On Input (3.2.2)

Changing the setting of a form control or UI component must not automatically cause an unexpected change of context unless the user has been informed beforehand.

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 flags form controls that trigger navigation, submission, or DOM restructuring on value change without prior notice to the user.

Why it matters

Users expect to review and confirm their choices before committing. Automatic context changes on input can disorient screen-reader users and cause data loss for users who accidentally select the wrong option.

Common failure patterns

radio buttons that submit a form or navigate to a new page on selection
checkboxes that reload the page when toggled
text fields that trigger search navigation on every keystroke without warning
dropdown menus that navigate immediately on selection without a submit action

Remediation guidance

separate the selection action from the submission action (add a "Submit" or "Apply" button)
if auto-submission is intentional, inform the user in advance (e.g., "Selecting a value will update the page")
use ARIA live regions to announce dynamic content changes without a full context switch
test all form controls by changing values and confirming no unexpected navigation occurs