All WCAG criteria
WCAG 2.4.1 · OperableLevel A

2.4.1Bypass Blocks

A mechanism to bypass blocks of content repeated on multiple pages (typically navigation) must be available — usually a "skip to main content" link.

Common failures

Patterns that fail this criterion.

  • 01No skip-to-content link
  • 02Skip link present but visually hidden in a way that never shows on focus
  • 03Skip link target is `#main` but the `<main>` element has no `id="main"`
How to test

Testing approach: semi automated.

Tab to first interactive element on the page; confirm a "skip to content" link appears and works.

axe-core rules

skip-linklandmark-one-main
How to fix

Remediation steps.

  1. 1

    Add a skip link

    First focusable element. Hidden by default, visible on focus. `href="#main-content"` targeting `<main id="main-content">`.

  2. 2

    Use landmarks

    Proper landmarks (`<nav>`, `<main>`, `<aside>`, `<footer>`) give screen reader users another way to navigate.

Scan for WCAG 2.4.1 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 2.4.1 is one of 49 criteria we check on every scan.

Start free auditTry free scanner — no signup
Related criteria

Often appears with…

WCAG 2.4.5 · Level AA

Multiple Ways

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

View the full checklist