The best location for error messages
For error messages, the same applies as for descriptions: the best location is above the form field. In addition, the error message must be linked to the form field via aria-describedby.
How to do this is described in the guideline Place descriptions between label and form field .
Note: Placing the message above the form field is best practice and not a WCAG requirement.
Resources
Other pages in: Feedback on errors
Check at the right moment To help users and not confuse them, it’s important to choose the right moment to validate user input.
HTML form validation At this time (2026), form validation by the browser is not sufficiently accessible.
Use text for error messages Always write out the error message in text with clear, plain language.
Write clear error messages A custom-written error message gives the user the most guidance.
Error summary A user-friendly way to display errors is a combination of a summary above the form and repeating the error message for each form field.
Screen reader feedback There are several ways to provide feedback to screen reader users on form errors
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