2.2.1 Timing Adjustable (Level A)
High-Level Description
When a website or application imposes a time limit, users must have a way to control that timing, so they are not rushed or prevented from completing tasks. This can include turning the time limit off, extending it, or adjusting it to provide substantially more time, unless the timing is truly essential to the function of the content.
Detailed Description
What this means:
- Users must have a way to turn off, extend, or adjust time limits so they are not rushed
- A warning should appear before time runs out so users can request more time
- Fixed time limits are only allowed when timing is essential to the function or required for security
What this applies to:
- Any content, task, or form that will time out or expire
- Interactions where users could lose progress or be forced to restart because of a time limit such as forms & checkout flows
Indicators of Non-Compliance:
- JavaScript timers (e.g. setTimeout, setInterval) that end a session, submit a form, or reset content without a user-controlled extension mechanism
- Session timeout logic that redirects, logs out, or clears state without triggering a warning or user prompt
- Countdown timers in the UI with no associated control to pause, extend, or disable them
- Modals, alerts, or messages that auto-dismiss via script without user action
Real-World Examples
| Scenario | Non-Compliant | Compliant |
|---|---|---|
| Session timeout without warning | A user is inactive on their banking app and are logged out immediately without any warning | The banking app displays a warning before timeout (e.g., "Your session will expire in 2 minutes") and allows the user to extend the session |
| Quiz with fixed countdown | An online quiz has a strict countdown timer that cannot be paused, extended, or adjusted, causing users who need more time to be locked out | The quiz allows users to pause the timer, request additional time, or removes the time limit unless it is essential to the activity |
| Form clears when time expires | A long online form automatically resets and clears all entered data when a time limit is reached, without warning | The user is warned before the time limit expires and can extend the time, or the form saves entered data so it is not lost |
Disability Impact
| Disability Group | Without Timing-Adjustable | With proper Timing-Adjustable |
|---|---|---|
| Cognitive disabilities (e.g., dyslexia, ADHD, memory impairments) | A user filling out a multi-step form is logged out after a short period of inactivity, losing all entered information because they needed extra time to read and process instructions | The user receives a warning before timeout and can extend the session, allowing them to complete the form at their own pace without losing data |
| Keyboard Users | A modal dialog disappears automatically before the user can navigate to it using a screen reader or keyboard | The dialog remains visible until dismissed, or the user can extend the time before it closes |
Supporting Documentation
- WCAG 2.2 Success Criterion 2.2.1 - Timing Adjustable
- F41 – Failure of Success Criterion 2.2.1, 2.2.4, and 3.2.5 due to using meta refresh to reload the page
- F58 – Failure of Success Criterion 2.2.1 due to using server-side techniques to automatically redirect pages after a time-out
Remediation Strategies
1 - Provide Controls to Extend or Disable Time Limits
- Users can turn off time limits before they begin, when timing is not essential
- Users can request more time with a simple action (e.g., button, link, key press).
- Extended time is substantial (at least 10x the default limit).
Check that:
2 - Warn Users Before Time Expires
Provide clear, accessible warnings before a time limit is reached so users have an opportunity to act. Warnings should be perceivable by all users, including those using assistive technologies, and allow sufficient time to respond without pressure
3 - Preserve User Progress on Timeout
Prevent loss of data or task progress when a timeout occurs. Where possible, save user input automatically, allow sessions to be restored, or provide a way to resume tasks without starting over. This reduces frustration and prevents exclusion caused by slower interaction speeds
4 - Test with Assistive Technology
Review timed content using screen readers, keyboard-only navigation, and other assistive technologies to ensure warnings, controls, and extensions are discoverable and usable. Testing helps identify situations where users may miss alerts or be unable to extend time due to accessibility barriers