accessibilityLabel

accessibilityLabel is a label attached to a user interface element that describes its purpose to assistive technologies, such as screen readers. It provides a textual description spoken when the element is focused, helping users who are blind or have low vision understand the control or content.

In iOS, the concept corresponds to UIAccessibilityLabel. In cross-platform frameworks and modern UI toolkits, accessibilityLabel is exposed as a property or prop that maps to the platform’s accessibility APIs. The label is read by screen readers like VoiceOver and TalkBack to convey the element’s function or meaning to the user.

Best practices include keeping labels concise and actionable, typically one to three words or a short phrase (for example, “Submit form” or “Play video”). Do not rely on visible text alone if it does not fully describe the control’s purpose. Localize labels for different languages and ensure they reflect dynamic state, such as “Muted” vs. “Unmuted.” Use accessibilityLabel for elements that convey meaning beyond decorative icons, and avoid duplicating redundant visible text.

Common pitfalls involve omitting labels on interactive or informative elements, labeling icons without context, or providing labels that are vague, generic, or outdated after state changes. It is important to test with screen readers to verify that the label communicates the intended action or information.

Related accessibility properties include accessibilityHint (providing extra context), accessibilityRole (type of control), and accessibilityState (current state). Together, these support inclusive design and usability testing.