Level AWCAG 2.0

2.2.1 Timing Adjustable

For each time limit set by the content, the user can turn off, adjust, or extend the time limit, with certain exceptions.

Last reviewed: September 9, 2026

Understanding 2.2.1

Users with cognitive or learning disabilities, motor disabilities that slow interaction, or screen reader users navigating content serially often need more time to complete a task than a fixed time limit allows. This criterion ensures they can turn off, adjust, or extend time limits before running out of time, with exceptions for real-time events, limits that are essential to the activity, and limits longer than 20 hours.

How to Meet It

Before a session or time limit expires, warn the user and provide a simple mechanism to extend it, such as a 'Continue Session' button, giving at least 20 seconds to respond and allowing the extension to be repeated at least 10 times. Alternatively, let users turn off the limit or set a custom duration (e.g., up to 10 times the default) before the timed activity begins. Exceptions apply to real-time events like live auctions, limits that are essential to the activity, and limits exceeding 20 hours.

Code Examples

INCORRECT

setTimeout(function() {
  window.location.href = '/logout'; // Silently logs the user out with no warning or way to extend
}, 600000);

CORRECT

setTimeout(function() {
  showDialog({
    message: 'Your session will expire in 60 seconds.',
    actions: [{ label: 'Continue Session', onClick: extendSession }]
  });
}, 540000); // warn 60s before the 10-minute limit

function extendSession() {
  resetSessionTimer(); // restarts the countdown; repeatable indefinitely
}

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this apply to auto-refreshing content like a stock ticker?

Only if it imposes a hard time limit on completing a task. Purely informational auto-updating content is more likely governed by 2.2.2 Pause, Stop, Hide; 2.2.1 specifically addresses time limits on user actions, such as session timeouts or timed quizzes.

What qualifies as an 'essential' time limit exception?

A time limit is essential only if extending it would invalidate the activity itself, such as a timed test measuring reading speed or a live auction. A security-driven session timeout is not automatically 'essential' just because it's common practice; it must still meet 2.2.1 unless it exceeds 20 hours.

Related Success Criteria

2.2.2 Pause, Stop, Hide 2.2.3 No Timing 2.2.4 Interruptions 2.2.5 Re-authenticating

Quick Facts

Criterion2.2.1
LevelA
IntroducedWCAG 2.0

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