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seriousWCAG 1.3.4 · AA

CSS Media queries must not lock display orientation

css-orientation-lock

Ensure content is not locked to any specific display orientation, and the content is operable in all display orientations

The criterion behind it

1.3.4 Orientation

Do not lock the page to one screen orientation.

Level AA · EN 301 549 § 9.1.3.4

Why this check exists

Many people have their device fixed in one orientation on a mount. Forcing portrait means they have to turn their whole chair.

What usually triggers it

  • failsA CSS or app-level lock to portrait.

How to fix it

  • doSupport both orientations unless the orientation is essential — a piano keyboard, say.

How it is reported

A11ySignal reports this at serious impact. Every failing element comes with its CSS selector and the markup that failed, so you can go straight to the line rather than hunting for it. Deque publishes the engine-level detail:

https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.13/css-orientation-lock ↗

Check implemented by axe-core 4.13.0, © Deque Systems, MPL-2.0.