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Unlabeled Checkbox Element

Android checkbox elements must have an accessible label that describes what the checkbox controls.

WCAG Reference

Maps to: WCAG 4.1.2 Name, Role, Value | Applies to: WCAG 2.0, WCAG 2.1, WCAG 2.2 Introduced in: WCAG 2.0 | Level: A | Read the official specification →

What this rule checks​

The scanner identifies CheckBox and checkbox-like views that have no contentDescription, no associated <label>, and no text content, leaving TalkBack with nothing to announce beyond "Checkbox, not checked."

Why it matters​

Without a label, TalkBack users hear "Checkbox" but cannot tell what option they are selecting or deselecting. This makes forms and settings screens unusable for blind users.

Common failure patterns​

  • CheckBox views with no text and no contentDescription
  • custom checkbox implementations that do not set accessibility text
  • programmatically created checkboxes that skip label assignment

Remediation guidance​

  • set the android:text attribute on the CheckBox element
  • if visual text is provided by a separate TextView, use android:labelFor on the label pointing to the checkbox
  • for icon-only checkboxes, set contentDescription to describe the purpose
  • test with TalkBack and confirm the announced text clearly identifies the option
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