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WCAG 2.4.5 Multiple Ways

A page must be reachable in more than one way, such as through navigation, a search function, or a sitemap, not only through one single, undiscoverable path.

2.4.5 Level AA Added in WCAG 2.0 Needs manual review

Anton StewartAuthor
Reviewed against the W3C Understanding document
Illustration: a layers icon, with WCAG 2.4.5 and Multiple Ways
Table of contents

What WCAG 2.4.5 Requires

A page must be reachable in more than one way, such as through navigation, a search function, or a sitemap, not only through one single, undiscoverable path.

How to Test It by Hand

Check that at least two of these exist: site navigation, a sitemap, a search feature, or a linked table of contents.

Common Failures

  • A page is only reachable through a single deep link with no navigation path and no way to find it through search or a sitemap.

Testing WCAG 2.4.5 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does WCAG 2.4.5 require?

A page must be reachable in more than one way, such as through navigation, a search function, or a sitemap, not only through one single, undiscoverable path.

Can AccessBell test WCAG 2.4.5 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 2.4.5?

Level AA, added in WCAG 2.0. Level AA is the level referenced by the ADA, Section 508 and most accessibility laws.

Sources

This page explains a technical standard and is not legal advice. See our disclaimer.

About the Author

Anton StewartAuthor

Contributor, AccessBell

Anton Stewart writes and reviews accessibility guides for the AccessBell blog, checked against the W3C standards and other primary sources.

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