Changing the WordPress favicon is simple. You can do it in a few steps.
The favicon, or site icon, is the small image seen on the browser tab. It helps brand your site and makes it easy for visitors to recognize. Having a custom favicon can enhance your website’s identity and professionalism. Whether you are new to WordPress or a seasoned user, updating the favicon is a quick task that makes a big difference.
In this guide, you will learn the steps to change your WordPress favicon easily. With clear instructions, you will have your new favicon in no time. Let’s get started!

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Introduction To Favicon
Changing the WordPress favicon is simple. Navigate to your dashboard, click on Appearance, then Customize. Find the Site Identity section and upload your favicon image. Save changes and your new favicon will appear.
The favicon is a small but significant part of your website. It helps in branding and improves user experience. Many people overlook it, but its impact is undeniable.
What Is A Favicon?
A favicon is a tiny icon displayed in the browser tab. It appears next to your site’s name. It also shows up in bookmarks and shortcuts. The favicon is usually a small image, like your logo. It is often 16×16 pixels in size.
Importance Of A Favicon
A favicon makes your website look professional. It enhances your brand identity. Users can quickly recognize your site among many tabs. It helps in building trust with your audience. A well-designed favicon can set you apart from competitors.
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Preparing Your Favicon
Before you change your WordPress favicon, you need to prepare a favicon. This small icon represents your website in browser tabs, bookmarks, and mobile home screens. A well-designed favicon enhances brand recognition and creates a professional look. Let’s explore some tips and best practices to create a great favicon.
Favicon Design Tips
Designing a favicon requires simplicity and clarity. Here are some tips:
- Keep it simple: Use minimal details for a clear icon at small sizes.
- Use your logo: A simplified version of your logo works well.
- Choose contrasting colors: High contrast ensures visibility.
- Avoid text: Text is often unreadable in small icons.
Choosing The Right Size And Format
Favicons come in different sizes and formats. Here’s what you need to know:
Size | Purpose |
---|---|
16×16 pixels | Browser tab icon |
32×32 pixels | Taskbar icon |
48×48 pixels | Desktop icon |
180×180 pixels | Apple touch icon |
Common formats include ICO, PNG, SVG, and GIF. The ICO format is widely supported and allows multiple sizes in one file. For modern browsers, PNG and SVG formats are excellent choices due to their high quality and transparency support.
Uploading Favicon Via WordPress Customizer
Changing your WordPress favicon is an easy way to make your site stand out. You can do this via the WordPress Customizer. It allows you to upload and set your favicon directly from the dashboard.
Accessing The Customizer
First, log in to your WordPress admin dashboard. Once logged in, navigate to the Appearance section. Click on Customize to open the WordPress Customizer.
Adding The Favicon
In the Customizer, find the Site Identity tab. Click on it to open the settings. You will see an option labeled Site Icon. Click on the Select Site Icon button.
A window will open allowing you to upload your favicon. Click Select Files to upload your image. Make sure your favicon is in the correct format and size. WordPress recommends a square image of at least 512×512 pixels.
After uploading, you can crop the image if needed. Click Crop Image to adjust the size. Once done, click Publish to save the changes.
Your new favicon will now appear in the browser tab when visitors access your site.

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Using A Plugin To Add Favicon
Adding a favicon to your WordPress site improves branding. Favicons help users identify your site quickly. They show up on browser tabs, bookmarks, and shortcuts. Using a plugin can make this process easy. In this section, we will explore how to use a plugin to add a favicon to your WordPress site.
Recommended Plugins
Several plugins can help you add a favicon. Here are some popular ones:
- All In One Favicon – Simple and straightforward.
- Favicon by RealFaviconGenerator – Offers customization options.
- WP Site Favicon – Easy to use and reliable.
Step-by-step Plugin Guide
Follow these steps to add a favicon using the “Favicon by RealFaviconGenerator” plugin:
- Install and Activate the Plugin:
- Go to your WordPress dashboard.
- Navigate to Plugins > Add New.
- Search for Favicon by RealFaviconGenerator.
- Click Install Now and then Activate.
- Upload Your Favicon Image:
- Navigate to Appearance > Favicon.
- Click on Choose Image.
- Select your favicon image from your computer.
- Generate Favicon:
- Click on the Generate Favicon button.
- Wait for the process to complete.
- Preview and Save:
- Preview your favicon on different devices.
- Click Save to apply changes.
You have now added a favicon to your WordPress site using a plugin. This method is user-friendly and does not require coding skills.
Uploading Favicon Via Ftp
Uploading a favicon via FTP is a straightforward process. This method allows you to directly place your favicon file into your WordPress site. Follow these simple steps to change your WordPress favicon using FTP.
Accessing Your Server
First, you need to access your server. Use an FTP client like FileZilla. If you do not have it, download and install it. Open FileZilla and enter your FTP credentials. These include your hostname, username, password, and port number. Click ‘Quickconnect’ to connect to your server.
Uploading The Favicon File
Once connected, navigate to your WordPress theme directory. This is usually found under /wp-content/themes/your-theme-name/
. Locate the images
folder in your theme directory. If it does not exist, create a new folder and name it images
.
Upload your favicon file into this folder. Make sure your favicon file is named favicon.ico
. This is a standard name that browsers recognize.
Finally, add the following code to your theme’s header.php
file within the section:
Save the changes and upload the modified header.php
file back to your server. Clear your browser cache to see the new favicon. Your new favicon should now appear on your WordPress site.
Updating Favicon In Theme Settings
Updating your favicon in WordPress is a simple yet impactful way to enhance your website’s branding. The favicon, or site icon, appears in browser tabs, bookmarks, and more. To update it, you will generally need to access your theme settings.
Locating Theme Options
First, log in to your WordPress dashboard. Navigate to Appearance and then click on Customize. This will take you to the WordPress Customizer, where you can find various theme settings.
In the Customizer, look for a section titled Site Identity or something similar. Different themes might label it differently, but it’s usually under Site Identity.
Here, you can find options for updating your site’s title, tagline, and favicon.
Adding Favicon In Theme Settings
Once you’re in the Site Identity section, look for an option labeled Site Icon or Favicon. Click on the Select Image button to upload a new favicon.
For best results, your favicon should be a square image, preferably 512×512 pixels. This ensures it looks good across various devices and browsers.
After selecting the image, click on Publish to save your changes. Your new favicon will now appear in the browser tab and other locations.
Step | Action |
---|---|
1 | Log in to WordPress dashboard |
2 | Navigate to Appearance > Customize |
3 | Find Site Identity section |
4 | Click on Select Image to upload favicon |
5 | Click Publish to save changes |
Follow these steps to update your favicon quickly and easily. A well-chosen favicon can make your site look more professional and memorable.
Clearing Cache To See Changes
Changing your WordPress favicon is a simple task. But sometimes you might not see the changes right away. This can be due to cached data. Clearing the cache will help you view the updated favicon.
Clearing Browser Cache
First, let’s clear your browser cache. Cached data speeds up browsing by storing files. But it might show outdated versions of your site. Follow these steps:
- Open your browser settings.
- Find the option for clearing browsing data.
- Select cached images and files.
- Click on the clear data button.
After clearing the cache, refresh your website. You should now see the new favicon.
Clearing WordPress Cache
Next, clear the WordPress cache. WordPress caching plugins store a version of your site. This helps with faster loading times. But it might also show the old favicon. Follow these steps:
- Log in to your WordPress admin panel.
- Go to your caching plugin settings.
- Find the option to clear or purge all cache.
- Click on the clear cache button.
After clearing the cache, refresh your site. You should now see the new favicon.
Here are some popular caching plugins and how to clear their cache:
Plugin | How to Clear Cache |
---|---|
WP Super Cache | Go to Settings > WP Super Cache > Delete Cache |
W3 Total Cache | Go to Performance > Dashboard > Empty All Caches |
WP Fastest Cache | Go to WP Fastest Cache > Delete Cache |
Clearing the cache is essential. It ensures you see the latest version of your site. This includes your new favicon.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Troubleshooting common issues with your WordPress favicon can be frustrating.
Sometimes, even after following all the steps, the favicon may not display correctly.
Understanding these problems and their solutions can save you time and effort.
Favicon Not Showing
One common issue is the favicon not showing on your website.
This can happen for several reasons.
First, ensure you have uploaded the favicon correctly in the WordPress Customizer.
Navigate to Appearance > Customize > Site Identity and check the favicon settings.
Another potential problem is browser caching.
Clear your browser cache to see the new favicon.
Press Ctrl+F5 on Windows or Command+Shift+R on Mac to refresh.
Additionally, check if your favicon file is in the right format.
Commonly used formats include .ico, .png, and .gif.
Ensure the file is named correctly and has the correct file extension.
Incorrect Favicon Size
The size of your favicon also plays a crucial role.
Favicons should be square and at least 512×512 pixels.
If the size is incorrect, the browser may not display the favicon.
To fix this, resize your favicon to meet the recommended dimensions.
You can use free online tools to resize images.
Upload the resized image to your WordPress Customizer.
Finally, double-check the file path.
Ensure the favicon file is located in the root directory of your website.
Incorrect file paths can cause display issues.
Conclusion And Tips
After learning how to change your WordPress favicon, it’s essential to review some final thoughts and useful tips. These will help you maintain a professional and consistent website appearance.
Final Thoughts
Changing your WordPress favicon is a straightforward process. This small icon is vital for your site’s branding. Ensure the favicon is clear and represents your brand well. Keep the design simple and recognizable.
Remember to check your favicon’s appearance on different browsers and devices. This will ensure it looks good everywhere. Regularly update your favicon to match any branding changes.
Additional Resources
Need more help with your WordPress site? Here are some resources:
These resources offer detailed guides and tutorials. They can help you with various WordPress tasks, including favicon changes.
Use these tips to keep your website looking professional and aligned with your brand. A well-designed favicon enhances your site’s visual identity. Happy website building!

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Conclusion
Changing your WordPress favicon is simple and important. Follow these steps to make your site more professional. A unique favicon helps visitors recognize your brand quickly. Remember to keep your design clear and simple. Regular updates keep your site fresh and engaging.
Now, go ahead and give your WordPress site a personal touch. Your visitors will appreciate the extra effort. Enjoy the process and watch your site stand out. Happy customizing!