Question 820 of 1,020

Mobile Device Connection Methods →hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped

220-1201 Mobile Device Connection Methods Practice Question

This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of mobile device connection methods. 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 user reports that their NFC-enabled smartphone cannot make contactless payments at a terminal that works with other phones. The user has a thick wallet case with metal credit cards. 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.

A
The payment terminal's NFC reader is faulty.
Why wrong: The terminal works with other phones, so it is functional; the problem is specific to this user's phone setup.
B
The phone's NFC antenna is damaged.
Why wrong: If the antenna were damaged, NFC would not work at all, but the issue is environment-specific (the case).
C
The wallet case is interfering with the NFC signal.
Metal objects in the case create a Faraday cage effect, blocking the NFC field required for payment.
D
The phone's payment app is not configured correctly.
Why wrong: Incorrect configuration would prevent the app from working regardless of the terminal, but the phone works with other NFC tasks? (The scenario implies only payment fails, but the metal case is the key clue.)

Full breakdown with real-world context →

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 wallet case is interfering with the NFC signal.

The thick wallet case with metal credit cards is the most likely cause because metal can block or attenuate the NFC (Near Field Communication) signal, which operates at 13.56 MHz. The case creates a physical barrier that prevents the phone's NFC antenna from establishing the short-range inductive coupling needed for contactless payments, even though the terminal and phone hardware are functional.

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 payment terminal's NFC reader is faulty.
Why it's wrong here
The terminal works with other phones, so it is functional; the problem is specific to this user's phone setup.
✗
The phone's NFC antenna is damaged.
Why it's wrong here
If the antenna were damaged, NFC would not work at all, but the issue is environment-specific (the case).
✓
The wallet case is interfering with the NFC signal.
Why this is correct
Metal objects in the case create a Faraday cage effect, blocking the NFC field required for payment.
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 phone's payment app is not configured correctly.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect configuration would prevent the app from working regardless of the terminal, but the phone works with other NFC tasks? (The scenario implies only payment fails, but the metal case is the key clue.)

Common exam traps

Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword

The trap here is that candidates may assume the phone's hardware is damaged or the terminal is faulty, overlooking how common accessories like metal cases or credit card holders can physically disrupt the short-range NFC signal.

Trap categories for this question

Scenario analysis trap
Incorrect configuration would prevent the app from working regardless of the terminal, but the phone works with other NFC tasks? (The scenario implies only payment fails, but the metal case is the key clue.)

Detailed technical explanation

How to think about this question

NFC relies on inductive coupling between loop antennas at 13.56 MHz, with a typical operating distance of 4 cm or less. Metal objects, especially those with high conductivity like credit cards, can create eddy currents that absorb or reflect the magnetic field, effectively shielding the NFC antenna. In real-world scenarios, even a single metal card in a wallet can reduce the read range, and a thick case with multiple metal cards can completely block the signal.

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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FAQ

Questions learners often ask

What does this 220-1201 question test?

Mobile Device Connection Methods — This question tests Mobile Device Connection Methods — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..

What is the correct answer to this question?

The correct answer is: The wallet case is interfering with the NFC signal. — The thick wallet case with metal credit cards is the most likely cause because metal can block or attenuate the NFC (Near Field Communication) signal, which operates at 13.56 MHz. The case creates a physical barrier that prevents the phone's NFC antenna from establishing the short-range inductive coupling needed for contactless payments, even though the terminal and phone hardware are functional.

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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