cy.check() and cy.uncheck() in Cypress

Introduction

We use cy.check() to select checkboxes or radio buttons in tests. cy.uncheck() is used to deselect checkboxes. This helps us test if the app reacts correctly when options are chosen or removed.

When testing a form where users select preferences using checkboxes.

When verifying that selecting a radio button triggers the right behavior.

When ensuring that unchecking a checkbox disables or hides certain options.

When automating tests for filters on a shopping site that use checkboxes.

When confirming that only one radio button can be selected at a time.

Syntax

Cypress

cy.get('selector').check()
cy.get('selector').uncheck()

Use cy.get() to find the checkbox or radio button before calling check() or uncheck().

check() works for both checkboxes and radio buttons, but uncheck() only works for checkboxes.

Examples

Selects the checkbox with id 'subscribe'.

Cypress

cy.get('#subscribe').check()

Selects the radio button with value 'male'.

Cypress

cy.get('input[type="radio"][value="male"]').check()

Deselects the checkbox with class 'terms-checkbox'.

Cypress

cy.get('.terms-checkbox').uncheck()

Sample Program

This test visits a page with checkboxes and radio buttons. It checks the first checkbox, verifies it is checked, then unchecks it and verifies it is unchecked. Finally, it checks the first radio button and verifies it is checked.

Cypress

describe('Checkbox and Radio Button Test', () => {
  it('checks and unchecks inputs correctly', () => {
    cy.visit('https://example.cypress.io/commands/actions')

    // Check a checkbox
    cy.get('.action-checkboxes [type="checkbox"]').first().check().should('be.checked')

    // Uncheck the same checkbox
    cy.get('.action-checkboxes [type="checkbox"]').first().uncheck().should('not.be.checked')

    // Check a radio button
    cy.get('.action-radios [type="radio"]').first().check().should('be.checked')
  })
})

Important Notes

Always use unique and clear selectors to avoid selecting the wrong checkbox or radio button.

Trying to uncheck() a radio button will cause an error because radios cannot be unchecked by user action.

Use should('be.checked') or should('not.be.checked') to assert the state after checking or unchecking.

Summary

cy.check() selects checkboxes or radio buttons.

cy.uncheck() deselects checkboxes only.

Use assertions to confirm the input state after actions.

Practice

1. What does cy.check() do in Cypress testing?

easy

A. Deselects checkboxes only

B. Clicks buttons on the page

C. Selects checkboxes or radio buttons

D. Types text into input fields

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand the purpose of cy.check()

   cy.check() is used to select checkboxes or radio buttons in Cypress tests.

2. Step 2: Compare with other commands

   cy.uncheck() is used to deselect checkboxes only, so it does not match the question.

3. Final Answer:

   Selects checkboxes or radio buttons -> Option C

4. Quick Check:

   cy.check() selects inputs [OK]

Hint: Remember: check() selects, uncheck() deselects checkboxes [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Confusing cy.check() with cy.uncheck()
• Thinking cy.check() types text
• Assuming cy.check() clicks buttons

2. Which of the following is the correct syntax to uncheck a checkbox with id agree in Cypress?

easy

A. cy.get('#agree').uncheck()

B. cy.get('#agree').check()

C. cy.get('#agree').click()

D. cy.get('#agree').type('uncheck')

Solution

1. Step 1: Identify the command to deselect a checkbox

   To deselect a checkbox, use cy.uncheck().

2. Step 2: Match the syntax with the element selector

   cy.get('#agree').uncheck() correctly targets the checkbox with id 'agree' and unchecks it.

3. Final Answer:

   cy.get('#agree').uncheck() -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   uncheck() deselects checkbox [OK]

Hint: Use uncheck() only to deselect checkboxes [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Using check() to uncheck a box
• Using click() which may toggle unpredictably
• Trying to type 'uncheck' into checkbox

3. Given the following code snippet, what will be the assertion result?

cy.get('input[type="checkbox"]').check().should('be.checked');
cy.get('input[type="checkbox"]').uncheck().should('not.be.checked');

medium

A. First assertion passes, second fails

B. Both assertions pass

C. First assertion fails, second passes

D. Both assertions fail

Solution

1. Step 1: Analyze the first command and assertion

   cy.get('input[type="checkbox"]').check() selects all checkboxes, then should('be.checked') asserts they are checked. This should pass.

2. Step 2: Analyze the second command and assertion

   cy.get('input[type="checkbox"]').uncheck() deselects all checkboxes, then should('not.be.checked') asserts they are unchecked. This should also pass.

3. Final Answer:

   Both assertions pass -> Option B

4. Quick Check:

   check() then be.checked, uncheck() then not.be.checked [OK]

Hint: check() sets checked, uncheck() clears checked [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Assuming uncheck() works on radio buttons
• Thinking check() does not affect checked state
• Confusing assertion syntax

4. You wrote this Cypress test:

cy.get('input[type="radio"]').uncheck();

Why does this test fail?

medium

A. Because radio buttons cannot be selected

B. Because the selector is incorrect

C. Because uncheck() requires a parameter

D. Because uncheck() cannot be used on radio buttons

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand uncheck() limitations

   uncheck() works only on checkboxes, not radio buttons.

2. Step 2: Analyze the selector and usage

   The selector targets radio buttons, so using uncheck() causes failure.

3. Final Answer:

   Because uncheck() cannot be used on radio buttons -> Option D

4. Quick Check:

   uncheck() only for checkboxes [OK]

Hint: Use uncheck() only on checkboxes, not radios [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Trying to uncheck radio buttons
• Assuming uncheck() needs parameters
• Confusing selector correctness

5. You want to test a form with multiple checkboxes named features. You want to check only the boxes with values fast and secure, then verify only those are checked. Which Cypress code snippet correctly does this?

hard

A. cy.get('input[name="features"]').check(['fast', 'secure']).should('be.checked')

B. cy.get('input[name="features"]').check('fast').check('secure').should('be.checked')

C. cy.get('input[name="features"]').check(['fast', 'secure']).should('have.value', ['fast', 'secure'])

D. cy.get('input[name="features"]').check(['fast', 'secure']).should('be.checked').uncheck('fast')

Solution

1. Step 1: Use check() with array to select multiple checkboxes

   cy.get('input[name="features"]').check(['fast', 'secure']) checks the boxes with those values.

2. Step 2: Assert that those checkboxes are checked

   should('be.checked') confirms the selected checkboxes are checked.

3. Final Answer:

   cy.get('input[name="features"]').check(['fast', 'secure']).should('be.checked') -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   check(array) selects multiple, then assert checked [OK]

Hint: Use check(['val1','val2']) to select multiple checkboxes [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Using multiple check() calls without chaining properly
• Using should('have.value') which is incorrect for checkboxes
• Unchecking after checking without reason