2.2.1: Timing Adjustable

What it means

When a time limit is set by the content, users need a way to turn it off, adjust it, or extend it — unless the limit is essential or longer than 20 hours. Session timeouts and timed forms are common examples.

People who read slowly or use assistive tech often need more time.

How to fix it

• Warn users before a session expires and let them extend it with a simple action.
• Offer a control to disable non-essential countdown timers.
• Save form progress where possible before timeout.
• Document essential time limits (for example live auctions) in your accessibility statement.

Quick examples

• Good: A banking session shows a modal: “You will be logged out in 2 minutes — stay signed in?”
• Bad: A long form silently times out and deletes all entered data.
• Good: Users can turn off an optional quiz timer in preferences.
• Bad: A captcha expires in 30 seconds with no way to request more time.