The HTML autocomplete attribute
Quick answer
The HTML autocomplete attribute hints whether and how the browser should autofill the field. It is used on the <form> element and form controls such as <input>, <textarea> and <select>.
Overview
The autocomplete attribute hints whether and how the browser should autofill the field. It applies to the <form> element and form controls such as <input>, <textarea> and <select>.
Specific tokens (like autocomplete="current-password" or one-time-code) help password managers and improve UX. Use off sparingly — it often degrades the experience.
Syntax
<input type="email" autocomplete="email">Values
| Value |
|---|
on | off — or a specific token such as email, name, current-password, one-time-code. |
Example
<input type="email" autocomplete="email" placeholder="you@example.com" style="padding:8px;">Best practices
- Give every control a <label> so it has an accessible name.
- Treat client-side constraints as a convenience — always validate again on the server, since they can be bypassed.
- Choose the most specific input type so users get the right on-screen keyboard and built-in checks.
- Keep the submitted name and value meaningful for whatever processes the form.
Frequently asked questions
What does the autocomplete attribute do?
Controls browser autofill for a field.
Are HTML form attributes enough for validation?
They give instant feedback, but client-side checks can be bypassed, so always validate on the server too.
Do form controls still need a label?
Yes. Every control needs a <label> for an accessible name, whatever attributes you set.
Which elements use the autocomplete attribute?
It is an element-specific attribute, used on form controls such as <input>, <select> and <textarea>.