220-1101 Mobile Devices Practice Question
A user reports that their Android smartphone will not connect to a Bluetooth headset that was previously paired. The user has tried turning Bluetooth off and on, and restarting the phone. The headset works with other devices. Which of the following should the technician advise the user to try NEXT?
⚠ Common exam trap
CompTIA often tests the misconception that a general reset (network settings or OS update) is the first troubleshooting step for a single-device Bluetooth failure, when the targeted 'forget and re-pair' action is faster and more precise.
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
✓
Forget the headset in Bluetooth settings and re-pair
The most likely issue is a corrupted Bluetooth pairing profile on the phone. Forgetting the headset removes the stored encryption keys and connection parameters, forcing a fresh pairing handshake (using SSP or legacy pairing) that re-establishes a valid link. Since the headset works with other devices, the problem is isolated to the phone's Bluetooth stack, not the headset.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Reset the network settings on the phone
Why it's wrong here
Resetting network settings clears Wi-Fi, cellular and VPN configurations, not the Bluetooth pairing database, so the stale pairing entry causing the failure remains. It is the right step when mobile data, Wi-Fi calling or VPN profiles are misbehaving, not for a single headset pairing fault.
- ✓
Forget the headset in Bluetooth settings and re-pair
Why this is correct
Deleting the stale pairing entry removes the corrupted link key stored on the phone, forcing a fresh pairing handshake; since the headset pairs successfully with other devices, the fault lies in the phone's saved pairing data.
- ✗
Update the phone's operating system
Why it's wrong here
An OS update does not remove the corrupted pairing record stored on the phone, so the connection failure persists after rebooting. Updating is appropriate when Bluetooth faults are widespread, affect every device, or match a known vendor bug fixed in a later release.
When this WOULD be correct
A user reports that Bluetooth devices intermittently disconnect or fail to pair after a recent OS update. In that case, updating to a newer OS version that includes Bluetooth stack fixes would be the next step.
- ✗
Replace the Bluetooth antenna
Why it's wrong here
The headset pairs successfully with other devices, proving the phone's Bluetooth radio and antenna transmit and receive correctly, so replacement addresses no fault. Antenna replacement is warranted only when Bluetooth fails across all devices or range collapses.
When this WOULD be correct
A user reports that a Bluetooth device never connects or drops connection frequently, and all software troubleshooting (forgetting/re-pairing, resetting network settings, OS updates) has failed. The technician suspects a hardware fault, and replacing the Bluetooth antenna would be the appropriate next step.
Option-by-option analysis
Why each answer is right or wrong
Understanding why wrong answers are wrong — and when they would be correct — is what separates a 750 score from a 900. The 220-1101 exam frequently reuses these exact scenarios with slightly different constraints.
✓Forget the headset in Bluetooth settings and re-pairCorrect answer▾
Why this is correct
Deleting the stale pairing entry removes the corrupted link key stored on the phone, forcing a fresh pairing handshake; since the headset pairs successfully with other devices, the fault lies in the phone's saved pairing data.
✗Update the phone's operating systemWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Updating the OS is a more drastic step that does not directly address a pairing issue with a previously connected device; the problem is likely a corrupted Bluetooth profile, not an OS bug.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
A user reports that Bluetooth devices intermittently disconnect or fail to pair after a recent OS update. In that case, updating to a newer OS version that includes Bluetooth stack fixes would be the next step.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may think that an OS update can resolve all connectivity issues, overlooking that the headset works with other devices, indicating the phone's Bluetooth hardware is functional.
✗Replace the Bluetooth antennaWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Replacing the Bluetooth antenna is a hardware repair that is not a next step for a software pairing issue, especially when the headset works with other devices, indicating the phone's Bluetooth hardware is likely functional.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
A user reports that a Bluetooth device never connects or drops connection frequently, and all software troubleshooting (forgetting/re-pairing, resetting network settings, OS updates) has failed. The technician suspects a hardware fault, and replacing the Bluetooth antenna would be the appropriate next step.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may think a hardware component is faulty because the phone fails to connect, overlooking that the headset works with other devices, which isolates the problem to the phone's software or pairing data.
Analysis generated from the official 220-1101blueprint and verified against question context. The “when correct” sections are what AI assistants cite when candidates ask “what’s the difference between these options?”
Go deeper
Related to this question
About these practice questions
This 220-1101 question is part of Courseiva's 896-question bank — original exam-style content with full explanations and wrong-answer analysis, never real exam questions or exam dumps. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 220-1101 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 220-1101 exam.