What Is WCAG 2.2 and What It Means for People Who Browse the Web

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are the international standard for making websites usable by people with disabilities. WCAG 2.2, published by the W3C on 5 October 2023, added nine new requirements on top of version 2.1. Many of them make everyday browsing easier for everyone.

What's new, in plain terms

• Focus not hidden: when you move through a page with the keyboard, the selected item can't be completely covered by sticky headers, footers or cookie banners.
• Focus appearance (higher level): the focus outline must be large and clear enough to see.
• Dragging alternatives: anything you can do by dragging, such as sliders or reordering, must also work with a simple click or tap.
• Target size: buttons and links must be at least 24 by 24 pixels, or spaced so you don't hit the wrong one.
• Consistent help: contact details or help links must appear in the same place on each page.
• No retyping: information you've already entered in a process, like your address, should be filled in or selectable rather than typed again.
• Accessible sign-in: logging in can't depend on memory or puzzle tests, such as transcribing characters, unless there's an alternative. Allowing password managers and pasting meets this.

WCAG 2.2 also removed an old rule about code parsing that modern browsers made unnecessary.

Where the law stands

• US: a 2024 Department of Justice rule requires state and local government websites to meet WCAG 2.1 AA, with deadlines from 2026.
• EU: the European Accessibility Act has applied to many products and services since 28 June 2025, through standards based on WCAG.
• Many organizations now target 2.2 AA because it includes everything in 2.1.

See accessibility laws by country.

What it means when you browse

On sites that follow 2.2, expect bigger tap targets on phones, keyboard focus you can always see, help in a predictable place, and sign-ins that work with your password manager.

When sites fall short

• Zoom in with Ctrl + + to enlarge small targets.
• Use reader view to remove sticky headers and clutter.
• ADHD Reading Focus shows one paragraph at a time in larger text, hiding distractions around it.
• Modern Dark Mode gives a darker page with adjustable brightness and contrast.
• Tell the site. See reporting accessibility barriers.

For site owners

Test with a keyboard, check sticky elements don't hide focus, enlarge small icons, and let people paste passwords. See automated accessibility testing.