WCAG Guideline 3.2.5: Change on Request Explained
Estimated read time: 5–6 minutes
Guideline 3: Understandable
The Understandable principle ensures that web content behaves in ways users expect, especially regarding changes in context or content.
Guideline 3.2: Predictable
Guideline 3.2 focuses on making web pages behave in ways users expect, especially regarding changes triggered by user actions.
What Is Guideline 3.2.5 Change on Request?
"Changes of context are initiated only by user request or a mechanism is available to turn off such changes."
Guideline 3.2.5 requires that changes in context (like navigation, popups, or content updates) only happen when the user requests them, or users can turn off automatic changes.
- Gives users control over their experience
- Prevents confusion and disorientation
- Applies to all changes of context (navigation, popups, content updates)
For more, see AccessGuide: Change of Context .
Why Does It Matter?
- Keyboard and Screen Reader Users: Need to control when changes happen
- All Users: Predictable behavior builds trust and usability
- Accessibility: Surprises can disorient or frustrate users
For more, see W3C’s guidance on Change on Request .
What Needs to Change Only on Request?
- Navigation to new pages or sections
- Opening popups or dialogs
- Updating content or context
- Submitting forms
How to Meet Guideline 3.2.5
- Require explicit user action (click, tap, Enter) to trigger changes
- Provide a mechanism to turn off automatic changes if needed
- Test all interactive elements for unexpected changes
- Review custom widgets for change-on-request behavior
For more, see the W3C's Change on Request Techniques .
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Triggering navigation or popups automatically without user action
- Failing to provide a way to turn off automatic changes
- Not testing with keyboard and assistive technology
Differences Between A, AA, and AAA for Guideline 3.2.5 in WCAG 2.2
- Level AAA: Requires changes of context only on user request or a way to turn off automatic changes.
- Level AA: Not applicable (3.2.5 is a Level AAA requirement).
- Level A: Not applicable (3.2.5 is a Level AAA requirement).
For more, see the W3C’s official documentation for 3.2.5 Change on Request .
Quick Checklist
- All changes of context require explicit user action
- Mechanism available to turn off automatic changes (if present)
- Tested with keyboard and assistive technology
- Custom widgets reviewed for change-on-request behavior
Summary
Guideline 3.2.5 ensures that users are always in control of when changes happen on your site. Avoid surprises—let users decide when to trigger changes.
User control is essential—make sure changes only happen when your users want them!