Serious2.2.1 Timing Adjustable (Level A), 2.2.2 Pause, Stop, Hide (Level A)Rule ID: meta-refresh
Pages must not auto-refresh without user control
The page uses `<meta http-equiv="refresh">` to auto-refresh or redirect users without sufficient control.
Rule Description
Checks for timed meta refresh and redirect patterns that remove user control.
Why It Matters
- Users may lose progress while reading or filling forms
- Screen reader users can be disoriented by unexpected reloads
- Timed redirects can block users who need more time
How to Fix
Avoid automatic refresh/redirect; provide explicit controls or server-side redirects when appropriate.
Bad Example:
<meta http-equiv="refresh" content="10"> <meta http-equiv="refresh" content="5;url=/new-page">
Good Example:
<p>This page has moved. <a href="/new-page">Go to the new page</a>.</p>
Common Mistakes
- Short refresh intervals
- Auto-redirecting before users can read content
- No mechanism to extend or stop time limits
Testing
- Inspect
<head>forhttp-equiv="refresh" - Verify no timed redirects occur unexpectedly
- Test form workflows for interruption risks
External Resources
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