If you've ever asked "what is WCAG 2.1?" — you're not alone. WCAG 2.1 (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1) is the current international standard for web accessibility. It was published in 2018 and added 17 new success criteria to WCAG 2.0, addressing mobile accessibility, people with low vision, and cognitive disabilities.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about WCAG 2.1 — from its meaning and new criteria to how to check if your website is WCAG 2.1 compliant.

What is WCAG 2.1? — Definition & Overview

WCAG 2.1 stands for the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1. It was published by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) in June 2018 as an update to WCAG 2.0.

WCAG 2.1 introduced 17 new success criteria to address:

• Mobile accessibility — Touch targets, gesture navigation, and mobile responsiveness
• Low vision — Better contrast, text spacing, and reflow
• Cognitive disabilities — Simpler content, better instructions, and error prevention
• Authentication — Accessible login and authentication methods

WCAG 2.1 vs WCAG 2.0 — What's New?

The 17 New Success Criteria in WCAG 2.1

WCAG 2.1 added 17 new success criteria across all three levels (A, AA, and AAA). Here are the most important ones:

Level A (New Criteria)

• 2.5.1 Pointer Gestures: All functionality must work with single-point gestures
• 2.5.2 Pointer Cancellation: Down events can be cancelled
• 2.5.3 Label in Name: Accessible name matches visible label
• 2.5.4 Motion Actuation: Motion can be disabled

Level AA (New Criteria)

• 1.4.10 Reflow: Content reflows to one column at 320px width
• 1.4.11 Non-text Contrast: UI components must have 3:1 contrast
• 1.4.12 Text Spacing: Line height and paragraph spacing adjustable
• 1.4.13 Content on Hover or Focus: Hover content must be dismissible
• 2.5.5 Target Size: Touch targets must be at least 44x44px
• 2.5.6 Concurrent Input Mechanisms: Must support multiple input methods

Level AAA (New Criteria)

• 2.5.7 Dragging Movements: Drag operations must have alternatives
• 2.5.8 Target Size (Enhanced): Touch targets must be at least 44x44px (AAA)
• 3.3.7 Redundant Entry: Information must not be re-entered

Why WCAG 2.1 Level AA is Required by Law

WCAG 2.1 Level AA is the standard referenced by the US Department of Justice for ADA compliance, by the European Union for the EAA, and by the US federal government for Section 508.

Here's why WCAG 2.1 Level AA is the legal standard:

• ADA Title II & III (USA): Requires WCAG 2.1 Level AA for state and local governments and public accommodations
• EAA (European Union): Requires WCAG 2.1 Level AA (EN 301 549) for digital products and services
• Section 508 (USA): Requires WCAG 2.0 Level AA (with WCAG 2.1 recommended)
• AODA (Canada): Requires WCAG 2.0 Level AA (WCAG 2.1 recommended)
• UK Equality Act: References WCAG 2.1 Level AA

How to Check If Your Website Is WCAG 2.1 Compliant

Step 1: Use a Free WCAG 2.1 Compliance Checker

Visit AccessiTool's free ADA compliance checker and enter your website URL. The tool scans against WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards and provides a detailed report in 60 seconds.

Step 2: Review Your Compliance Report

You'll receive a compliance score (0-100%), a list of violations, warnings, and passed checks — plus specific fix recommendations.

Step 3: Fix Critical Issues First

Start with the most critical violations: missing alt text, low color contrast, keyboard accessibility issues, touch target sizes, and missing form labels.

Step 4: Retest and Document

After making fixes, run another scan and save your PDF report for legal documentation.

WCAG 2.1 Compliance Checklist

Mobile Accessibility

• ✅ Touch targets are at least 44x44px (2.5.5)
• ✅ Content reflows to 320px width (1.4.10)
• ✅ Pointer gestures have alternatives (2.5.1)
• ✅ Motion can be disabled (2.5.4)

Low Vision & Visual Impairment

• ✅ Non-text contrast of 3:1 (1.4.11)
• ✅ Text spacing is adjustable (1.4.12)
• ✅ Hover content is dismissible (1.4.13)
• ✅ Color is not the only way to convey information (1.4.1)

Cognitive & Learning Disabilities

• ✅ Simple language and clear instructions (3.3.2)
• ✅ Error prevention for legal/financial data (3.3.4)
• ✅ Redundant entry is not required (3.3.7)

Frequently Asked Questions — What is WCAG 2.1?

Internal Links — WCAG 2.1 Resources