WCAG AAA: recommendation Priority: Minor
The page refreshes itself after a delay, even a long one
The page uses <meta http-equiv="refresh"> to reload itself or jump to another address after a delay. Avoiding every timed refresh, even with a delay of many hours, is a WCAG level AAA recommendation, beyond the AA level the law relies on.
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Why it matters to your customers
If a shopper leaves the tab open, the page can reload or move elsewhere without being asked, losing what they were reading or typing and sending screen reader users back to the top. With long delays this rarely happens during a normal visit, so the effect is usually small.
Who is affected
- screen reader users
- people who read or type slowly
- people with cognitive impairments
- people who keep tabs open for a long time
How to fix it
Remove the delayed 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. The page should change only when the user asks for 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 on a maintenance or confirmation page. Replace it with a server-side redirect or remove it.
On WooCommerce
Usually from redirect, maintenance-mode or caching plugins, or code added to the theme header. Use a proper 301 redirect (via a redirect plugin or the server) and remove the timed refresh.
Standards
| Standard | Clause |
|---|---|
| WCAG 2.2 | 2.2.4 (AAA) Interruptions |
| WCAG 2.2 | 3.2.5 (AAA) Change on Request |
| WCAG 2.1 | 2.2.4 (AAA) Interruptions |
| WCAG 2.1 | 3.2.5 (AAA) Change on Request |
| WCAG 2.0 | 2.2.4 (AAA) Interruptions |
| WCAG 2.0 | 3.2.5 (AAA) Change on Request |
Automated check: axe-core rule meta-refresh-no-exceptions.
dequeuniversity.com, github.com, www.w3.org, www.w3.org
Related checks
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The page refreshes itself after a delay, even a long one
WCAG 2.2.4 AAA
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Links with the same text lead to different places
WCAG 2.4.9 AAA
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Text does not reach the higher (AAA) contrast level
WCAG 1.4.6 AAA