WCAG A/AA requirement Priority: Serious
The page reloads or redirects by itself
The page uses <meta http-equiv="refresh"> with a delay, so after some seconds or minutes it reloads itself or jumps to another address without the shopper asking for it.
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Why it matters to your customers
People who read or type slowly can lose their place or the details they were entering, for example in a product enquiry or checkout step. Screen reader users are sent back to the top of the page without warning, and a timed redirect may happen before they have read the message on the page.
Who is affected
- screen reader users
- people who read or type slowly
- people with cognitive or motor impairments
- keyboard-only users
How to fix it
Remove timed meta refresh. For a page that has moved, use a server-side redirect (HTTP 301 or 302) or a meta refresh with a delay of 0. To keep content fresh, update it with JavaScript without reloading the page, or offer a "Refresh" button. If a time limit is unavoidable, let users turn it off, adjust it or extend it.
On Shopify
Rare in Shopify themes. Usually from custom code in theme.liquid, a landing page or an app (countdown, redirect or pop-up apps). Remove the meta tag and use Shopify's URL redirects instead.
On Shoptet (CZ)
Rare; usually from custom code added to the page header. Remove the meta refresh from your custom code and use the shop's redirect settings where available.
On PrestaShop
Usually from modules or customised .tpl templates that reload or redirect pages, for example after a form submission or on a maintenance page. Replace it with a server-side redirect or remove it.
On WooCommerce
Usually from redirect, maintenance-mode or "coming soon" plugins, or code added to the theme header. Use a proper 301 redirect (for example via a redirect plugin or the server) instead of a timed refresh.
Standards
| Standard | Clause |
|---|---|
| WCAG 2.2 | 2.2.1 (A) Timing Adjustable |
| WCAG 2.1 | 2.2.1 (A) Timing Adjustable |
| WCAG 2.0 | 2.2.1 (A) Timing Adjustable |
| EN 301 549 4.1.1 | 9.2.2.1 |
| EN 301 549 3.2.1 | 9.2.2.1 |
| Section 508 2017 | E205.4 |
| ДСТУ EN 301 549 2022 | 9.2.2.1 |
Automated check: axe-core rule meta-refresh.
dequeuniversity.com, github.com, www.w3.org
Related checks
-
Form fields have no label
WCAG 4.1.2 A
-
An image button has no text description
WCAG 1.1.1 A
-
The whole page is hidden from screen readers
WCAG 1.3.1 A
-
Keyboard users cannot reach some embedded content
WCAG 2.1.1 A