cy.check() and cy.uncheck() in Cypress - Build an Automation Script

Verify checkbox can be checked and unchecked

Preconditions (1)

Step 1: Locate the checkbox with id 'subscribe-newsletter'

Step 2: Check the checkbox

Step 3: Verify the checkbox is checked

Step 4: Uncheck the checkbox

Step 5: Verify the checkbox is unchecked

✅ Expected Result: The checkbox is checked after checking and unchecked after unchecking

Automation Requirements - Cypress

Assertions Needed:

Verify checkbox is checked after cy.check()

Verify checkbox is unchecked after cy.uncheck()

Best Practices:

Use cy.get() with id selector for locating checkbox

Use explicit assertions with .should('be.checked') and .should('not.be.checked')

Avoid hardcoded waits; rely on Cypress automatic waits

Automated Solution

Cypress

describe('Checkbox check and uncheck test', () => {
  beforeEach(() => {
    cy.visit('https://example.com/checkbox-demo');
  });

  it('should check and uncheck the newsletter subscription checkbox', () => {
    cy.get('#subscribe-newsletter')
      .check()
      .should('be.checked');

    cy.get('#subscribe-newsletter')
      .uncheck()
      .should('not.be.checked');
  });
});

The test starts by visiting the checkbox demo page in the beforeEach hook to ensure a fresh state before each test.

We locate the checkbox using cy.get('#subscribe-newsletter'), which uses the id selector for clarity and speed.

We then use .check() to check the checkbox and immediately assert it is checked with .should('be.checked').

Next, we use .uncheck() to uncheck the checkbox and assert it is unchecked with .should('not.be.checked').

This approach uses Cypress's built-in waiting and assertion mechanisms, avoiding any manual waits or flaky code.

Common Mistakes - 3 Pitfalls

Using cy.click() instead of cy.check() to check a checkbox

{'mistake': 'Not asserting the checkbox state after checking or unchecking', 'why_bad': 'Without assertions, the test does not verify if the action succeeded, making the test unreliable.', 'correct_approach': "Always add assertions like .should('be.checked') or .should('not.be.checked') after actions."}

Using overly complex or fragile selectors like XPath or nth-child for checkboxes

Bonus Challenge

Now add data-driven testing to check and uncheck three different checkboxes with ids 'subscribe-newsletter', 'accept-terms', and 'receive-updates'.

Show Hint

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