Target size

Detailed explanation

The 24×24 minimum applies to the clickable region, not the visible icon — a 16×16 icon inside a 24×24 padded button passes. Exceptions exist for inline targets in body text (a link inside a paragraph), targets with a 24×24 spacing buffer, user-agent defaults, and "essential" presentation (e.g., a map's native pin density).

Small social icons, close controls, and variant selectors are common mobile review points. Platform design guidance may recommend larger targets than the WCAG minimum, while SC 2.5.8 also includes spacing and other documented exceptions.

How this applies to Shopify stores

AccessComply measures interactive targets on the pages and phone widths it reaches and reports the ones below 24 by 24 pixels, with the change to make in the theme. It does not enlarge targets itself: growing one safely depends on its padding, spacing and layout, which need a person to judge. Exceptions, overlapping hit areas and dynamic states also need review.

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: w3.org