1.4.13 Content on Hover or Focus

What this criterion requires

Tooltips, dropdown previews and similar content that appears on hover or focus must be dismissible (Escape), hoverable (the pointer can move onto it), and persistent until dismissed or invalid.

Who it helps

Screen magnifier users, who must move the pointer to the popup to read it, and keyboard users.

Example: fails vs passes

.hint:hover .tooltip { display: block; }  /* vanishes when the pointer leaves */

/* tooltip stays while hovered, closes on Escape */
    trigger.addEventListener("keydown", e => { if (e.key === "Escape") hide(); });
    tooltip.addEventListener("mouseenter", keepOpen);

Hover/focus content must be dismissible (Escape), hoverable (pointer can reach it) and persistent (no timers).

How to meet and fix it

• Let Escape close popovers without moving focus
• Keep the popup open while the pointer travels to it
• Never hide the popup on a timer

Common failures auditors find

• Tooltips that vanish when the mouse moves toward them
• Hover menus that cannot be dismissed without moving the pointer

Automated scanning catches a share of these instantly - run a free check - and a manual audit covers the judgement calls a tool cannot make.

Last updated 12 August 2026. Reviewed by the EqualWeb accessibility team.