RatedWithAI

Accessibility scanner

WCAG 2.1

2.2.2 Pause, Stop, Hide

Level A success criterion

For moving, blinking, scrolling, or auto-updating content, users must be able to pause, stop, or hide it.

Why it matters

Animated content can distract users with attention disorders and prevent screen reader users from reading static content.

Common violations

Auto-playing carousels without pause controls
Background videos that cannot be stopped
Scrolling news tickers without controls
Live updating feeds without pause option

Code examples

Bad

<div class="animate-scroll">Breaking news ticker...</div>

Good

<div class="carousel">
  <button aria-label="Pause slideshow">⏸</button>
  Slide content
</div>

How to fix

Add visible pause/stop controls for all moving content. Respect prefers-reduced-motion media query. Avoid auto-play unless essential.

Related criteria

2.2.1 Timing Adjustable 1.4.3 Contrast (Minimum)2.3.1 Three Flashes or Below Threshold

Related resources

WordPress accessibility guide Shopify accessibility guide Squarespace accessibility guide

Test & fix this criterion

Use these free tools and guides to check and fix 2.2.2 Pause, Stop, Hide violations:

Free accessibility checker — find WCAG violations automatically Color contrast checker — test contrast ratios How to fix common WCAG failures Top 10 most common WCAG failures

Scan your site

Check your WCAG coverage in minutes

Start a free scan