2.4.12: Focus Not Obscured (Enhanced)

What it means

At AAA, no part of a focused element may be hidden by author-created content. The entire control must remain visible when focused — stricter than 2.4.11.

Design fixed UI so it never covers active controls.

How to fix it

• Resize or auto-hide sticky chrome when focus would be obscured.
• Avoid full-width fixed footers that cover form buttons on mobile.
• Test that entire focused buttons and inputs are visible at all zoom levels.
• Prefer collapsible sticky bars over permanent opaque overlays.

Quick examples

• Good: The sticky header shrinks when a footer button gains focus near the bottom.
• Bad: A chat bubble covers the entire focused “Send” button.
• Good: Fixed promos slide away when keyboard focus moves underneath.
• Bad: Half of a focused checkbox row is permanently hidden under a toolbar.