CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202)Software TroubleshootingMedium
A user reports that their smartphone's battery drains noticeably faster since installing a new social media app last week. There are no other suspicious symptoms such as unusual data spikes or unfamiliar apps. Which of the following is the BEST first troubleshooting step?
- APermanently enable Airplane Mode
- BPerform a factory reset of the device
- CDisable background app refresh for that specific app
- DRemove the SIM card and reinsert it
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Disable background app refresh for that specific app
A single new app causing battery drain, without other malware indicators, points to normal excessive background activity rather than infection. Disabling background app refresh for that app is a targeted, low-impact fix that should be tried before drastic measures like a factory reset.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Permanent Airplane Mode would disable all connectivity, an impractical overreaction.
- B. A factory reset is excessive for a single app's battery behavior.
- D. SIM reseating addresses cellular connectivity, not battery drain from an app.
Background App Refresh
A mobile OS feature that allows apps to update content in the background, which can cause increased battery and data usage if not managed.
- Can be disabled per-app in mobile OS settings
- Common legitimate cause of battery drain distinct from malware
- Should be checked before assuming an infection
Memory trick: One new app + battery drain = check background refresh first