- Success Criterion 1.4.2
- Conformance level A
1.4.2 · Audio Control
Lesson overview · Audio Control
In plain language
If audio autoplays for more than 3 seconds there must be an easy way to pause, stop, or lower it.
Who it affects
Screen-reader users competing with page audio, and people with auditory sensitivity.
How to check
Load each page: if sound starts by itself, look for an obvious, keyboard-usable pause/stop/volume control near the top.
Common misconception
Muting a video by default feels safe, but the rule is about anything that plays automatically, including background music and unmuted ambient video, not just voice audio.
Learn more
Scenarios in this lesson
- Page Audio That Autoplays Past 3 Seconds With No Control
- Autoplaying Video or Audio With No Way to Pause It
- Background Music That Autostarts With No Visible Player
- Autoplaying Hero Video With Sound and No Pause Button
- Embedded Ad or Carousel iframe That Starts Playing Audio
- Audio That Starts on a Single-Page-App Route Change
- Looping Notification Sound With No Way to Turn It Off
- Mute Button That’s Present but Not Easy to Reach
- Autoplay That Resumes Automatically After Being Paused