- Success Criterion 2.2.1
- Conformance level A
- W3C reference F41
Page That Auto-Reloads and Resets the User’s Position
2.2.1 — Timing Adjustable
Scenario
Setting
A subscription box service's account settings
What’s wrong
The page auto-reloads itself on a timer — screen reader and keyboard users lose their place every time it refreshes.
Example
setTimeout(() => logOut(), 60000); // no warningWhy it matters
People who read, type, or move slowly, including many screen-reader users.
How to test
Check the page source for a meta refresh reloading the page periodically: this fails if it happens without user-initiated control.
How to fix
Remove the periodic meta refresh — update content via user action or a polite live region (code that makes screen readers announce updates) instead. setTimeout(() => showExtendSessionPrompt(), 55000); Users need a warning and a way to extend a time limit before it expires, unless the limit is essential (e.g. an auction).
Outcome
On a subscription box service's account settings, this barrier is gone for people who read — they can finish what they came here to do.
Who is affected
People who read, type, or move slowly, including many screen-reader users.
Learn more
- Understanding Understanding document (opens in a new tab)
- Technique Related technique (opens in a new tab)
Related scenarios
- Page Auto-Redirects on a Timer With No Way to Stop It
- 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