WCAG A/AA requirement Priority: Serious
Some links do not say where they go
Some links have no readable text, often icons such as a cart, a heart or a logo without a text label.
This text was translated automatically and has not been reviewed by a native speaker yet.
Why it matters to your customers
Screen reader users hear just "link" and cannot tell whether it opens the cart, the account or Instagram. They lose time or give up on finding the cart or contact page.
Who is affected
- blind customers
- screen reader users
- voice control users
How to fix it
Give every link a text name: visible text, alt text on an image inside the link, or aria-label on icon-only links. The name should describe the destination, for example "Cart, 2 items". Hide decorative icons with aria-hidden="true".
On Shopify
Usually icon links in the header or footer of the theme. Add visually hidden text or aria-label in the theme's Liquid sections and snippets; links added by apps must be fixed in the app or reported to its developer.
On Shoptet (CZ)
Usually icon links in the template header or footer. Check template settings for link labels; otherwise the template code needs to be changed by Shoptet or a partner.
On PrestaShop
Usually icon links in the header modules or theme templates. Add hidden text or aria-label in the theme's .tpl files or in overridden module templates.
On WooCommerce
Often icon links from the theme header, a mini-cart or a social-icons plugin. Add text labels in the theme or child-theme templates, or choose plugin settings that output accessible labels.
Standards
| Standard | Clause |
|---|---|
| WCAG 2.2 | 2.4.4 (A) Link Purpose (In Context) |
| WCAG 2.2 | 4.1.2 (A) Name, Role, Value |
| WCAG 2.1 | 2.4.4 (A) Link Purpose (In Context) |
| WCAG 2.1 | 4.1.2 (A) Name, Role, Value |
| WCAG 2.0 | 2.4.4 (A) Link Purpose (In Context) |
| WCAG 2.0 | 4.1.2 (A) Name, Role, Value |
| EN 301 549 4.1.1 | 9.2.4.4 |
| EN 301 549 4.1.1 | 9.4.1.2 |
| EN 301 549 3.2.1 | 9.2.4.4 |
| EN 301 549 3.2.1 | 9.4.1.2 |
| Section 508 2017 | E205.4 |
| ДСТУ EN 301 549 2022 | 9.2.4.4 |
| ДСТУ EN 301 549 2022 | 9.4.1.2 |
Automated check: axe-core rule link-name.
dequeuniversity.com, github.com, www.w3.org, www.w3.org
Related checks
-
Links in text look like normal text
WCAG 1.4.1 A
-
Form fields have no label
WCAG 4.1.2 A
-
Some form buttons have no name
WCAG 4.1.2 A
-
Accessibility attributes have wrong values
WCAG 4.1.2 A