Resolving ElementNotInteractableException in Firefox with Selenium

Resolving ElementNotInteractableException in Firefox with Selenium

3 July 2024 Stephan Petzl Leave a comment QA

If you’re working with Selenium to automate browser interactions and encounter an ElementNotInteractableException in Firefox, you’re not alone. This issue often arises when attempting to click on an element that is not immediately interactable. Below, we’ll discuss a few effective strategies to address this problem.

Understanding the Issue

The ElementNotInteractableException typically occurs when the element you are trying to interact with is not visible or not in a state that allows interaction. This can be due to various reasons, such as the element being outside the viewport, hidden by another element, or not fully loaded.

Common Solutions

Here are some practical solutions to resolve this issue:

1. Clicking on a Child Element

One effective workaround is to click on a child element of the target <tr> element. This approach has been successful for many users. 


        WebElement row = webDriver.findElement(By.id("row_0"));
        WebElement cell = row.findElement(By.tagName("td"));
        cell.click();

2. Using the Actions Class

Another method involves using the Actions class to move to the element and then perform the click action. This can be particularly useful if the element is partially visible. 


        WebElement element = webDriver.findElement(By.id("row_0"));
        Actions actions = new Actions(webDriver);
        actions.moveToElement(element).click().perform();

3. JavaScript Executor

For elements that are not easily interactable through standard Selenium methods, you can use the JavaScript Executor to scroll the element into view and then click it. 


        WebElement element = webDriver.findElement(By.id("row_0"));
        JavascriptExecutor js = (JavascriptExecutor) webDriver;
        js.executeScript("arguments[0].scrollIntoView(true);", element);
        js.executeScript("arguments[0].click();", element);

4. Wait for Page Load

Sometimes, simply waiting for the page to fully load before interacting with the element can resolve the issue. Implementing a wait mechanism can ensure that the element is ready for interaction. 


        WebDriverWait wait = new WebDriverWait(webDriver, Duration.ofSeconds(10));
        WebElement element = wait.until(ExpectedConditions.elementToBeClickable(By.id("row_0")));
        element.click();

Advanced Techniques

For more advanced scenarios, such as dealing with dynamic elements or complex web applications, consider exploring our detailed guides on:

Enhancing Your Testing Strategy with Repeato

If you’re looking for a more efficient way to create, run, and maintain automated tests for your iOS and Android applications, consider using Repeato. Repeato is a no-code test automation tool that leverages computer vision and AI, making it particularly fast to edit and run tests. Its simple setup and ease of use make it an excellent choice for quality assurance teams.

For more information, visit our Getting Started guide or explore our blog for the latest updates and best practices.

Check it out!

Like this article? there’s more where that came from!

Repeato

Documentation

Support

Legal

Repeato Reviews