---
title: Ensure links have discernible text | Accessibility Rule
description: Links must have discernible text
source_url:
  html: https://testingbot.com/support/accessibility/web/rules/link-name
  md: https://testingbot.com/support/accessibility/web/rules/link-name/index.md
---
# Ensure links have discernible text

Rule ID: link-nameUser Impact: seriousGuidelines: WCAG 2.0

Ensure that all links contain clear and descriptive text to convey their purpose to users, especially those relying on assistive technologies.

## About This Rule

This rule ensures that links have discernible text, enhancing accessibility for users who rely on screen readers. Adhering to this guideline aligns with the following standards:

- WCAG 2.1 (A): 2.4.4 Link Purpose (In Context)
- WCAG 2.0 (A): 2.4.4 Link Purpose (In Context)
- WCAG 2.2 (A): 2.4.4 Link Purpose (In Context)
- Section 508: 1194.22 (a)
- Trusted Tester: 6.A
- EN 301 549: 9.2.4.4 Link Purpose (In Context)

## Why It Matters

Screen readers and other assistive technologies depend on link text to inform users about the destination or function of a link. Links without discernible text can cause confusion, making it difficult for users to navigate and interact with web content effectively.

## How to Fix

To make links accessible:

- **Provide Descriptive Text:** Ensure each link includes text that clearly describes its purpose or destination. Avoid using generic phrases like "click here" or "read more." 

    <a href="report.pdf">Download the annual report</a>

- **Use Accessible Name Attributes:** If a link is represented by an image or icon, provide an accessible name using the `aria-label` attribute: 

    <a href="settings.html" aria-label="Account settings">
      <img src="settings-icon.png" alt="">
    </a>

- **Avoid Empty Links:** Do not create links without any text or accessible name. Empty links are inaccessible to screen reader users. 
- **Ensure Visibility:** Make sure that link text is not hidden from assistive technologies using CSS properties like `display: none` or `aria-hidden="true"`. 
- **Ensure Focusability:** Avoid using device-specific events (e.g., `onmouseover`) that may prevent links from receiving programmatic focus. Use device-independent events like `onfocus` instead. 

### Examples

#### Incorrect

A link with generic text:

    <a href="article.html">Click here</a>

#### Correct

A link with descriptive text:

    <a href="article.html">Read the full article on climate change</a>

## More Information

- [H30: Providing link text that describes the purpose of a link for anchor elements](https://www.w3.org/WAI/WCAG21/Techniques/html/H30)
- [WebAIM: Link Text](https://webaim.org/techniques/hypertext/link_text)

## Other Rules

Interested in other web accessibility rules? Please see these other rules:

- [list](https://testingbot.com/support/accessibility/web/rules/list)
- [listitem](https://testingbot.com/support/accessibility/web/rules/listitem)
- [marquee](https://testingbot.com/support/accessibility/web/rules/marquee)
- [meta-refresh](https://testingbot.com/support/accessibility/web/rules/meta-refresh)
- [meta-viewport](https://testingbot.com/support/accessibility/web/rules/meta-viewport)