All WCAG criteria
WCAG 1.3.4 · PerceivableLevel AA

1.3.4Orientation

Content must not be locked to a single orientation (portrait or landscape) unless essential.

Common failures

Patterns that fail this criterion.

  • 01Mobile site forces landscape for a video player when portrait would also work
  • 02App-like web UI that breaks layout when rotated
How to test

Testing approach: manual.

Manual — rotate device or change orientation in dev-tools; confirm content remains usable.

How to fix

Remediation steps.

  1. 1

    Avoid orientation lock

    Do not use `screen.orientation.lock()` unless the experience truly requires it (e.g. piano keyboard simulation).

  2. 2

    Test both orientations

    Include landscape + portrait in your responsive test matrix.

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