- A
Ensure the tablet's Bluetooth is turned on.
Why wrong: The tablet already connects to headphones, so Bluetooth is on. This is not the issue.
- B
Check if the keyboard is in pairing mode.
Many Bluetooth keyboards require a button press to enter pairing mode. If not in pairing mode, the tablet cannot discover it.
- C
Update the tablet's operating system.
Why wrong: An OS update is unlikely to fix a specific pairing issue with one device, especially when other Bluetooth devices work.
- D
Reset the tablet's network settings.
Why wrong: Resetting network settings is a more drastic step and should be done after simpler checks, like ensuring the keyboard is in pairing mode.
Question 29 of 1,020
Tablet Cannot Connect to Bluetooth Keyboard: Check Pairing Mode
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 troubleshooting a tablet that can connect to Bluetooth headphones but cannot connect to a Bluetooth keyboard. The keyboard is known to work with other devices. What should the technician check first?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"first"Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Quick Answer
The correct first step is to check if the keyboard is in pairing mode. This is because Bluetooth keyboards, unlike many headphones, do not automatically enter a discoverable state; they require a deliberate action—such as pressing a dedicated pairing button or a key combination—to broadcast their signal. If the keyboard is not actively in pairing mode, the tablet’s Bluetooth scan will not detect it, even though the tablet’s Bluetooth radio is working fine (as evidenced by the headphone connection). On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of Bluetooth device discovery and the distinction between a functional radio and a device’s readiness to pair. A common trap is to immediately suspect driver or compatibility issues, but the simplest and most logical first check is always the pairing state. Remember the memory tip: “Headphones hear, keyboards need a key”—meaning headphones often auto-pair, while keyboards require you to press a button to be heard.
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
✓
Check if the keyboard is in pairing mode.
The keyboard is known to work with other devices, so the issue is likely that it is not in pairing mode. Bluetooth keyboards require a specific pairing mode (often initiated by holding a key combination) to be discoverable by the tablet. The technician should verify this first before exploring more complex troubleshooting steps.
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.
- ✗
Ensure the tablet's Bluetooth is turned on.
Why it's wrong here
The tablet already connects to headphones, so Bluetooth is on. This is not the issue.
- ✓
Check if the keyboard is in pairing mode.
Why this is correct
Many Bluetooth keyboards require a button press to enter pairing mode. If not in pairing mode, the tablet cannot discover it.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Update the tablet's operating system.
Why it's wrong here
An OS update is unlikely to fix a specific pairing issue with one device, especially when other Bluetooth devices work.
- ✗
Reset the tablet's network settings.
Why it's wrong here
Resetting network settings is a more drastic step and should be done after simpler checks, like ensuring the keyboard is in pairing mode.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates assume a Bluetooth connectivity problem must be a radio or software issue, overlooking the simple requirement that the peripheral must be placed into a specific pairing mode to be discovered.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Bluetooth keyboards typically enter a discoverable pairing mode only when a specific button combination (e.g., holding the 'Connect' or 'Bluetooth' key) is pressed, and they remain in this mode for a limited time (often 30-60 seconds). The tablet's Bluetooth stack scans for devices in discoverable mode; if the keyboard is not in that state, it will not appear in the device list, even though the tablet's Bluetooth radio is working correctly. This is distinct from Bluetooth headphones, which often enter pairing mode automatically when powered on for the first time.
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 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: Check if the keyboard is in pairing mode. — The keyboard is known to work with other devices, so the issue is likely that it is not in pairing mode. Bluetooth keyboards require a specific pairing mode (often initiated by holding a key combination) to be discoverable by the tablet. The technician should verify this first before exploring more complex troubleshooting steps.
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: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
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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