All WCAG criteria
WCAG 2.1.4 · OperableLevel A

2.1.4Character Key Shortcuts

Single-character keyboard shortcuts (single letters, digits, punctuation) must be either turn-off-able, remappable, or active only on focus.

Common failures

Patterns that fail this criterion.

  • 01Gmail-style "press / to search" with no way to disable
  • 02App with "j/k to navigate" that fires while user is typing
How to test

Testing approach: manual.

Manual — review documented shortcuts; confirm any single-character shortcut has an off switch or activates only when relevant element has focus.

How to fix

Remediation steps.

  1. 1

    Make shortcuts focus-based

    Only fire when a specific component (e.g. the search field) has focus.

  2. 2

    Provide a settings toggle

    Let users disable shortcuts entirely.

  3. 3

    Use modifier-required shortcuts

    Ctrl+/, Cmd+K — modified keys are exempt from 2.1.4.

Scan for WCAG 2.1.4 on your site

Find every violation in 42 seconds.

AccessProof runs axe-core 4.9.1 against your site and flags every WCAG criterion with the offending element selector. WCAG 2.1.4 is one of 49 criteria we check on every scan.

Start free auditTry free scanner — no signup

All 50 WCAG 2.1 Level A + AA success criteria explained.

View the full checklist