HashChangeEvent

The HashChangeEvent interface represents events that fire when the fragment identifier of the URL has changed.

The fragment identifier is the part of the URL that follows (and includes) the # symbol.

Properties

This interface also inherits the properties of its parent, Event.

HashChangeEvent.newURL Read only
The new URL to which the window is navigating.
HashChangeEvent.oldURL Read only
The previous URL from which the window was navigated.

Methods

This interface has no methods of its own, but inherits the methods of its parent, Event.

Examples

Syntax options for a hash change

You can listen for the hashchange event using any of the following options:

window.onhashchange = funcRef;

or

<body onhashchange="funcRef();">

or

window.addEventListener("hashchange", funcRef, false);

Basic example

function locationHashChanged() {
  if (location.hash === '#somecoolfeature') {
    somecoolfeature();
  }
}

window.addEventListener('hashchange', locationHashChanged);

Polyfill

There are several fallback scripts listed on the Modernizr GitHub page. Basically, those scripts check the location.hash at a regular interval. Here is a version that allows only one handler to be bound to the onhashchange property:

;(function(window) {

  // Exit if the browser implements that event
  if ( "onhashchange" in window.document.body ) { return; }

  var location = window.location,
      oldURL = location.href,
      oldHash = location.hash;

  // Check the location hash on a 100ms interval
  setInterval(function() {
    var newURL = location.href,
        newHash = location.hash;

    // If the hash has changed and a handler has been bound...
    if ( newHash != oldHash && typeof window.onhashchange === "function" ) {
      // Execute the handler
      window.onhashchange({
        type: "hashchange",
        oldURL: oldURL,
        newURL: newURL
      });

      oldURL = newURL;
      oldHash = newHash;
    }
  }, 100);

})(window);

Specifications

Specification Status Comment
HTML Living Standard
The definition of 'HashChangeEvent' in that specification.		 Living Standard Initial definition

Browser compatibility

DesktopMobile
ChromeEdgeFirefoxInternet ExplorerOperaSafariAndroid webviewChrome for AndroidFirefox for AndroidOpera for AndroidSafari on iOSSamsung Internet
HashChangeEventChrome Full support 5Edge Full support 12Firefox Full support 3.6IE Full support 8Opera Full support 10.6Safari Full support 5WebView Android Full support YesChrome Android Full support YesFirefox Android Full support 4Opera Android Full support 11Safari iOS Full support 5Samsung Internet Android Full support Yes
newURLChrome Full support YesEdge Full support 12Firefox Full support 6IE No support NoOpera Full support YesSafari Full support YesWebView Android Full support YesChrome Android Full support YesFirefox Android Full support YesOpera Android Full support YesSafari iOS Full support YesSamsung Internet Android Full support Yes
oldURLChrome Full support YesEdge Full support 12Firefox Full support 6IE No support NoOpera Full support YesSafari Full support YesWebView Android Full support YesChrome Android Full support YesFirefox Android Full support YesOpera Android Full support YesSafari iOS Full support YesSamsung Internet Android Full support Yes

Legend

Full support
Full support
No support
No support