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Fixed Orientation Lock

Android activities must support both portrait and landscape orientations unless a specific orientation is essential to the functionality.

WCAG Reference

Maps to: WCAG 1.3.4 Orientation | Applies to: WCAG 2.1, WCAG 2.2 Introduced in: WCAG 2.1 | Level: AA | Read the official specification →

What this rule checks​

The scanner flags activities with android:screenOrientation set to a fixed value (portrait, landscape, sensorPortrait, sensorLandscape) in the manifest, preventing device rotation.

Why it matters​

Users with motor disabilities may mount their device in a fixed orientation (e.g., attached to a wheelchair). Users with low vision may prefer landscape to display larger text. Locking orientation removes this choice and can make the app physically uncomfortable or impossible to use.

Common failure patterns​

  • android:screenOrientation="portrait" set globally on all activities
  • orientation locked programmatically with setRequestedOrientation() for non-essential reasons
  • splash screens or onboarding locked to portrait that propagate the lock to subsequent screens

Remediation guidance​

  • remove android:screenOrientation from the manifest (defaults to user-controlled rotation)
  • only lock orientation when the content genuinely requires it (e.g., a camera viewfinder)
  • test the app in both orientations to confirm layouts adapt correctly
  • document any essential orientation requirement with a clear justification
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