Skip to main content

The WCAG Primer is intended for use by the UK cross government accessibility community.

2.4.5 Multiple Ways (AA)

What WCAG says:

More than one way is available to locate a Web page within a set of Web pages except where the Web Page is the result of, or a step in, a process.

Understanding 2.4.5 Multiple Ways

What this means

Users can locate and navigate content easily, quickly and in a way that works best for them.

Why it matters

Users have different needs and different preferences. For example, someone with a cognitive disability may use a sitemap to locate content, or someone with a visual impairment may use a search function instead of scrolling through a large page of content.

How to check

Look for at least 2 ways to navigate to all pages that are not part of a process (such as applying for a licence). All navigation methods must work and be easy to find.

The most common navigation tools to check are:

  • breadcrumbs or sub-navigation that usually appears at the top of a page
  • a sitemap – a page with links to all pages counts as a sitemap, as well as links in the footer
  • search functionality, allowing you to search for the page name or content within

How to test in detail for 2.4.5 Multiple Ways

Good example

A page which appears in search results

A search field for "accessibility statement for pay by card" Search result for "accessibility statetement for pay by card".
This is an example of a working “alternative way”, assuming that the page is also reachable by navigating around the site.

Common mistakes

Common mistakes include:

  • There are pages that are not part of the navigation structure.
  • A second navigation structure (like a sitemap or a search) is not present or easy to find.
  • Navigation methods do not work correctly - for example, some pages do not appear in search results.
A search field for "accessibility statement for pay by card" Arrow pointing to a "this link is dead" message with a skull.
As this search leads to a broken link, it does not count as an alternative way to access the page.