Operable · 2.4 Navigable
Each link's purpose must be identifiable from its link text alone, either by default or through an available mechanism such as a setting that shows expanded link text. Links whose purpose would be ambiguous to users in general are exempt.
Live demo
The same task, done two ways: switch between the version that passes and the one that fails, or put them side by side. Everything in the box is live, so try it with a keyboard, a pointer or a screen reader.
Open the links view and try to tell the three links apart. Then read the whole version: the sentences explain each link, but the links view leaves them out.
The tools follow the version you last used.
What happened
Why it passes
Each link says what it is about, such as Learn more about lost or stolen cards, so it makes sense in a list of links or read on its own.
Why it fails
Each Learn more link shares a list item with the sentence that explains it, which is enough for 2.4.4. In a list of links, though, all three read Learn more, so the link text alone does not say where any of them goes.
Examples
Five examples, each one running: the usual ways this criterion fails, and code that passes. Listen to them, measure them, or copy the code.
Fails
Live preview
<p>Our savings rates change on 1 June. To see the new rates, <a href="/savings/rates">click here</a>.</p>The sentence explains the link, which is enough for 2.4.4, but the link text alone is click here. Out of context, such as in a links list, it says nothing about where it goes (failure F84).
Passes
Live preview
<p>Our savings rates change on 1 June. <a href="/savings/rates">See the new savings rates</a>.</p>The link text alone says where it goes, so it makes sense in a links list or when read aloud on its own (technique G91).
Fails
Live preview
<p>Read our full terms at <a href="https://www.northbank.example/legal/terms-2026-v3.pdf">https://www.northbank.example/legal/terms-2026-v3.pdf</a></p>The link text is a long web address, which is slow to listen to and does not say plainly what the document is.
Passes
Live preview
<p>Read our <a href="https://www.northbank.example/legal/terms-2026-v3.pdf">account terms and conditions (PDF, 12 pages)</a></p>The link text names the document and warns that it is a PDF, so people know what they will get before they follow it.
Passes
Live preview
<ul> <li>If your card is lost or stolen, we can freeze it and post you a new one. <a href="/help/lost-card">Learn more<span class="visually-hidden"> about lost or stolen cards</span></a></li></ul>The link looks short, but its text, including the visually clipped span, reads Learn more about lost or stolen cards on its own (technique C7). The span must be clipped, not set to display: none.
Why it matters
Screen reader users who browse a list of links out of context, and people with cognitive disabilities, can understand each link without reading the text around it.
W3C: Understanding 2.4.9Level AAA
Level AAA is the highest level. It is not required for whole sites, but it is worth meeting where you can.
Where it is required
No law on this site requires Level AAA criteria for whole sites.
How to test
A few concrete steps. Automated tools find some failures; most need a person.
Common failures