- A
The charging cable is defective; replace the cable.
Why wrong: The cable falls out easily, which indicates the port is loose, not the cable. A defective cable would not hold in other devices either.
- B
The charging port has worn-out pins; replace the charging port assembly.
Worn pins cause a loose connection. Replacing the entire port assembly restores a snug fit and reliable charging.
- C
Use compressed air to blow out the port.
Why wrong: Compressed air removes debris, but the technician already saw no debris. The issue is physical wear, not dirt.
- D
Apply a small amount of super glue to the port to tighten it.
Why wrong: Glue will permanently damage the port and possibly the cable, and it will not fix the worn pins. This is not a valid repair technique.
Question 59 of 1,020
220-1201 Mobile Device Hardware Servicing Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of mobile device hardware servicing. 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 smartphone's charging port is loose and the cable falls out easily, making it difficult to charge. The technician inspects the port and sees no visible debris. What is the most likely cause and the appropriate repair?
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.
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 charging port has worn-out pins; replace the charging port assembly.
The user reports a loose physical connection with no visible debris, which points to mechanical wear of the port's internal retention mechanism (e.g., the spring-loaded pins or the port's latch). Since the cable falls out easily, the most likely cause is worn-out pins inside the charging port assembly, and the appropriate repair is to replace the entire charging port assembly, as individual pins cannot be serviced separately.
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 charging cable is defective; replace the cable.
Why it's wrong here
The cable falls out easily, which indicates the port is loose, not the cable. A defective cable would not hold in other devices either.
- ✓
The charging port has worn-out pins; replace the charging port assembly.
Why this is correct
Worn pins cause a loose connection. Replacing the entire port assembly restores a snug fit and reliable charging.
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.
- ✗
Use compressed air to blow out the port.
Why it's wrong here
Compressed air removes debris, but the technician already saw no debris. The issue is physical wear, not dirt.
- ✗
Apply a small amount of super glue to the port to tighten it.
Why it's wrong here
Glue will permanently damage the port and possibly the cable, and it will not fix the worn pins. This is not a valid repair technique.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The 220-1201 exam often tests the distinction between a cable defect and a port defect by describing a physical symptom (loose fit) that cannot be caused by a cable issue, leading candidates to incorrectly choose 'replace the cable' when the port is the actual failure point.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The charging port assembly contains a small metal retention clip or spring-loaded pins that grip the cable's connector. Over repeated insertions and removals, these metal components can fatigue or deform, losing their clamping force. In many smartphones, the port is a single surface-mount component soldered to the main board, so replacement requires desoldering the old port and soldering a new one, or replacing the entire flex cable assembly if the port is modular.
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 Hardware Servicing — This question tests Mobile Device Hardware Servicing — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The charging port has worn-out pins; replace the charging port assembly. — The user reports a loose physical connection with no visible debris, which points to mechanical wear of the port's internal retention mechanism (e.g., the spring-loaded pins or the port's latch). Since the cable falls out easily, the most likely cause is worn-out pins inside the charging port assembly, and the appropriate repair is to replace the entire charging port assembly, as individual pins cannot be serviced separately.
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
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