A false positive is an alert or result that indicates a security threat or vulnerability exists when in fact there is no real issue.
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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.