- Success Criterion 2.2.1
- Conformance level A
Session Expiring With No Warning and No Way to Extend It
2.2.1 — Timing Adjustable
Scenario
Setting
An online spreadsheet's toolbar
What’s wrong
Session expiry with no warning and no extend option (form data lost) — no exception applies.
Example
On an online spreadsheet's toolbar, a visitor hits this wall: session expiry with no warning and no extend option (form data lost) — no exception applies.
Why it matters
People who read, type, or move slowly, including many screen-reader users. In this case (an online spreadsheet's toolbar), they are interrupted before they can finish reading.
How to test
Leave a session idle until it expires: check for a warning before expiry, and confirm form data isn't lost when the session ends.
How to fix
The time limit must be removable or adjustable (to at least 10x) before it starts, or extendable via a warning giving at least 20 seconds to respond with a simple action.
Outcome
Once corrected, an online spreadsheet's toolbar lets them finish the task at their own pace.
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)
Related scenarios
- 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 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