Names, roles and values · WCAG 2.0 Level A
Links must have discernible text
Ensure links have discernible text.
What it means
The link-name rule flags elements that fail this check. It maps to WCAG success criteria 2.4.4, 4.1.2.
Who it affects
Screen reader and voice control users, who need every control to announce a name and role.
How to fix it
Give every link discernible text. For icon-only links, add an aria-label or visually hidden text.
<a href="/cart" aria-label="Shopping cart"><svg aria-hidden="true">…</svg></a>Check it on your site
Run a free scan. If this rule fails, the results list the affected elements. Deque, which maintains axe-core, also documents this rule in detail: Deque University: link-name.
Quick answers
What does the axe rule "link-name" check?
Ensure links have discernible text.
How do I fix "Links must have discernible text"?
Give every link discernible text. For icon-only links, add an aria-label or visually hidden text.
Who is affected by link-name failures?
Screen reader and voice control users, who need every control to announce a name and role.
Automated accessibility scan. Results are informational and may not identify every accessibility issue. This service is not legal advice, a compliance certification, or a substitute for comprehensive manual accessibility testing.