Goal
Avoid time limits entirely for the highest level of accessibility.
Success Criterion · WCAG 2.2.3
No Timing
Timing is not an essential part of the event or activity presented by the content, except for non-interactive synchronized media and real-time events.
Level AAAWCAG 2.0Operable2.2 · Enough Time
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What to do
Remove time limits unless timing is essential, real-time, or part of non-interactive synchronized media.
Why it matters
Some users need unlimited time to complete tasks; removing timers eliminates a major barrier.
Success criterion
What WCAG 2.2.3 requires
Summarized directly from the official Understanding document so teams can quote the requirement accurately.
Timing is not an essential part of the event or activity presented by the content, except for non-interactive synchronized media and real-time events.
Intent
Why WCAG created this requirement
- Removing time limits improves access for many disabilities and situations.
- AAA emphasizes eliminating barriers rather than mitigating them with extensions.
- Exceptions exist for real-time and non-interactive synchronized media.
Benefits
Who gains when you pass
- Users can complete forms and tasks without stress or failure due to time.
- Users with cognitive disabilities can take the time they need.
- Users who use assistive technology can proceed at their own pace.
Why it matters
User impact when this criterion fails
Summaries drawn from the Understanding document help you socialize impact statements with product stakeholders.
Time limits can prevent users from completing tasks even when they understand them.
Users may lose progress and data if timers expire.
Exception guidelines
Use the WCAG 2.2.3 exceptions correctly
Document the rationale for each exception and note which alternative support you provide.
Real-time events
Events that happen in real time are exempt.
Requirement
Real-time events are allowed.
Non-interactive synchronized media
Non-interactive media timelines are exempt.
Requirement
Synchronized media that is not interactive is allowed.
Overview
This AAA criterion requires that activities are not time-limited unless the timing is essential (or it’s a real-time event or non-interactive synchronized media). The best solution is to design experiences that do not expire or rush the user.
- Prefer persistent drafts and autosave to avoid expiration-based workflows.
- If a real-time event is essential, consider providing an equivalent non-timed alternative when feasible.
- Avoid arbitrary short timeouts (especially in authentication and form completion).
Reference: All summaries and highlights originate from Understanding WCAG 2.2.3 and the W3C quick reference.
Fast facts
- Conformance level
- Level AAA
- WCAG version introduced
- WCAG 2.0
- Principle
- Operable
- Guideline
- 2.2 · Enough Time
Examples
Make success tangible for teams
Share pass/fail snapshots to coach designers, engineers, QA, and content authors.
Checkout form
Pass
Cart and form persist; user can return later without restarting.
Fail
Checkout expires after 5 minutes with no way to continue.
Live stream
Pass
Live stream is real-time (exempt) and recording is available later.
Fail
Non-real-time content is timed out arbitrarily “for security.”
Evidence to keep
Document conformance decisions
Capture artifacts for VPATs, procurement reviews, and regression testing.
- Maintain a list of time-limited features and their exception rationale.
- Document draft/autosave mechanisms supporting no-timing design.
Official resources
Deep dives and supporting material
Keep these links handy when writing acceptance criteria or responding to audits.
Implementation checklist
Capture progress and blockers
- Remove content-imposed timers where they are not essential.
- Replace timeouts with persistence (autosave, drafts) and user-controlled continuation.
- For real-time experiences, provide replays or summaries where feasible.
- Document any remaining essential timing requirements and why they are essential.
Testing ideas
Prove conformance with evidence
- Audit flows for any time limits or expiration behaviors.
- Verify no time limit exists unless it is real-time/non-interactive media/essential.
- Attempt core tasks slowly and confirm completion is still possible.
Related success criteria