- Success Criterion 2.4.1
- Conformance level A
2.4.1 · Bypass Blocks
Lesson overview · Bypass Blocks
In plain language
There must be a way to skip repeated blocks (header/nav) — usually a 'Skip to main content' link.
Who it affects
Keyboard and screen-reader users who otherwise re-traverse repeated headers on every page.
How to check
Press Tab once on page load: a skip link should appear; activate it and confirm focus lands on the main content.
Common misconception
Adding a skip link satisfies this rule only if it actually works, many implementations point to an id that doesn't exist, or the target isn't focusable, so the link does nothing when activated.
Learn more
Scenarios in this lesson
- Page With No Way to Skip Repeated Navigation
- No Skip Link, Landmarks, or Headings to Bypass Navigation
- Skip Link That’s Broken and Doesn’t Actually Move Focus
- Skip Link That’s Never Visible, Even on Keyboard Focus
- Skip Link Placed After the Navigation It’s Meant to Skip
- Landmarks Used as a Bypass but Missing Key Content
- Bypass Mechanism With No Heading to Land On
- Skip Link That Jumps to the Wrong Part of the Page
- Single-Page App That Loses Its Skip Link After Navigation