Level ASince WCAG 2.0
2.1.2 No Keyboard Trap
Guideline 2.1: Keyboard Accessible – Everything also works without a mouse.
What does the rule require?
Keyboard focus never gets stuck. Anyone who can tab into an area can also leave it with the keyboard.
How to get it right
Test dialogs, video players and embedded widgets: can you leave with Tab or Esc? A dialog holds focus only while open and closes with Esc.
Who benefits most?
- People with motor disabilities
- Blind people
Official wording
This page explains the rule in simple words. Only the original W3C text is normative.
- “Understanding No Keyboard Trap” at W3C (external site)
- Techniques in the WCAG Quick Reference (external site)