Success Criterion 2.2.1
Conformance level A

2.2.1 · Timing Adjustable

Lesson overview · Timing Adjustable

In plain language

Any time limit must be removable, adjustable (10x), or extendable with at least 20 seconds' warning.

Who it affects

People who read, type, or move slowly, including many screen-reader users.

How to check

Find every timeout (session, form, redirect): wait it out and verify a warning with an easy extend option, or a setting to turn it off.

Common misconception

Session timeouts are often treated as a security requirement that overrides accessibility. In reality, WCAG just asks for a warning and a way to extend it, which doesn't weaken security at all.

Learn more

Understanding Understanding this success criterion (opens in a new tab)

Scenarios in this lesson

Page Auto-Redirects on a Timer With No Way to Stop It
Page That Auto-Reloads and Resets the User’s Position
Server Redirect Timeout With No Warning or Way to Extend It
Session Expiring With No Warning and No Way to Extend It
Session Warning That Gives Users Less Than 20 Seconds to Respond
Session Extension Allowed Fewer Than the Required 10 Times
Timeout Adjustment Option Set Below the Required 10x Default
Artificial Countdown Timer Used to Create False Urgency
One-Time Passcode That Expires Too Quickly to Use
Time-Limited Status Message That Vanishes Before It Can Be Read
Auto-Advancing Quiz Timer With No Essential Reason for the Limit
Kiosk-Style Inactivity Timeout With No Warning or Extension
Re-Login Flow That Also Discards the User’s Entered Data