Don’t auto-refresh or redirect the page on a timer
Rule
meta-refresh· Document, language & navigation · impact serious · Static + live
Why it matters
A <meta http-equiv="refresh"> that reloads or redirects the page after a delay is a time limit the user cannot turn off, adjust, or extend. People using screen readers or who read slowly can lose their place or be moved away mid-task. Per SC 2.2.1, an instant (0-second) redirect to another URL is exempt (perceived as plain navigation), as are delays longer than 20 hours. A 0-second refresh with no target URL still fails: it reloads the same page in an endless loop.
How to fix
Remove the timed meta refresh. If you must redirect, do it server-side (HTTP 3xx) with no delay, or give the user a manual control to continue.
Example
<head><meta http-equiv="refresh" content="30"></head>
<head><meta charset="utf-8"></head>
Example
<head><meta http-equiv="refresh" content="0"></head>
<head><meta http-equiv="refresh" content="0; url=https://example.com/next"></head>
WCAG success criteria
2.2.1 Timing Adjustable — Level A
When a time limit is set by the content, users must be able to turn it off, adjust it, or extend it. An automatic page refresh or timed redirect (meta refresh) is a time limit users cannot control.
Standards
This rule contributes to the following standards:
WCAG A EN 301 549 Section 508 Trusted Tester
| Standard | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Section 508 | 1194.22(p) |
| EN 301 549 | 9.2.2.1 |
| Trusted Tester v5 | 8.a |