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How to Change Favicon in WordPress: Simple Step-by-Step G…

Posted on by William Zheng

Ever noticed how some websites display a unique little icon in your browser tab? That tiny symbol—known as a favicon—can make your WordPress site instantly recognizable and boost your brand’s personality.

If you’re wondering how to change the favicon on your WordPress site, you’re not alone. It’s a simple tweak, but it makes a big impact on user experience and brand visibility.

In this article, you’ll find a straightforward guide to updating your favicon, plus helpful tips to get the best results.

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How to Change the Favicon in WordPress: A Step-by-Step Guide

Changing your WordPress favicon is one of the quickest ways to give your website a professional, trustworthy feel. Favicons—also called site icons—are the little images seen next to page titles in browser tabs, bookmarks, and mobile app shortcuts. If you want your website to stand out and be easily recognizable, updating your favicon is a must.

This guide will lead you through everything you need to know, from what a favicon is, the different methods for updating it, and practical tips for a seamless experience.

What Is a Favicon and Why Does It Matter?

A favicon is a small, square icon associated with your website. It’s usually seen:

  • In browser tabs
  • Next to your site name in bookmarks and favorite lists
  • When your site is saved to a phone’s home screen

Why Should You Change Your Favicon?

  • Brand Recognition: A unique favicon reinforces your identity and helps users spot your site in a crowded browser.
  • Professionalism: A custom favicon shows attention to detail; using the default WordPress logo or no icon can appear unpolished.
  • Trust & Credibility: Users are more likely to trust and revisit sites that look finished and branded.

How to Change Your Favicon in WordPress

There are several ways to add or update a favicon in WordPress—most are quick and beginner-friendly, requiring no coding.

Method 1: Using the WordPress Customizer (Recommended for Most Users)

  1. Prepare Your Favicon Image:
  2. Ensure it’s square (ideally 512 x 512 pixels).
  3. Use common formats: PNG, JPEG, or GIF.

  4. Keep the design simple and recognizable at small sizes.

  5. Access WordPress Customizer:

  6. Log in to your WordPress Dashboard.
  7. Go to Appearance > Customize.

  8. Find the Site Identity panel.

  9. Upload Your Favicon:

  10. Look for the option labeled “Site Icon” or “Favicon.”
  11. Click “Select Site Icon” and upload your prepared image.

  12. Crop it if prompted, then save your changes.

  13. Publish:

  14. Click the “Publish” or “Save” button.
  15. Visit your site and confirm the favicon appears in your browser tab.

Benefits of This Method

  • No plugins required
  • Works with nearly all modern WordPress themes
  • Updates the favicon for both desktop and mobile devices

Method 2: Uploading a Favicon via a Plugin

For users seeking more control or needing to support old themes, plugins can help:

  1. Choose a Favicon Plugin: Search for “favicon” or “site icon” in the Plugins section.
  2. Install & Activate: Click “Install,” then “Activate.”
  3. Follow Plugin Instructions: Most plugins offer a settings page where you upload your favicon and configure extra options.

Popular Features in Favicon Plugins

  • Multiple icon formats for widespread compatibility
  • Icon previews on different devices
  • Automatic resizing

Method 3: Manually Adding Favicon via Code (Advanced)

If you’re comfortable editing theme files or want to fine-tune favicon behavior, consider this method:

  1. Create Favicon in .ico Format: Use an icon generator or software.
  2. Upload to Site’s Root Directory: Use FTP or your hosting file manager.
  3. Edit the header.php File:

  4. Insert:

    “`html

    “`
    – Save and refresh your site.

Caution

Only use this method if you are comfortable editing site files. Always have a backup before making changes.

Method 4: Using Your Theme’s Options Panel

Some premium and custom themes provide their own settings for favicon upload:

  • Look for a Theme Options or Theme Settings panel in the WordPress dashboard.
  • Find a favicon or site icon option.
  • Upload your image and save.

This is convenient, but remember: changing themes may mean re-uploading your favicon.

Useful Tips and Best Practices

  • Square & Simple: Tiny icons lose detail quickly. Opt for bold shapes or single letters.
  • High Resolution (512×512): Ensures good appearance on all devices and retina screens.
  • Transparent Background: Use PNG for better results, especially with varied browser backgrounds.
  • Test on Different Devices: Make sure your favicon is clear on desktop, mobile, and in different browsers.
  • Clear Caching: Sometimes, changes don’t show up immediately. Clear your browser cache or try private/incognito mode.
  • Keep a Backup: Store your favicon image in a safe place for easy future updates.

Common Challenges and Solutions

  • Favicon Not Updating: This is usually caused by browser caching. Try clearing your cache or checking from a different device.
  • Wrong Dimensions: If your icon looks blurry or is cropped, make sure the image is a perfect square and at least 512×512 pixels.
  • Theme Doesn’t Support It: Use a plugin or manual method if your theme lacks the site icon feature.

Costs and Considerations

  • Changing Your Favicon is Free: All the standard methods use core WordPress features or free plugins.
  • Hire a Designer (Optional): If you want a professional touch, consider hiring a designer or purchasing a custom icon.
  • No Shipping or Handling Fees: Favicon changes are digital and handled entirely online.

Maintaining Your Brand Over Time

Updating your favicon isn’t a one-time task. As your brand evolves, your website’s look and feel—including your favicon—should be refreshed as needed.
Keep your design consistent with your logo, colors, and general website aesthetic.

Summary

Updating your WordPress favicon helps reinforce your brand, creates a professional impression, and boosts user trust. You can change your favicon through the WordPress Customizer, using plugins, by manual code changes, or through your theme settings. Always choose a simple, square image, clear your cache after updates, and check your changes on various devices. Best of all, it doesn’t cost anything—just a few minutes of your time for a lasting, recognizable impact.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I create a favicon for my WordPress website?

You can use any graphic design tool (like Canva, Photoshop, or free favicon generators online) to create a square image. Make sure it’s at least 512×512 pixels and saved as a PNG for the best results.

2. Why isn’t my new favicon showing up after I upload it?

This is often due to browser caching. Try clearing your browser’s cache or opening your site in a private/incognito window. It may also take a little time for all browsers to recognize the new icon.

3. Can I change my WordPress favicon without using a plugin?

Absolutely! The WordPress Customizer has a built-in “Site Icon” (favicon) feature that lets you upload your icon directly, no plugin required.

4. Does my favicon have to be a specific size or format?

Yes, for best results, use a square image that’s at least 512×512 pixels in PNG or JPEG format. WordPress will automatically resize it for various devices.

5. Will my favicon change if I switch WordPress themes?

If you added your favicon using the WordPress Customizer’s “Site Icon” setting, it will remain when you switch themes. However, if you used a theme’s specific options panel, you may need to upload your favicon again after switching.

Give your website that final polish by updating your favicon today—it’s a small step that makes a big difference!

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