- Success Criterion 2.1.2
- Conformance level A
2.1.2 · No Keyboard Trap
Lesson overview · No Keyboard Trap
In plain language
Keyboard focus must never get stuck anywhere on the page.
Who it affects
All keyboard and screen-reader users who can become stuck inside a component.
How to check
Tab through the whole page including embeds and popups: confirm you can always Tab or Esc back out of every component.
Common misconception
A modal that intentionally holds focus is fine, and expected. The failure is a modal that holds focus with *no* documented way out, no Esc, no visible close button.
Learn more
Scenarios in this lesson
- Keyboard Focus Stuck Inside an Embedded Plugin or Widget
- Modal Focus Trap With No Escape Key or Close Button
- Widget Where Tab Cycles Internally With No Way Out
- Third-Party Embed That Captures and Never Releases Tab Focus
- Script That Yanks Focus Back Every Time the User Tabs Away
- Rich Text Editor That Captures Tab With No Documented Escape
- Autocomplete List That Keeps Recapturing Focus on Every Blur
- Fullscreen Video Player Trapping Focus in Hidden Controls
- Non-Standard Focus Exit Key That’s Never Explained to Users
- Form Validation Script Creating an Inescapable Refocus Loop