Timing Adjustable (2.2.1)

When a page enforces a time limit, users must be able to turn off, adjust, or extend the time before it expires.

WCAG Reference

Applies to: WCAG 2.0, WCAG 2.1, WCAG 2.2 Introduced in: WCAG 2.0 | Level: A | Read the official specification →

What this rule checks

The scanner identifies session timeouts, auto-redirects, and auto-updating content that impose a fixed time limit without user control.

Why it matters

Users with cognitive disabilities, motor impairments, or users who rely on assistive technology often need more time to read, understand, and interact with content. Unexpected timeouts can cause data loss and frustration.

Common failure patterns

session timeouts that log the user out without warning or extension options
auto-advancing carousels or slideshows with no pause control
form pages that expire and discard input after a fixed duration
auto-refreshing dashboards that interrupt screen-reader output

Remediation guidance

provide a warning at least 20 seconds before a timeout and allow the user to extend it
allow users to disable or increase time limits in account or session settings
add pause, stop, and resume controls to auto-advancing content
for real-time exceptions (auctions, live events), clearly document the constraint