Device Setup, Backup, and Restore Practice Questions

Question 1

What does a flashing question mark folder indicate when a Mac starts up?

A. The startup disk is encrypted with FileVault
B. The Mac doesn’t contain a working version of macOS
C. Apple servers can’t verify the macOS version
D. The Mac couldn’t start up from macOS Recovery over the internet

Answer 1

B. The Mac doesn’t contain a working version of macOS

A flashing question mark folder indicates that the startup disk is unavailable or doesn’t contain a working version of macOS.

Reference: Apple Device Support Tutorial - ‘Troubleshooting Mac Startup Issues’

Question 2

How do you access macOS Recovery on an Apple Silicon Mac?

A. Hold Command-R during startup
B. Press and hold power button until ‘Loading startup options’ appears, then click Options
C. Hold Option key during startup
D. Press Command-Option-R during startup

Answer 2

B. Press and hold power button until ‘Loading startup options’ appears, then click Options

On Apple Silicon Macs, access macOS Recovery by pressing and holding the power button until ‘Loading startup options’ appears, then click Options and Continue.

Reference: Apple Support - ‘Use macOS Recovery on Mac with Apple silicon’

Question 3

What visual indicator confirms that a Mac has started in Safe Mode?

A. Blue screen with white text
B. ‘Safe Boot’ appears in red at the top-right of the menu bar
C. A progress bar shows ‘Safe Mode Loading’
D. The desktop background changes to gray

Answer 3

B. ‘Safe Boot’ appears in red at the top-right of the menu bar

When a Mac successfully starts in Safe Mode, ‘Safe Boot’ appears in red text at the top-right of the menu bar on the login screen.

Reference: Apple Device Support Tutorial - ‘Troubleshooting Mac Startup Issues’

Question 4

What must be done before erasing an iPhone using ‘Erase All Content and Settings’?

A. Update to the latest iOS version
B. Disable Find My (sign out of Apple Account)
C. Remove all third-party apps
D. Enable Airplane Mode

Answer 4

B. Disable Find My (sign out of Apple Account)

Find My must be disabled before erasing a device, which requires signing out of the Apple Account. This is not available on Managed Apple Accounts.

Reference: Apple Device Support Tutorial - ‘Restoring iPhone or iPad to Factory Settings’

Question 5

What are the three methods available to restore an iPhone or iPad to factory settings?

A. iTunes, Finder, and iCloud
B. Using the device itself, using a Mac, or using Apple Configurator
C. Settings app, Recovery Mode, and DFU Mode
D. iCloud Restore, Cable Restore, and Wireless Restore

Answer 5

B. Using the device itself, using a Mac, or using Apple Configurator

The three factory reset methods are: using the device’s Settings app, connecting to a Mac with Finder, or using Apple Configurator for enterprise deployments.

Reference: Apple Device Support Tutorial - ‘Restoring iPhone or iPad to Factory Settings’

Question 6

What happens to supervised devices when restored using Apple Configurator?

A. They remain supervised with the same configuration
B. They become unsupervised after restore
C. They require re-enrollment in Apple Business Manager
D. They automatically re-download all managed apps

Answer 6

B. They become unsupervised after restore

When supervised devices are restored using Apple Configurator, they become unsupervised. Supervision status must be re-established through proper enrollment processes.

Reference: Apple Device Support Tutorial - ‘Restoring iPhone or iPad to Factory Settings’

Question 7

What are the basic requirements for automatic iCloud Backup?

A. Wi-Fi connection and device unlocked
B. Wi-Fi connection, device locked, connected to power source, sufficient iCloud storage
C. Cellular connection and iCloud+ subscription
D. Device updated to latest iOS and administrator password

Answer 7

B. Wi-Fi connection, device locked, connected to power source, sufficient iCloud storage

Automatic iCloud Backup requires Wi-Fi connectivity, the device to be locked, connection to power, and sufficient available iCloud storage space.

Reference: Apple Device Support Tutorial - ‘Backing Up iPhone or iPad’

Question 8

What additional data is included when you create an encrypted backup on Mac?

A. App Store purchase history and iCloud data
B. Health and Activity data, saved passwords, Wi-Fi settings, website/call history
C. All iCloud-synced information and photos
D. System files and operating system data

Answer 8

B. Health and Activity data, saved passwords, Wi-Fi settings, website/call history

Encrypted Mac backups include sensitive data like Health and Activity information, saved passwords, Wi-Fi settings, and website/call history that unencrypted backups cannot store.

Reference: Apple Device Support Tutorial - ‘Backing Up iPhone or iPad’

Question 9

Which content is NOT included in iCloud Backup?

A. App data and device settings
B. Apple Pay information and Touch ID/Face ID settings
C. Photos and videos in Camera Roll
D. Messages and call history

Answer 9

B. Apple Pay information and Touch ID/Face ID settings

iCloud Backup excludes Apple Pay information, Touch ID/Face ID settings, data from other cloud services, offline maps, and information already syncing to iCloud.

Reference: Apple Device Support Tutorial - ‘Backing Up iPhone or iPad’

Question 10

How do you run First Aid on the startup disk using macOS Recovery?

A. Recovery > Disk Utility > select Macintosh HD > First Aid > Run
B. Utilities > Disk Utility > select startup disk > Repair
C. Terminal > diskutil repairVolume
D. Recovery > System Diagnostics > Disk Repair

Answer 10

A. Recovery > Disk Utility > select Macintosh HD > First Aid > Run

In macOS Recovery, select Disk Utility, choose the Macintosh HD volume, click First Aid, then Run. Administrator password may be required for FileVault-encrypted volumes.

Reference: Apple Device Support Tutorial - ‘Troubleshooting Mac Startup Issues’

Question 11

What authentication is required for macOS Recovery on a FileVault-encrypted Mac?

A. Apple Account credentials
B. Recovery key or administrator account password
C. Hardware authentication code
D. MDM administrator authorization

Answer 11

B. Recovery key or administrator account password

FileVault-encrypted Macs require selecting an administrator account and entering the password, or using the FileVault recovery key to access macOS Recovery.

Reference: Apple Support - ‘Use macOS Recovery on Mac with Apple silicon’

Question 12

A user reports their iPhone is stuck on the Apple logo with no progress bar for several minutes. What restoration method should be used?

A. Standard device reset through Settings
B. Recovery Mode restoration
C. DFU Mode restoration
D. iCloud remote restore

Answer 12

B. Recovery Mode restoration

When an iPhone screen is stuck on the Apple logo for several minutes with no progress bar, Recovery Mode restoration should be used to resolve the startup issue.

Reference: Apple Support - ‘If you can’t update or restore your iPhone or iPod touch’

Question 13

What happens when you create an encrypted backup but forget the password?

A. Apple can reset the password remotely
B. The backup becomes permanently inaccessible; must create new encrypted backup
C. iTunes automatically generates a new password
D. The backup converts to unencrypted format

Answer 13

B. The backup becomes permanently inaccessible; must create new encrypted backup

If you forget an encrypted backup password, the backup becomes permanently inaccessible. You must create a new encrypted backup with a new password.

Reference: Apple Device Support Tutorial - ‘Backing Up iPhone or iPad’

Question 14

An IT administrator needs to deploy identical configurations to 50 new iPads. What Apple Configurator feature supports this requirement?

A. Profile cloning
B. Blueprints (combination of settings, apps, profiles, and identity information)
C. Template restoration
D. Batch configuration

Answer 14

B. Blueprints (combination of settings, apps, profiles, and identity information)

Apple Configurator blueprints contain a combination of settings, apps, profiles, and identity information that can be deployed to multiple devices for standardized configurations.

Reference: Apple Device Support Tutorial - ‘Backing Up and Restoring Using Apple Configurator’

Question 15

A Mac won’t start normally and needs hardware diagnosis. Which boot mode should be used first?

A. Safe Mode to isolate software issues
B. Internet Recovery to download diagnostic tools
C. Apple Diagnostics to test hardware components
D. Target Disk Mode for data recovery

Answer 15

A. Safe Mode to isolate software issues

Safe Mode should be tried first as it boots with only essential system files, disables third-party startup items, and performs automatic disk checks, helping isolate software-related startup issues.

Reference: Apple Device Support Tutorial - ‘Troubleshooting Mac Startup Issues’

Question 16

An organization wants to prevent users from factory resetting supervised devices. What capability allows this restriction?

A. Apple Business Manager device locks
B. MDM restriction profiles that prevent users from erasing devices
C. iCloud activation locks
D. FileVault encryption requirements

Answer 16

B. MDM restriction profiles that prevent users from erasing devices

Organizations can deploy MDM restriction profiles on supervised devices that prevent users from accessing ‘Erase All Content and Settings,’ making the option dimmed or unavailable.

Reference: Apple Device Support Tutorial - ‘Restoring iPhone or iPad to Factory Settings’

Question 17

A user wants to back up their iPhone over cellular data. What configuration enables this capability?

A. Settings > Cellular > enable ‘Use Cellular Data’ for Backup
B. Settings > General > Background App Refresh > enable for Backup
C. Settings > Cellular > enable cellular backup (affects data usage)
D. This feature is not available; backup requires Wi-Fi

Answer 17

C. Settings > Cellular > enable cellular backup (affects data usage)

iCloud Backup can be enabled over cellular in Settings > Cellular, though this will affect cellular data usage and should be used carefully with data plan limits.

Reference: Apple Device Support Tutorial - ‘Backing Up iPhone or iPad’

Question 18

A technician needs to restore multiple iPhones to identical configurations for a corporate deployment. What is the most efficient approach using Apple Configurator?

A. Restore each device individually with different settings
B. Create a standardized backup and restore it to all devices
C. Use Internet Recovery for each device
D. Deploy identical apps manually to each device

Answer 18

B. Create a standardized backup and restore it to all devices

Apple Configurator can restore the same backup to multiple devices, ensuring identical configurations across a corporate deployment while maintaining standardization.

Reference: Apple Device Support Tutorial - ‘Restoring iPhone or iPad to Factory Settings’

Question 19

What troubleshooting approach should be used when iCloud Backup fails due to insufficient storage?

A. Restart the device and try again
B. Manage iCloud storage, turn off unnecessary apps from backup, or upgrade to iCloud+
C. Use iTunes backup instead
D. Clear device cache and retry

Answer 19

B. Manage iCloud storage, turn off unnecessary apps from backup, or upgrade to iCloud+

When iCloud Backup fails due to insufficient storage, users can manage existing iCloud storage, turn off apps they don’t want backed up, or upgrade to iCloud+ for more storage.

Reference: Apple Device Support Tutorial - ‘Backing Up iPhone or iPad’

Question 20

A Mac administrator needs to understand what data transfers when migrating from an old iPhone to a new one. What determines the available data transfer methods?

A. Both devices must be the same model
B. Data transfer methods include iCloud, computer backup, direct device transfer, or manual setup
C. Only iCloud transfer is supported for new devices
D. Transfer methods depend on iOS version compatibility

Answer 20

B. Data transfer methods include iCloud, computer backup, direct device transfer, or manual setup

iPhone setup supports multiple data transfer methods: iCloud restore, computer backup restore, direct device-to-device transfer, or manual setup without data transfer.

Reference: Apple Support - ‘Use Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes to transfer data’

Question 21

An enterprise security team needs to ensure complete data removal when decommissioning corporate devices. What additional step should be taken after factory reset?

A. Physical destruction of the device
B. Remove device from Apple Account device list
C. Disable all network connections
D. Update to latest iOS version

Answer 21

B. Remove device from Apple Account device list

After factory resetting a device that’s no longer being used, it should be removed from the Apple Account device list to ensure complete disassociation from the organization.

Reference: Apple Device Support Tutorial - ‘Restoring iPhone or iPad to Factory Settings’

Question 22

A user’s Mac experiences intermittent startup issues. What systematic diagnostic approach should be followed?

A. Immediately replace the hardware
B. Try Safe Mode, then Disk Utility First Aid, then Apple Diagnostics if issues persist
C. Reinstall macOS without diagnosis
D. Use only Terminal commands for diagnosis

Answer 22

B. Try Safe Mode, then Disk Utility First Aid, then Apple Diagnostics if issues persist

A systematic approach involves Safe Mode to isolate software issues, Disk Utility First Aid to repair disk problems, and Apple Diagnostics for hardware testing if startup issues continue.

Reference: Apple Device Support Tutorial - ‘Troubleshooting Mac Startup Issues’

Question 23

An organization uses Apple Configurator for device management but encounters keychain dialogs during encrypted backup setup. What is the correct response?

A. Cancel the backup process
B. Enter user password and click ‘Always Allow’
C. Restart Apple Configurator
D. Disable keychain access entirely

Answer 23

B. Enter user password and click ‘Always Allow’

When a keychain dialog appears during Apple Configurator encrypted backup setup for devices with existing encrypted backups, enter the user password and click ‘Always Allow.’

Reference: Apple Device Support Tutorial - ‘Backing Up iPhone or iPad’

Question 24

A Mac shows kernel panics during startup but occasionally boots successfully. What recovery approach provides the most diagnostic information?

A. Immediately reinstall macOS
B. Use Safe Mode to boot, then examine system logs and run hardware diagnostics
C. Format the drive and start fresh
D. Use Internet Recovery exclusively

Answer 24

B. Use Safe Mode to boot, then examine system logs and run hardware diagnostics

Safe Mode can help achieve a successful boot, allowing access to system logs for kernel panic analysis and the ability to run comprehensive hardware diagnostics.

Reference: Apple Device Support Tutorial - ‘Troubleshooting Mac Startup Issues’

Question 25

A user wants to understand the security implications of encrypted vs. unencrypted iPhone backups. What is the key difference? A. Encrypted backups are stored on Apple's servers B. Encrypted backups include Health data, passwords, and Wi-Fi settings that unencrypted backups cannot store C. Unencrypted backups are faster to create and restore D. Encrypted backups work only with newer iOS versions

Answer 25

B. Encrypted backups include Health data, passwords, and Wi-Fi settings that unencrypted backups cannot store Encrypted backups include sensitive data like Health and Activity information, saved passwords, Wi-Fi settings, and website/call history that cannot be included in unencrypted backups. **Reference:** Apple Device Support Tutorial - 'Backing Up iPhone or iPad'

Question 26

An IT support team needs to standardize the backup and restore process for 200 corporate iPads. What Apple Configurator capability supports this requirement? A. Manual backup of each device separately B. Automated backup creation and deployment to multiple devices with blueprint standardization C. iCloud-only backup strategy D. Third-party backup solutions

Answer 26

B. Automated backup creation and deployment to multiple devices with blueprint standardization Apple Configurator supports automated backup creation and can deploy standardized configurations through blueprints to multiple devices, ensuring consistency across large deployments. **Reference:** Apple Device Support Tutorial - 'Backing Up and Restoring Using Apple Configurator'

Question 27

A user reports that their Mac sometimes shows a gray screen during startup. What boot mode should be attempted first to isolate the issue? A. Target Disk Mode B. Single User Mode C. Safe Mode to disable third-party startup items and perform disk check D. Verbose Mode

Answer 27

C. Safe Mode to disable third-party startup items and perform disk check Safe Mode disables third-party startup items and performs automatic disk checks, making it the first choice for isolating startup issues like gray screen problems. **Reference:** Apple Device Support Tutorial - 'Troubleshooting Mac Startup Issues'

Question 28

An enterprise deployment team wants to ensure that restored devices maintain security compliance. What consideration is important when using Apple Configurator for restoration? A. All devices must be restored simultaneously B. Supervised devices become unsupervised after restore and need re-enrollment for compliance C. Restored devices automatically inherit previous security settings D. Apple Configurator maintains all compliance settings during restoration

Answer 28

B. Supervised devices become unsupervised after restore and need re-enrollment for compliance Supervised devices lose their supervision status when restored via Apple Configurator, requiring re-enrollment through proper channels to maintain security compliance and management capabilities. **Reference:** Apple Device Support Tutorial - 'Restoring iPhone or iPad to Factory Settings'

Question 29

A user's iPhone backup to Mac fails repeatedly. What systematic troubleshooting approach should be followed? A. Switch to iCloud backup exclusively B. Verify cable connection, computer trust, sufficient Mac storage, and check for macOS compatibility C. Factory reset the iPhone first D. Use a different Mac for backup

Answer 29

B. Verify cable connection, computer trust, sufficient Mac storage, and check for macOS compatibility Mac backup troubleshooting should systematically check connection issues, computer trust settings, available storage space, and macOS compatibility with the device. **Reference:** Apple Device Support Tutorial - 'Backing Up iPhone or iPad'

Question 30

A security audit requires understanding what backup data is accessible to Apple. What is the correct privacy model for iPhone backups? A. Apple can access all backup data for support purposes B. iCloud backups are encrypted; Apple holds keys and can assist with recovery C. All backup data is stored locally only D. Apple has no access to any backup data

Answer 30

B. iCloud backups are encrypted; Apple holds keys and can assist with recovery iCloud backups use encryption where Apple holds the encryption keys in Hardware Security Modules and can help with data recovery, unlike Advanced Data Protection where users control the keys. **Reference:** Apple Device Support Tutorial - 'Backing Up iPhone or iPad'

Question 31

An organization needs to deploy corporate iPads with restricted setup options. What MDM capability affects the setup process? A. MDM has no impact on device setup B. Organization devices may have restricted setup options with some screens skipped on managed devices C. All setup screens must be completed regardless of MDM D. MDM only affects post-setup configuration

Answer 31

B. Organization devices may have restricted setup options with some screens skipped on managed devices MDM-managed devices can have restricted setup options where certain Setup Assistant screens are skipped or pre-configured, streamlining deployment for organizational use. **Reference:** Apple Support - 'Use Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes to transfer data'

Question 32

A user wants to restore from an encrypted backup but encounters an error. What is the most likely cause and solution? A. The backup file is corrupted; create a new backup B. Incorrect password entered; verify the memorable password created during backup setup C. iOS version incompatibility; update device first D. Insufficient storage space; free up device storage

Answer 32

B. Incorrect password entered; verify the memorable password created during backup setup The most common issue with encrypted backup restoration is entering an incorrect password. Users should verify they're using the memorable password created during the original backup setup. **Reference:** Apple Device Support Tutorial - 'Backing Up iPhone or iPad'

Question 33

A Mac won't boot and shows a black screen. What is the correct diagnostic sequence? A. Safe Mode → Recovery Mode → Internet Recovery → Hardware Diagnostics B. Hardware Diagnostics → Recovery Mode → Safe Mode C. Recovery Mode → Safe Mode → Hardware Diagnostics D. Internet Recovery → Hardware Diagnostics → Safe Mode

Answer 33

A. Safe Mode → Recovery Mode → Internet Recovery → Hardware Diagnostics The logical diagnostic sequence starts with Safe Mode (least invasive), then Recovery Mode for system repair, Internet Recovery if local recovery fails, and finally Hardware Diagnostics for component testing. **Reference:** Apple Device Support Tutorial - 'Troubleshooting Mac Startup Issues'

Question 34

An enterprise backup strategy requires understanding the differences between backup locations. What are the key distinctions between backup storage options? A. All backup methods store identical data B. Mac backups are stored locally; iCloud backups in Apple's cloud; Apple Configurator manages multiple device backups centrally C. Only iCloud backups are encrypted D. Backup location doesn't affect data content

Answer 34

B. Mac backups are stored locally; iCloud backups in Apple's cloud; Apple Configurator manages multiple device backups centrally Different backup methods have distinct storage models: Mac backups store locally, iCloud backups store in Apple's cloud with encryption, and Apple Configurator provides centralized backup management for enterprise deployments. **Reference:** Apple Device Support Tutorial - 'Backing Up iPhone or iPad'

Question 35

A forensic investigator needs to ensure complete data removal from a corporate iPhone. What process provides the highest assurance of data destruction? A. Standard device reset only B. Factory reset via Settings → remove from Apple Account → verify supervised device compliance restrictions were properly applied C. Physical destruction without reset D. Software-only data wiping tools

Answer 35

B. Factory reset via Settings → remove from Apple Account → verify supervised device compliance restrictions were properly applied Complete data removal requires factory reset through Settings, removal from Apple Account device lists, and verification that MDM restrictions were properly applied to prevent unauthorized access during the process. **Reference:** Apple Device Support Tutorial - 'Restoring iPhone or iPad to Factory Settings'

Question 36

A support technician encounters a situation where macOS Recovery tools are not accessible due to disk corruption. What alternative recovery method should be attempted? A. Safe Mode with disk repair B. Internet Recovery to download recovery tools from Apple servers C. Target Disk Mode for external recovery D. Hardware replacement without software recovery

Answer 36

B. Internet Recovery to download recovery tools from Apple servers When local recovery partitions are damaged or missing, Internet Recovery downloads recovery tools directly from Apple's servers, bypassing local disk corruption issues. **Reference:** Apple Device Support Tutorial - 'Troubleshooting Mac Startup Issues'