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Andrew Hick edited this page Jul 26, 2023 · 9 revisions

Testing on mobile applications

This page gives an overview of how to test mobile apps for accessibility compared to websites.

Setting up a mobile device for testing

This section gives an overview of different settings used in mobile app testing.

Screen readers

iOS uses the VoiceOver screen reader:

Android uses the TalkBack screen reader:

VoiceOver and TalkBack work in different ways but have the following in common:

  • Reading out an object when it is single-tapped
  • Activating an object when it is then double-tapped
  • Swiping left and right to read sequentially through a page
  • Using a menu (called the rotor in VoiceOver and reading controls in TalkBack) to select which type of object to navigate, such as headings, then swiping up or down to navigate through them. Be aware that several options will not be available in mobile apps. The VoiceOver rotor documentation goes into more detail on this for iOS.

Keyboard

  • Use an external keyboard to connect to your device via Bluetooth.
  • To use an external keyboard on iOS, you also need to enable full keyboard access by going to Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard > Full keyboard access.
  • Use Tab and Shift+Tab to navigate between controls
  • Use Space or Enter to activate controls
  • Depending on the app, arrow keys might scroll or navigate between controls.

Language settings

In order to test language support within web views, you need to add appropriate languages to your device using the following instructions:

Differences between websites and mobile apps

This section highlights where there are differences in the approach for testing against Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) v2.1 AA success criteria between websites and mobile apps. Where the approach is different, there is more information on the relevant success criterion page.

Success criterion Different for mobile? Summary of difference
1.1.1 Non-text content Yes Use a screen reader
1.2.1 Audio-only and video-only (prerecorded) No N/A
1.2.2 Captions (prerecorded) No N/A
1.2.3 Audio description or media alternative (prerecorded) No N/A
1.2.4 Captions (live) No N/A
1.2.5 Audio Description (prerecorded) No N/A
1.3.1 Info and relationships Yes Use a screen reader
1.3.2 Meaningful sequence Yes Use a screen reader
1.3.3 Sensory characteristics No N/A
1.3.4 Orientation No N/A
1.3.5 Identify input purpose Yes Use auto-fill on the device
1.4.1 Use of colour No N/A
1.4.2 Audio control No N/A
1.4.3 Contrast (minimum) Yes Use screenshots
1.4.4 Resize text Yes Change the operating system text size
1.4.5 Images of text No N/A
1.4.10 Reflow Yes Unclear how to test
1.4.11 Non-text contrast Yes Use screenshots
1.4.12 Text spacing Yes Unclear how to test
1.4.13 Content on hover or focus Yes See page
2.1.1 Keyboard Partially Use an external keyboard
2.1.2 No keyboard trap Partially Use an external keyboard
2.1.4 Character key shortcuts Yes Use an external keyboard
2.2.1 Timing adjustable No N/A
2.2.2 Pause, stop, hide No N/A
2.3.1 Three flashes or below threshold No N/A
2.4.1 Bypass blocks Yes Use an external keyboard
2.4.2 Page titled Yes Use judgement
2.4.3 Focus order Partially Use an external keyboard
2.4.4 Link purpose (in context) No N/A
2.4.5 Multiple ways Yes Use judgement
2.4.6 Headings and labels No N/A
2.4.7 Focus visible Partially Use an external keyboard
2.5.1 Pointer gestures No N/A
2.5.2 Pointer cancellation No N/A
2.5.3 Label in name Yes Use a screen reader
2.5.4 Motion actuation No N/A
3.1.1 Language of page Yes Unclear how to test
3.1.2 Language of parts Yes Unclear how to test
3.2.1 On focus Partially Use an external keyboard
3.2.2 On input Partially Use an external keyboard
3.2.3 Consistent navigation No N/A
3.2.4 Consistent identification No N/A
3.3.1 Error identification No N/A
3.3.2 Labels or instructions No N/A
3.3.3 Error suggestion No N/A
3.3.4 Error prevention (legal, financial, data) No N/A
4.1.1 Parsing Yes Unclear how to test
4.1.2 Name, role, value Yes Use a screen reader
4.1.3 Status messages Yes Use a screen reader
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