- A
The tablets have a static IP address configured.
Static IPs can bypass DHCP, which is often needed for captive portal redirection; the device may not receive the redirect address.
- B
The tablets are using a VPN.
Why wrong: A VPN would encrypt traffic but not prevent the captive portal from appearing; it might even cause issues after connection.
- C
The Wi-Fi network is hidden.
Why wrong: A hidden network still allows connection and captive portal detection once connected.
- D
The tablets have Bluetooth disabled.
Why wrong: Bluetooth is unrelated to Wi-Fi captive portal functionality.
Question 382 of 1,020
Fix Captive Portal Login Page Not Appearing on Tablets
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of mobile device network connectivity. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A technician is deploying a fleet of tablets for a retail store that uses a captive portal for guest Wi-Fi. After connecting to the Wi-Fi, the tablets do not automatically open the login page. What is the most likely missing configuration?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"most likely"Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Quick Answer
The answer is that the tablets have a static IP address configured, which prevents the captive portal login page from appearing. Captive portals work by intercepting HTTP traffic and redirecting the device to a login page, but this redirection relies on the device obtaining a dynamic IP via DHCP and then attempting to reach an external website. When a tablet has a static IP, it skips the DHCP handshake that triggers the portal detection mechanism, so the device never initiates the browser redirect. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how captive portals interact with network configuration—a common trap is assuming the issue is a browser setting or a weak Wi-Fi signal. Remember the memory tip: “Static IP stops the portal trip,” meaning a fixed address blocks the automatic redirect that captive portals depend on.
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 tablets have a static IP address configured.
A captive portal intercepts HTTP traffic and redirects the client to a login page, typically by performing a DNS or HTTP redirect. If the tablet has a static IP address configured, it may not receive the DHCP options (e.g., option 114 for captive portal URL) or the proper DNS server settings, preventing the redirect from functioning. Without a valid DHCP lease, the tablet cannot be redirected to the captive portal login page.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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 tablets have a static IP address configured.
Why this is correct
Static IPs can bypass DHCP, which is often needed for captive portal redirection; the device may not receive the redirect address.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
The tablets are using a VPN.
Why it's wrong here
A VPN would encrypt traffic but not prevent the captive portal from appearing; it might even cause issues after connection.
- ✗
The Wi-Fi network is hidden.
Why it's wrong here
A hidden network still allows connection and captive portal detection once connected.
- ✗
The tablets have Bluetooth disabled.
Why it's wrong here
Bluetooth is unrelated to Wi-Fi captive portal functionality.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The 220-1201 exam often tests the misconception that a static IP address is always beneficial for reliability, but in captive portal environments, it breaks the DHCP-dependent redirect mechanism that opens the login page.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Captive portals rely on the client obtaining a valid IP address and DNS server via DHCP; static IPs often bypass DHCP entirely, so the client may not receive the network's DNS or the portal's redirect URL. In enterprise deployments, DHCP option 114 (Captive Portal URL) can be used to inform the client of the portal address, but a static IP configuration ignores this. Even if the tablet can reach the internet, the redirect is triggered by the network gateway intercepting HTTP port 80 traffic, which requires the client to use the gateway as its default route.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 220-1201 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
Visual reference
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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Mobile Device Network Connectivity — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1201 question test?
Mobile Device Network Connectivity — This question tests Mobile Device Network Connectivity — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The tablets have a static IP address configured. — A captive portal intercepts HTTP traffic and redirects the client to a login page, typically by performing a DNS or HTTP redirect. If the tablet has a static IP address configured, it may not receive the DHCP options (e.g., option 114 for captive portal URL) or the proper DNS server settings, preventing the redirect from functioning. Without a valid DHCP lease, the tablet cannot be redirected to the captive portal login page.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This 220-1201 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 220-1201 exam.
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