AccessiTech LLC

WCAG Guideline 3.3.7: Redundant Entry Explained

Estimated read time: 5–6 minutes

Guideline 3: Understandable

The Understandable principle ensures that users can easily interact with and understand web content, especially when entering information.

Guideline 3.3: Input Assistance

Guideline 3.3 focuses on helping users avoid and correct mistakes when entering information, including reducing unnecessary repetition.

What Is Guideline 3.3.7 Redundant Entry?

"Information previously entered by or provided to the user is either auto-populated or available for the user to select."

Guideline 3.3.7 requires that users are not forced to re-enter the same information multiple times in a single process.

Helps users complete forms more efficiently
Essential for users with cognitive, mobility, or learning disabilities
Applies to all multi-step forms and processes

For more, see BOIA: What is Redundant Entry and How Does It Affect Accessibility? .

Why Does It Matter?

All Users: Benefit from reduced repetition and effort
Users with Disabilities: May find repeated entry especially challenging
Accessibility: Improves efficiency and reduces frustration

For more, see W3C’s guidance on Redundant Entry .

What Needs to Avoid Redundant Entry?

Multi-step forms (e.g., checkout, registration)
Any process requiring repeated information
Auto-populate or allow selection of previously entered data

How to Meet Guideline 3.3.7

Auto-populate fields with previously entered information
Allow users to select from previously provided data
Test multi-step processes for redundant entry

For more, see the W3C's Redundant Entry Techniques .

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Forcing users to re-enter the same information
Not providing auto-fill or selection options
Failing to test multi-step forms for redundancy

Differences Between A, AA, and AAA for Guideline 3.3.7 in WCAG 2.2

Level AA: Requires redundant entry to be avoided in multi-step processes.
Level AAA: No additional requirements for 3.3.7.
Level A: Not applicable (3.3.7 is a Level AA requirement).

For more, see the W3C’s official documentation for 3.3.7 Redundant Entry .

Quick Checklist

Fields are auto-populated or selectable if previously entered
No repeated entry required in multi-step forms
Tested for redundancy with assistive technology

Summary

Guideline 3.3.7 ensures that users don’t have to enter the same information more than once in a process. Reduce repetition for a smoother, more accessible experience.

Efficiency and ease—help users by reducing unnecessary repetition!

AccessiTech LLC

WCAG Guideline 3.3.7: Redundant Entry Explained

Estimated read time: 5–6 minutes

Guideline 3: Understandable

The Understandable principle ensures that users can easily interact with and understand web content, especially when entering information.

Guideline 3.3: Input Assistance

Guideline 3.3 focuses on helping users avoid and correct mistakes when entering information, including reducing unnecessary repetition.

What Is Guideline 3.3.7 Redundant Entry?

"Information previously entered by or provided to the user is either auto-populated or available for the user to select."

Guideline 3.3.7 requires that users are not forced to re-enter the same information multiple times in a single process.

Helps users complete forms more efficiently
Essential for users with cognitive, mobility, or learning disabilities
Applies to all multi-step forms and processes

For more, see BOIA: What is Redundant Entry and How Does It Affect Accessibility? .

Why Does It Matter?

All Users: Benefit from reduced repetition and effort
Users with Disabilities: May find repeated entry especially challenging
Accessibility: Improves efficiency and reduces frustration

For more, see W3C’s guidance on Redundant Entry .

What Needs to Avoid Redundant Entry?

Multi-step forms (e.g., checkout, registration)
Any process requiring repeated information
Auto-populate or allow selection of previously entered data

How to Meet Guideline 3.3.7

Auto-populate fields with previously entered information
Allow users to select from previously provided data
Test multi-step processes for redundant entry

For more, see the W3C's Redundant Entry Techniques .

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Forcing users to re-enter the same information
Not providing auto-fill or selection options
Failing to test multi-step forms for redundancy

Differences Between A, AA, and AAA for Guideline 3.3.7 in WCAG 2.2

Level AA: Requires redundant entry to be avoided in multi-step processes.
Level AAA: No additional requirements for 3.3.7.
Level A: Not applicable (3.3.7 is a Level AA requirement).

For more, see the W3C’s official documentation for 3.3.7 Redundant Entry .

Quick Checklist

Fields are auto-populated or selectable if previously entered
No repeated entry required in multi-step forms
Tested for redundancy with assistive technology

Summary

Guideline 3.3.7 ensures that users don’t have to enter the same information more than once in a process. Reduce repetition for a smoother, more accessible experience.

Efficiency and ease—help users by reducing unnecessary repetition!