- A
The laptop's battery is completely dead and needs replacement.
Why wrong: A dead battery would still allow the laptop to run on AC power if the port worked; the flash drive test indicates port failure.
- B
The USB-C port is damaged or has bent pins.
This is correct; physical damage prevents both charging and data transfer.
- C
The power adapter is not outputting enough wattage.
Why wrong: If the adapter works with other devices, wattage is sufficient; the flash drive test confirms port issue.
- D
The laptop's BIOS settings have disabled the USB-C port.
Why wrong: BIOS settings could disable a port, but this is rare and would typically affect all USB-C functions; still, physical damage is more likely given the symptoms.
Question 847 of 1,020
USB-C Port Not Charging or Detecting Devices: Damaged Port
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of mobile device accessories. 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 troubleshooting a laptop that will not charge via its USB-C port. The laptop uses a USB-C power adapter that works with other devices. The technician tests the port with a known-good USB-C flash drive, and it is not detected. What is the most likely issue?
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 a damaged USB-C port with bent pins. Because the same power adapter works with other devices and a known-good USB-C flash drive is also not detected, the failure is isolated to the port itself rather than the adapter or driver software. A damaged port can break the physical connection needed for both power delivery and data transfer, which explains why neither function works. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your ability to isolate hardware faults from software or cable issues—a common trap is immediately blaming the power adapter or a driver conflict. Remember that a USB-C port not charging or detecting devices after swapping cables and accessories points directly to physical damage. Memory tip: “No charge, no detect—check the port for defect.”
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 USB-C port is damaged or has bent pins.
Since the known-good USB-C flash drive is also not detected, the issue is not with the power adapter or its wattage. The port's inability to communicate with any USB-C device indicates a physical hardware fault, such as bent or broken pins inside the port, which prevents both power delivery and data transfer.
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 laptop's battery is completely dead and needs replacement.
Why it's wrong here
A dead battery would still allow the laptop to run on AC power if the port worked; the flash drive test indicates port failure.
- ✓
The USB-C port is damaged or has bent pins.
Why this is correct
This is correct; physical damage prevents both charging and data transfer.
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 power adapter is not outputting enough wattage.
Why it's wrong here
If the adapter works with other devices, wattage is sufficient; the flash drive test confirms port issue.
- ✗
The laptop's BIOS settings have disabled the USB-C port.
Why it's wrong here
BIOS settings could disable a port, but this is rare and would typically affect all USB-C functions; still, physical damage is more likely given the symptoms.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates assume a power adapter that works with other devices must be fine, overlooking that the port itself can be physically damaged, which prevents both power delivery and data communication, not just charging.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
USB-C ports contain 24 pins, including CC (configuration channel) pins used for power negotiation and data role detection. A bent or broken CC pin can prevent the port from establishing a proper connection, causing the host controller to see no device attached. In real-world scenarios, physical damage often occurs from inserting cables at an angle or from debris, and a simple visual inspection with a magnifying glass can reveal bent pins that a multimeter or USB-C breakout board would confirm.
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.
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 Accessories — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1201 question test?
Mobile Device Accessories — This question tests Mobile Device Accessories — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The USB-C port is damaged or has bent pins. — Since the known-good USB-C flash drive is also not detected, the issue is not with the power adapter or its wattage. The port's inability to communicate with any USB-C device indicates a physical hardware fault, such as bent or broken pins inside the port, which prevents both power delivery and data transfer.
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.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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