What WCAG 2.4.7 Requires
Whichever element currently has keyboard focus must have a visible focus indicator, so keyboard users can always see where they are on the page.
Can AccessBell Test This Automatically?
Not fully. Like most WCAG criteria that depend on meaning or context, this one needs a person to judge. AccessBell's report lists it for manual review rather than marking it pass or fail automatically, so it never gets missed.
How to Test It by Hand
Tab through interactive elements and confirm each one shows a clearly visible outline or other focus style.
Common Failures
- CSS resets or "outline: none" remove the default focus ring with no visible replacement.
- A custom button component has no focus style at all.
Related Criteria in Navigable
WCAG 2.4.7 Questions
What does WCAG 2.4.7 require?
Whichever element currently has keyboard focus must have a visible focus indicator, so keyboard users can always see where they are on the page.
Can AccessBell test WCAG 2.4.7 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 2.4.7?
Level AA, added in WCAG 2.0. Level AA is required to meet WCAG AA, the level referenced by the ADA, Section 508 and most accessibility laws.
Sources
- W3C: Understanding 2.4.7 Focus Visible (opens in a new tab)
- W3C: Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 (opens in a new tab)
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