Time Limits and Giving Users Control
Some sites impose time limits — a session that expires, a checkout countdown, a form that times out. For people who read slowly, type with difficulty, or use assistive technology, these limits can make tasks impossible to complete.
WCAG asks that, wherever possible, people be given enough time and the means to extend it. The principle is simple: the user should be in control of the clock.
Options for Handling Time Limits
Where a time limit is genuinely necessary, there are fair ways to handle it.
- Let the user turn the limit off before it starts.
- Let the user adjust the limit to suit their needs.
- Warn before time runs out and allow an easy extension.
Avoid Unnecessary Pressure
Countdown timers used purely to create urgency can exclude and stress users. We recommend reserving time limits for cases where they are truly required, such as security.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is a time limit genuinely justified?
Mainly for security — such as logging someone out of online banking after inactivity — or for limited-stock bookings. Even then, a clear warning and an easy extension keep it fair.
If you need a hand with any of this, your Progressive Robot delivery team is ready to help. Raise a ticket from the Support area of your client portal or speak to your account manager and we will guide you through the next steps.