How to enable autocomplete on for the input field

[AnanyaGowda17]

In the below image the autocomplete is off. How do we enable this field?
Also, in the ui5 webcomponents - https://sap.github.io/ui5-webcomponents-react/v2/?path=/docs/inputs-input--docs,
the autocomplete property is not available.

[Lukas742]

Hi @AnanyaGowda17

I'll forward this question to our UI5 Web Components Colleagues as the affected component is developed in their repository.

[nnaydenow]

The autocomplete feature for input fields is disabled due to several concerns:

1. Security Risks – Browsers store autocomplete data in different ways. This poses a risk of sensitive data unintentionally leaking outside the application.

2. Inconsistent Theming – The autocomplete popups/icons are styled by the browser, not UI5, which can lead to inconsistent and potentially strange-looking UI elements.

3. Unpredictable Browser Behavior – Each browser interprets and implements autocomplete differently, leading to inconsistencies in when and how autofill works. This behavior can even change between browser versions.

4. Event Handling Issues – Browsers fire change events differently when autofill is used, which can cause unexpected issues for developers and users.

5. Input Suggestions feature – The UI5 web components framework includes an input suggestion feature that offers similar behavior to autocomplete while ensuring consistency, accessibility, and proper event handling across different browsers.

Given these risks and inconsistencies, we've decided not to enable autocomplete. Since browser implementations of this feature are still evolving, supporting it would introduce more maintenance challenges than benefits.

[gundulaniemann]

The autocomplete attribute is the only way to comply with ACC-264.2 (see also https://www.w3.org/WAI/WCAG21/Understanding/identify-input-purpose.html).

Concerning your concerns mentioned above:

1. Saving information with autocomplete is opt-in by the user, usually at the point of saving data the first time. The data to be saved is user-related, not application related.
2. This is no reason. If users use autocomplete, they are aware the browser styles related UI elements. Icons added are the icons the user's assistive technology adds on user's intention, and they should look exactly like the user is used to.
3. We do not introduce incompliance into our software because browser vendors might make mistakes. One specific end users usually uses one specific browser.
4. Please elaborate. What makes the autofill harder than other differences in browser behavior?
5. Does the input suggestion have access to the values stored in the browser? If not, how does it collide? autofill must be active when user's data is asked. In which situation is the input suggestion needed at the same time?

[hristop]

Hi @gundulaniemann ,

Can you please create an Inner Source request and discuss that with the Central Design team? If this is something important, that needs to be implemented in the input controls / components, it needs to be evaluated by them.

Best Regards,
Hristo

[gundulaniemann]

Hello Hristo The inner process was created to streamline the communication between development and design. We as a central expert team are not (meant to be) part of it. The issue is in the application which violates the guidance as it is given for years (since the beginning of the Product Standard accessibility, to be precise). Kindly note we are not in the position to jump in in such a case. Please initiate the inner source process from your team, if the issue needs core design involvement. Best regards, Gundula From: Hristo Petrov ***@***.***> Sent: Thursday, 27 February 2025 08:13 To: SAP/ui5-webcomponents ***@***.***> Cc: Niemann, Gundula ***@***.***>; Mention ***@***.***> Subject: Re: [SAP/ui5-webcomponents] How to enable autocomplete on for the input field (Discussion #10849) Hi @gundulaniemann<https://github.com/gundulaniemann> , Can you please create an Inner Source request and discuss that with the Central Design team? If this is something important, that needs to be implemented in the input controls / components, it needs to be evaluated by them. Best Regards, Hristo — Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub<#10849 (comment)>, or unsubscribe<https://github.com/notifications/unsubscribe-auth/ANXAFG4QOOLLGNZF7HS67ND2R23HFAVCNFSM6AAAAABXBQ4WYOVHI2DSMVQWIX3LMV43URDJONRXK43TNFXW4Q3PNVWWK3TUHMYTEMZTGQ4TSNQ>. You are receiving this because you were mentioned.Message ID: ***@***.***>