autocomplete belongs on the field the user fills in

Rule autocomplete-not-hidden · Forms · impact minor · Static + live

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Why it matters#

Identify Input Purpose works by tagging the control the user actually types into, so a browser or assistive tool can fill it or re-label it with familiar wording. An autocomplete token on a hidden input describes a field nobody can see or reach, and the visible control it stands in for is left unidentified.

How to fix#

Put the autocomplete token on the visible input, select or textarea the user completes, and remove it from the hidden field carrying the value.

Example#

<input type="hidden" autocomplete="email" name="e">

<input type="email" autocomplete="email" name="e">

WCAG success criteria#

1.3.5 Identify Input Purpose — Level AA#

Inputs collecting common user information should declare their purpose (e.g. a valid autocomplete token) so browsers and AT can assist.

Understanding 1.3.5

Standards#

This rule contributes to the following standards:

WCAG AA EN 301 549

References#

• WCAG — Identify Input Purpose