All WCAG criteria
WCAG 1.4.13 · PerceivableLevel AA

1.4.13Content on Hover or Focus

Tooltips, popovers, or other content that appears on hover/focus must be dismissable, hoverable (stays open when pointer moves to it), and persistent (does not auto-dismiss).

Common failures

Patterns that fail this criterion.

  • 01Tooltips that disappear when the pointer moves over the tooltip itself
  • 02Popovers that auto-close on a timer the user cannot extend
  • 03Hover content blocked by a sticky element with no way to dismiss
How to test

Testing approach: manual.

Manual — hover/focus on triggers; verify Escape dismisses, pointer can move into the popover, no premature auto-close.

How to fix

Remediation steps.

  1. 1

    Dismissable

    Allow Escape key to close. Click outside to close.

  2. 2

    Hoverable

    Mouse can leave the trigger and enter the popover without it closing.

  3. 3

    Persistent

    Stays open until the user dismisses, OR the trigger is no longer focused/hovered.

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