Orientation (1.3.4)

Content must not restrict its view and operation to a single display orientation (portrait or landscape) unless a specific orientation is essential.

WCAG Reference

Applies to: WCAG 2.1, WCAG 2.2 Introduced in: WCAG 2.1 | Level: AA | Read the official specification →

What this rule checks

The scanner detects CSS or viewport meta configurations that lock the page to a single orientation, preventing users from rotating their device.

Why it matters

Users with motor disabilities may mount their device in a fixed orientation. Users with low vision may prefer landscape for wider text columns. Locking orientation can make content inaccessible or uncomfortable to use.

Common failure patterns

CSS @media (orientation: portrait) rules that hide or break content in landscape
JavaScript that forces a redirect or overlay when the device is rotated
viewport meta tags that disable user scaling combined with fixed-orientation assumptions

Remediation guidance

support both portrait and landscape orientations through responsive design
remove JavaScript orientation locks unless the content genuinely requires a specific orientation (e.g., a piano keyboard app)
test the layout in both orientations on real devices
if a specific orientation is essential, clearly document why