Mobile Accessibility Checklist for WCAG 2.1

Mobile Accessibility Audit

WCAG 2.1 introduced several success criteria specifically addressing mobile accessibility. Mobile auditing requires testing touch interactions, responsive layout, orientation support, and gesture alternatives.

Mobile-Specific WCAG 2.1 Criteria

Criterion	Level	Mobile Relevance
1.3.4 Orientation	AA	Content works in both portrait and landscape
1.4.10 Reflow	AA	No horizontal scroll at 320px
1.4.12 Text Spacing	AA	Custom text spacing does not break layout
2.1.4 Character Key Shortcuts	A	Single-key shortcuts on Bluetooth keyboards
2.5.1 Pointer Gestures	A	Alternatives to multipoint/path gestures
2.5.2 Pointer Cancellation	A	Actions trigger on up-event, not down-event
2.5.3 Label in Name	A	Visible text matches accessible name
2.5.4 Motion Actuation	A	Alternatives to shake/tilt

Touch Target Size

While WCAG 2.1 does not specify minimum touch target size (WCAG 2.2 criterion 2.5.8 requires 24x24px minimum), best practices recommend:

• Minimum 44x44 CSS pixels for touch targets (Apple HIG)
• 48x48 CSS pixels recommended (Material Design)
• Adequate spacing between adjacent targets
• Entire clickable area matches visible element

Testing Methodology

1. Test on actual devices — Simulators miss touch interaction issues
2. Test both orientations — Rotate between portrait and landscape
3. Test at various zoom levels — Up to 200% zoom
4. Test with assistive technology — VoiceOver (iOS), TalkBack (Android)
5. Test with external keyboard — Bluetooth keyboard with screen reader

Responsive Layout Checks

• Content reflows at 320px viewport width (no horizontal scrollbar)
• Text is readable without zooming on small screens
• Navigation is accessible (hamburger menu must be keyboard/touch operable)
• Form fields are properly sized for mobile input
• Modals and popovers fit within the viewport