Placeholder is the only label
Why it matters
Placeholder text disappears as soon as you start typing, is often pale grey, and is not reliably announced. People forget what the field was for.
How to fix it
Add a real label. Keep the placeholder only for an example format, if at all.
<label for="tel">Phone number</label>
<input id="tel" type="tel" placeholder="e.g. 07700 900123">Read the W3C guidance: Understanding 3.3.2 Labels or Instructions.
Related rules
- Required field is only marked visually (WCAG 3.3.2)
- Form field has no label (WCAG 1.3.1)
- Personal details field has no autocomplete (WCAG 1.3.5)
- Radio or checkbox group has no group label (WCAG 1.3.1)
Find this on your own site. A11yMate scans every page and lists where it happens. See pricing or browse all rules.