WCAG 2.4.11 Focus Not Obscured (Minimum)
When an element receives keyboard focus, it must not be entirely hidden by other content, such as a sticky header or cookie banner, at least partially.
Table of contents
What WCAG 2.4.11 Requires
When an element receives keyboard focus, it must not be entirely hidden by other content, such as a sticky header or cookie banner, at least partially.
How to Test It by Hand
Tab through the page with a sticky header or footer present and confirm the focused element is never completely covered.
Common Failures
- A sticky header covers the top of the page, hiding focused links as the visitor tabs down.
- A cookie consent banner sits over form fields and is never dismissed before focus reaches them.
Testing WCAG 2.4.11 With AccessBell
This criterion depends on meaning or context, so it needs a person to judge. AccessBell's report lists it for manual review rather than marking it pass or fail automatically, so it is not missed.
Run a free scan to spot issues on your own pages.
Related Criteria in Navigable
- 2.4.1 Bypass Blocks (Level A, WCAG 2.0)
- 2.4.2 Page Titled (Level A, WCAG 2.0)
- 2.4.3 Focus Order (Level A, WCAG 2.0)
- 2.4.4 Link Purpose (In Context) (Level A, WCAG 2.0)
- 2.4.5 Multiple Ways (Level AA, WCAG 2.0)
- 2.4.6 Headings and Labels (Level AA, WCAG 2.0)
- 2.4.7 Focus Visible (Level AA, WCAG 2.0)
- 2.4.8 Location (Level AAA, WCAG 2.0)
- 2.4.9 Link Purpose (Link Only) (Level AAA, WCAG 2.0)
- 2.4.10 Section Headings (Level AAA, WCAG 2.0)
- 2.4.12 Focus Not Obscured (Enhanced) (Level AAA, WCAG 2.2)
- 2.4.13 Focus Appearance (Level AAA, WCAG 2.2)
Frequently Asked Questions
What does WCAG 2.4.11 require?
When an element receives keyboard focus, it must not be entirely hidden by other content, such as a sticky header or cookie banner, at least partially.
Can AccessBell test WCAG 2.4.11 automatically?
Not fully. This criterion needs a person to judge, so AccessBell's report lists it for manual review rather than marking it pass or fail on its own.
What level is WCAG 2.4.11?
Level AA, added in WCAG 2.2. Level AA is the level referenced by the ADA, Section 508 and most accessibility laws.
Sources
- W3C: Understanding 2.4.11 Focus Not Obscured (Minimum) (opens in a new tab)
- W3C: Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 (opens in a new tab)
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