- Success Criterion 2.4.11
- Conformance level AA
2.4.11 · Focus Not Obscured (Minimum)
Lesson overview · Focus Not Obscured (Minimum)
In plain language
The focused element must never be completely hidden behind sticky bars, banners, or popups.
Who it affects
Sighted keyboard users when sticky chrome would otherwise hide the focused control.
How to check
Tab through pages with sticky headers/footers/banners open: the focused element must remain at least partly visible at all times.
Common misconception
Teams confuse this with 2.4.7 (focus visible). This rule is about whether a sticky header or banner physically covers the focused element, even if the focus outline itself is perfectly visible.
Learn more
Scenarios in this lesson
- Sticky Header or Footer Completely Covering the Focused Element
- Cookie Banner Covering a Focused Element Behind It
- Sticky Table Header Covering the Row That Currently Has Focus
- Floating Chat Button Covering a Focused Link in the Corner
- Non-Modal Popover Fully Covering the Element Behind It
- Anchor Link Landing an Element Directly Under a Fixed Header
- Off-Canvas Menu Covering Focused Content Without Disabling It
- Keyboard-Triggered Dropdown Covering the Next Focus Stop