How To Change Favicon in WordPress To Elevate Your Brand Identity: The Ultimate Guide

Blogmarketingtool.com | How To Change Favicon in WordPress Easily – The favicon, a small but impactful element, plays a crucial role in a website’s visual identity. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the steps to effortlessly change the favicon in your WordPress site, enhancing its overall look and feel.

Are you tired of the generic favicon on your WordPress site? It’s time to make a change. Learn the ins and outs of customizing your favicon to leave a lasting impression on your visitors.

Have you ever realized that every website has a small logo, please click on the browser tab.

A favicon is a small icon that becomes the identity of a website.

On websites, the logo is usually located at the top of the page with varying sizes, while the favicon is located on the browser tab.

If your website doesn’t have a favicon until now, please read the following article to the end because we will show you how to easily change the favicon in WordPress.

Why Websites Need a Favicon?

Favicon becomes the identity of a website, so every website needs a favicon for their respective identities.

Visitors will see browser tabs very often, especially if you open multiple tabs at the same time, the favicon is what will differentiate each website.

Here are some reasons why websites need a favicon:

In general, website visitors will be aware of the use of logos/symbols on the website.

By installing it on your website’s favicon, your branding will be stronger so that visitors will remember it more.

Especially for those who like to open multiple tabs at once, without a favicon you can’t distinguish one website from another.

It takes time for this branding process

Even though it’s only small in size, trust can be built from favicon.

Website visitors will feel awkward when they see a website that doesn’t have a favicon, even though others are already using it.

Especially for a business website or online store, having a favicon is an important element that must exist.

For smartphone users, of course, opening many tabs at once must be done often.

Now with this favicon, it is very helpful for smartphone users to switch tabs from one tab to another.

Why Change the Favicon in WordPress?

A favicon, though small in size, holds immense significance for a website. Here’s an in-depth look at why changing the favicon in WordPress is crucial:

1. Brand Identity: A favicon is a visual representation of your brand. It appears in the browser tab and bookmarks, helping users identify your site instantly. It’s like a mini logo, contributing to a consistent and memorable brand image.
2. Professionalism: A custom favicon showcases attention to detail and professionalism. It’s a subtle but powerful way to demonstrate that you’ve invested time and effort in perfecting every aspect of your website.
3. Enhanced User Experience: In a sea of open tabs, a distinct favicon aids navigation. Users can quickly spot your site, leading to easier access and improved user experience.
4. Trust and Credibility: A well-designed favicon adds to the overall trustworthiness of your site. It signals that your website is well-maintained and curated with care, fostering trust among visitors.
5. Memorability: A unique favicon stands out and is more likely to be remembered by visitors. It leaves a lasting impression, potentially increasing the likelihood of return visits.
6. SEO Impact: While not a direct ranking factor, a recognizable favicon can indirectly influence click-through rates in search results. It contributes to a positive user experience, which search engines value.

Changing the favicon in WordPress is a small yet impactful step towards enhancing brand identity, user experience, and overall credibility. This comprehensive guide will provide clear instructions and practical examples, ensuring that readers gain a deep understanding of the process, setting this article apart from its competitors.

Choosing an Appropriate Favicon Image

Selecting the right favicon image is crucial for an effective visual representation of your website. Here’s an in-depth guide on how to make this choice:

1. Size and Format: Opt for a square image, preferably 512×512 pixels. Save it in a standard image format like PNG, JPEG, or GIF.
2. Simplicity is Key: Keep the design simple and easily recognizable, even at small sizes. Intricate details may become indiscernible.
3. Reflect Branding: If your website represents a brand, consider incorporating elements of your logo or brand colors into the favicon.
4. Maintain Consistency: Ensure the favicon aligns with the overall visual theme and style of your website.
5. Test for Legibility: Preview the favicon at various sizes to confirm that it remains clear and identifiable.
6. Consider Accessibility: Choose colors and shapes that are accessible to individuals with visual impairments.
7. Avoid Text: Avoid using text in your favicon, as it may become illegible at smaller sizes.
8. Check for Copyright: Ensure the chosen image is either original, royalty-free, or properly licensed to avoid copyright issues.
9. Test Across Devices: Confirm that the favicon appears well on different devices and browsers.

By following these steps, you can confidently choose a favicon that effectively represents your website.

How to Prepare Your Favicon Image

Before changing your favicon in WordPress, it’s crucial to have a well-prepared favicon image. Here’s a detailed guide on how to do it right:

1. Choose a Clear and Simple Design: Opt for a design that is easily recognizable, even at small sizes. Avoid intricate details that may become indistinguishable.
2. Dimensions and Format: Ensure your favicon image is a square with recommended dimensions of 512×512 pixels. Save it in a standard image format like PNG, JPEG, or GIF.
3. Maintain Visual Consistency: If your website represents a brand, incorporate elements of your logo or brand colors to maintain visual consistency.
4. Preview at Different Sizes: Test the favicon image at various sizes to ensure it remains clear and identifiable.
5. Consider Accessibility: Choose colors and shapes that are accessible to individuals with visual impairments, following best practices for contrast and legibility.
6. Avoid Text and Fine Details: Text or intricate details may not be legible at small sizes. Stick to bold, simple shapes and recognizable symbols.
7. Check Copyright and Licensing: Ensure the chosen image is either original, royalty-free, or properly licensed to avoid any copyright issues.

By following these steps, you’ll prepare a favicon image that effectively represents your website and ensures a seamless user experience.

How to Create a WordPress Favicon

For those who don’t know, the favicon uses the .ico format with a square shape and the size is 512 pixels x 512 pixels.

If you already have a website logo image, you can resize the image according to the recommended size.

Or you can redesign using image editing software such as Adobe Photoshop, Corel Draw and the like.

Then you can save it in .ico format or convert your design using Favicon.io, Favicon-generator.org, etc. Applications.

How is the favicon ready to be used? Let’s move on to how to install favicon in WordPress.

Step-by-step Guide on How To Change Favicon in WordPres

For How To Change Favicon in WordPress, there are many ways, you can choose which one is the easiest and fastest.

Here’s a tutorial on changing the website’s favicon:

How To Change Favicon in WordPress Automatically

If you are a WordPress user, you can change your website’s favicon automatically by uploading a file with the name favicon.ico.

The WordPress website will automatically detect this icon file and will set it as the website’s favicon.

For the following way:

• Make sure you have prepared a square image with dimensions of 1:1 size 512px x 512px image formats such as jpeg, jpg, png etc.
• Then convert the image to .ico format, use an online converter application to make it easier.
• If you have downloaded it, then rename the file to favicon.ico, the browser will be able to recognize the name.
• Please upload it to your WordPress website directory, you can via Media > Add New.

If so, please check whether it works or not.

How To Change Favicon in WordPress without a Plugin

The second way to change the website icon is no less easy, you can use the WordPress customizer.

But the minimum requirement is to use WordPress version 4.3 and above, if below that this feature cannot appear.

Here’s how to replace it:

• Please login to your WordPress website account.
• If so, please go to the menu Appearance > Customize.
• Next, please select the menu Site Identity.
• Scroll down and find the menu Site Icon, please prepare a favicon file with a size of 512 × 512 earlier.
• Please Select Image and Upload, wait for the process to finish.
• Don’t forget to save changes by pressing the “Publish” at the top of the WordPress themes.

If so, please check whether the process of replacing the new favicon has been successful or not.

By following these steps, you can easily customize your WordPress site’s favicon, giving it a distinctive and professional touch.

How To Change Favicon in WordPress with a Plugin

If you can’t use the first and second methods, there is a last option that you can try to change the website’s favicon.

You do this by using a WordPress plugin, we recommend Favicon by RealFaviconGenerator plugin.

This plugin has proven to be the most widely used plugin by WordPress users, there are more than 200 thousand installations of this favicon plugin.

Immediately, here’s how to replace the WordPress favicon with a plugin.

• Please login to your WordPress website.
• After logging in, please go to the Plugin menu > Add New then write in the search box “Favicon”.
• If it appears Favicon by RealFaviconGenerator please Install then Activate.
• Then please go back to the WordPress dashboard, go to the Appearance menu and select the new “Favicon” menu.
• Please select the “Select from the Media Library” menu, then select the image you will use as a favicon.
• If you have found it, please select the “Generate Favicon” button and wait for the process, if it is correct, please continue with “Continue with this picture”.
• Please scroll down and select “Generate your Favicons and HTML code”.
• Done.

Please see whether the appearance of your website’s favicon has changed or not.

Ensuring Favicon Compatibility Across Devices

Ensuring that your favicon appears consistently across various devices is crucial for a seamless user experience. Here’s an in-depth guide to guarantee compatibility:

1. Opt for Scalable Formats: Use vector-based formats like SVG for your favicon. They scale seamlessly without loss of quality on different screen sizes.
2. Provide Multiple Sizes: Include different sizes of your favicon in the HTML code to cater to a range of devices. Use the <link> element with the rel="icon" attribute and various sizes.
3. Use a Favicon Generator Tool: Utilize online tools that generate favicons in multiple sizes and formats automatically. This ensures broad compatibility.
4. Test on Various Devices: Preview your website on different devices such as desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones to verify that the favicon displays correctly.
5. Verify Browser Compatibility: Ensure your favicon appears as intended on popular web browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge.
6. Consider Touch Icons for Mobile Devices: Include a touch icon for Apple devices using the <link> element with rel="apple-touch-icon" to optimize the user experience on iOS devices.
7. Verify in Different Resolutions: Test the favicon on screens with various resolutions to ensure it remains clear and identifiable.

By following these steps, you can guarantee that your favicon maintains consistent visibility and recognition across a wide range of devices.

Previewing Your Favicon Changes

Before finalizing the new favicon on your WordPress site, it’s essential to preview it to ensure it meets your expectations. Here’s a detailed guide on previewing your favicon changes:

1. Access the WordPress Customizer: Log in to your WordPress dashboard, go to Appearance, and click on Customize.
2. Navigate to Site Identity: Inside the Customizer, find the ‘Site Identity’ section. This is where you can upload and preview your favicon.
3. Upload Your Favicon: Click on ‘Select Image’ next to the ‘Site Icon’ or ‘Favicon’ option. Choose your favicon image from your computer files and upload it.
4. Preview Across Devices: The Customizer allows you to preview how your site will look on different devices, including desktops, tablets, and mobile phones.
5. Check Different Browsers: Toggle between different browsers in the Customizer to see how your favicon appears in each one.
6. Test on Incognito/Private Mode: Open a new incognito or private window in your browser and visit your site to view the favicon without any cached data.
7. Review Accessibility: Ensure that the favicon remains visible and distinguishable for users with visual impairments.
8. Save and Publish: Once you’re satisfied with the preview, click ‘Save & Publish’ to make the changes live on your site.

By following these steps, you can confidently preview and finalize your new favicon in WordPress.

Testing the New Favicon

After implementing a new favicon on your WordPress site, it’s crucial to thoroughly test it to ensure it appears correctly and functions as intended. Here’s a comprehensive guide on testing the new favicon:

1. Clear Browser Cache: Start by clearing your browser cache to ensure you’re viewing the latest version of your site with the updated favicon.
2. Verify Across Different Browsers: Open your site in various browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge to confirm that the favicon displays consistently across different platforms.
3. Check on Different Devices: Test your site on different devices such as desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones to ensure the favicon appears appropriately on each screen size.
4. Inspect in Incognito/Private Mode: View your site in incognito/private mode to make sure the favicon is loading properly for new visitors who haven’t cached your site yet.
5. Verify in Different Resolutions: Test on screens with various resolutions to ensure the favicon remains clear and recognizable.
6. Check Accessibility: Confirm that the favicon maintains accessibility standards, ensuring it’s visible and distinguishable for users with visual impairments.
7. Test Favicon Click Functionality: Click on the favicon to ensure it behaves correctly, possibly linking back to the homepage or performing any intended action.
8. Review in Page Speed Tests: Use page speed testing tools to evaluate if the addition of the favicon impacts site load times.

By following these steps, you’ll be able to confidently ensure that your new favicon is functioning optimally on your WordPress site.

Troubleshooting Common Favicon Change Issues

1. Cache Problems: Favicon changes might not immediately reflect due to cached files. Clear the browser cache and refresh the page.
2. Incorrect File Format: Ensure the favicon is in the correct format (ICO, PNG, etc.) and the file name is correctly specified in the HTML.
3. File Location: Place the favicon in the root directory of your WordPress installation.
4. Size and Resolution: Verify the favicon meets the recommended size and resolution standards to display correctly across devices.
5. HTML Code: Check the HTML code in the header section of your WordPress theme to confirm the favicon reference is correctly coded.
6. Browser Compatibility: Test the favicon across different browsers to ensure compatibility and visibility.
7. Plugin Conflicts: Disable plugins one by one to identify if any plugin is conflicting with the favicon display.
8. WordPress Version and Theme: Update WordPress to the latest version and ensure your theme supports favicon customization.

By addressing these common issues, you can troubleshoot and resolve most problems related to changing the favicon in WordPress, ensuring the correct display of your chosen favicon across browsers and devices.

FAQs About How To Change Favicon in WordPress