HTML autocomplete attribute
The HTML `autocomplete` attribute on form fields declares the field's expected input type (`email`, `tel`, `address-line1`, etc.) so browsers, password managers, and assistive-tech extensions can pre-populate or assist with form completion.
Detailed explanation
WCAG 2.1 SC 1.3.5 (Identify Input Purpose) at Level AA requires user-input fields collecting information about the user to use the corresponding `autocomplete` value. The full list of standardized values is in the HTML Living Standard (`name`, `email`, `tel`, `street-address`, `postal-code`, `cc-number`, `bday-day`, etc.).
Misusing or omitting `autocomplete` increases typing burden for everyone and disproportionately harms users with motor or cognitive disabilities who depend on autofill. The common anti-pattern is `autocomplete="off"` on signup forms to "discourage password managers" — this is a 1.3.5 violation and a usability regression.
How this applies to Shopify stores
Shopify's native checkout sets `autocomplete` correctly on standard fields. Custom storefronts, custom signup flows, and theme newsletter forms often miss it. AccessComply detects unlabelled / mislabelled fields and writes correct `autocomplete` values.
What merchants should check next
Treat this term as a practical audit prompt, not just a definition. Check the storefront pages where the concept shows up in real customer journeys: product discovery, add-to-cart, cart drawer, checkout handoff, account login, and support contact flows. If the issue affects code, verify the rendered HTML and computed browser output after the theme change. If it affects copy or media, keep the merchant-facing wording accurate and easy to maintain.
Primary source: html.spec.whatwg.org