WCAG 2.1 · Level AA · Robust
WCAG 4.1.3 — Status Messages
Status messages (e.g. “added to cart”, “3 results”) must be announced by assistive tech without moving focus.
WCAG 4.1.3 at a glance
Level AA · Principle: Robust · Added in WCAG 2.1. Level AA is the conformance target for the ADA, EAA, and Section 508.
What it means
Status messages (e.g. “added to cart”, “3 results”) must be announced by assistive tech without moving focus.
Who it helps
Screen-reader users who need feedback without losing their place.
Common failures
- Cart/toast/validation updates that screen readers never announce
How to meet WCAG 4.1.3
- Use ARIA live regions (aria-live, role="status"/"alert") for status updates
How to test it
Manual — verify with a screen reader.