What this criterion requires
For any time limit, users must be able to turn it off, adjust it (up to 10x), or extend it with a simple action and at least 20 seconds of warning - unless the limit is essential (auctions) or longer than 20 hours.
Who it helps
People who read, type or operate controls slowly; screen reader users navigating complex forms.
Example: fails vs passes
The session silently expires after 15 minutes and the half-completed form is lost.
Two minutes before expiry a dialog offers "Extend session" - one click, 20+ seconds to react, data preserved.
Any time limit must be removable, adjustable or extendable unless truly essential.
How to meet and fix it
- Warn before session expiry and provide a one-click "extend" button
- Let users disable or lengthen countdowns in checkout and quizzes
Common failures auditors find
- Sessions that expire and discard a half-completed form without warning
- Auto-advancing carousels with no pause (also 2.2.2)
Automated scanning catches a share of these instantly - run a free check - and a manual audit covers the judgement calls a tool cannot make.
Sources
- W3C, Understanding 2.2.1: Timing Adjustable - w3.org/WAI
- W3C, How to Meet 2.2.1 (quick reference) - w3.org/WAI/quickref
Last updated . Reviewed by the EqualWeb accessibility team.
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