Link has no text

WCAG 2.4.4 Link Purpose (In Context), level A
Critical
Links and buttons
Automated
Server pass

Why it matters

A link with no readable content is announced as "link" and nothing else, or as its web address. People cannot tell where it goes.

How to fix it

Add visible text, or an aria-label that says where it goes. Icon-only links need a name too.

<!-- Before -->
<a href="https://x.com/acme"><i class="icon-x"></i></a>

<!-- After -->
<a href="https://x.com/acme" aria-label="Acme on X"><i class="icon-x" aria-hidden="true"></i></a>

Read the W3C guidance: Understanding 2.4.4 Link Purpose (In Context).

Related rules

Linked image has no accessible name (WCAG 2.4.4)
Link text is vague (WCAG 2.4.4)
Same link text goes to different places (WCAG 2.4.4)
Link to a file does not say what it is (WCAG 2.4.4)

Find this on your own site. A11yMate scans every page and lists where it happens. See pricing or browse all rules.