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.
Primary source: html.spec.whatwg.org