2.5.4: Motion Actuation

What it means

Functions triggered by device motion (shake, tilt) must be operable without motion, and motion can be disabled. This protects people who cannot shake a device and those using fixed mounts.

Motion actuation should never be the only path.

How to fix it

• Provide on-screen buttons as alternatives to shake-to-undo.
• Let users turn off motion controls in settings.
• Respect reduced motion preferences for tilt-based features.
• Avoid requiring precise device orientation for core tasks.

Quick examples

• Good: A step counter app lets users log steps with a button instead of only shaking.
• Bad: The only way to refresh data is to shake the phone.
• Good: Motion-based games offer touch controls as an equal option.
• Bad: Tilting the device is required to navigate a standard form.