- Success Criterion 1.1.1
- Conformance level A
Alt Text That Describes a Completely Different Image
1.1.1 — Non-text Content
Scenario
Setting
A subscription box service's account settings
What’s wrong
alt text that is technically present but wrong: describes a different image (stale after CMS swap), or keyword-stuffed for SEO.
Example
<img src="profile-photo-v2.jpg" alt="best subscription box service deals discount 2026">Why it matters
A subscriber checking their account photo hears an unrelated marketing phrase instead of confirmation their photo uploaded correctly.
How to test
Compare the alt text word-for-word to the current image content: if it describes something else, it's wrong and fails regardless of length or effort.
How to fix
Describe the image that's actually there. Alt text must describe the current image, never leftover marketing keywords or a caption for an image that was swapped out.
<img src="profile-photo-v2.jpg" alt="Your profile photo">Outcome
A subscriber hears "your profile photo" and confirms the right image is set.
Who is affected
Screen reader users verifying account details like profile photos need the alt text to match what's actually shown.
Learn more
- Understanding Understanding document (opens in a new tab)
Related scenarios
- Product Photo Added as a CSS Background With No Alt Text
- Chart Alt Text That Never Explains What Each Color Means
- Outdated Alt Text That No Longer Matches the Image
- Alt Text Left as a Filename Instead of a Real Description
- Decorative Image Not Hidden From Screen Reader Users
- Decorative Image Given Alt Text Instead of Being Marked Silent