How to Change Favicon on WordPress: Step-by-Step Guide

Studies on browser tab usage, such as those analyzing Firefox users or Chrome data, show averages of 5–11 tabs open, keeping multiple tabs open simultaneously. For instance, a 2025 Nielsen study found 52% of users keep 1–5 tabs (light users), with only 39% in moderate/heavy categories.

A favicon is the small icon that appears next to your website name in browser tabs, bookmarks, and mobile shortcuts. While it may look minor, it plays a major role in branding, user experience, and trust. Many WordPress website owners either skip adding a favicon or don’t know the correct way to update it. This can make a site look incomplete or unprofessional, even if the content and design are strong.

In this blog, you’ll learn how to Change favicon on WordPress using simple, safe, and beginner-friendly methods. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to add or update your favicon correctly, avoid common mistakes, and ensure your website looks professional across all devices and browsers.

What Is a Favicon and Why Does It Matter?

A favicon is a small square image that represents your website visually. It usually appears in browser tabs, bookmarks, mobile browser shortcuts, and sometimes in search engine results. Most favicons are 16×16 or 32×32 pixels, but WordPress supports larger sizes to ensure compatibility across devices.

From a branding perspective, a favicon acts like a logo shortcut. When someone opens multiple tabs, the favicon becomes the easiest way to recognize your site. This improves user experience and keeps visitors engaged.

From an SEO point of view, while a favicon is not a direct ranking factor, it improves brand recognition, click-through rates, and trust signals. A professional favicon can make your website stand out in browser tabs and bookmarks, which indirectly supports better engagement metrics.

When learning how to redesign a website, updating visual elements like the favicon is a small but powerful step that strengthens branding, improves user recognition across tabs and devices, and supports better engagement signals.

Things to Prepare Before Changing a Favicon

Before you proceed to Change favicon on WordPress, you should prepare a few things in advance. This ensures the process is smooth and error-free.

First, you need an image file that represents your brand clearly. Most website owners use a logo, symbol, or lettermark. The image should be square, clean, and readable even at small sizes. Avoid long text or complex details.

Second, make sure the image is saved in a supported format such as PNG, JPG, or ICO. PNG is the most recommended format because it supports transparency and maintains quality.

Third, resize the image to at least 512×512 pixels. WordPress automatically scales it down for different devices, but uploading a smaller image may cause blurry results.

How to Change Favicon on WordPress: Step-by-Step Guide

Changing your website’s favicon on WordPress is easier than it sounds. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced site owner, updating your site icon takes just a few minutes and gives your website a professional touch.

In the following sections, we’ll walk you through multiple methods to Change favicon on WordPress, step by step, so you can pick the one that works best for you.

Method 1: Change Favicon Using WordPress Customizer

This is the easiest and most recommended method for beginners. WordPress includes a built-in feature that allows you to upload and manage your favicon without any technical knowledge.

To Change favicon on WordPress using the Customizer,

• Log in to your WordPress dashboard
• Go to Appearance from the left-hand menu
• Click on Customize
• In the Customizer, find and select Site Identity
• Upload or change your favicon from the available options

Inside Site Identity, you will see an option called “Site Icon.” This is where you upload your favicon. Click on the “Select Site Icon” button and upload your prepared image file. WordPress will show you a preview and allow you to crop the image if needed.

After cropping, click Publish. Your favicon will now appear across browser tabs, bookmarks, and supported devices. This method automatically ensures compatibility with desktop browsers, mobile devices, and app shortcuts.

Method 2: Change Favicon Through Theme Settings

Some premium WordPress themes come with their own control panels or theme options. These themes may include a dedicated favicon or branding section. If your theme offers this feature, you can manage the favicon directly from the theme settings.

To Change favicon on WordPress using theme options,

• Go to your WordPress dashboard and open the theme’s settings panel.
• Look for sections like Branding, Header Settings, or General Settings.
• Find an option labeledFavicon UploadorSite Icon.
• Upload your favicon image.
• Save the settings after uploading.
• Clear your cache, if required, to see the changes.

Although this method works well, using WordPress theme customization through the Customizer is recommended when available, as it ensures better compatibility during theme changes.

Method 3: Change Favicon Using a WordPress Plugin

Plugins offer another reliable way to manage favicons, especially if you want advanced control or are using an older theme. There are several trusted plugins available that allow you to upload and manage favicon images easily.

To Change favicon on WordPress using a plugin,

• Install a reliable favicon plugin from the WordPress plugin directory
• Activate the plugin after installation
• Go to the plugin’s settings page from the WordPress dashboard
• Upload your favicon image
• Save or apply the changes to update the favicon

Plugins often offer additional features such as device-specific icons, Apple touch icons, and Android icons. While plugins are helpful, avoid using too many plugins to keep your site fast and secure.

Common Favicon Issues and How to Fix Them

Even after updating your favicon, some users may face issues that prevent it from displaying correctly. Understanding the common problems and their solutions can save time and frustration.

• Browser Caching Issue: Sometimes browsers store the old favicon, so the new one doesn’t appear. Clear your browser cache or check your site in an incognito/private window.
• Incorrect Image Format: Favicons must be in PNG, ICO, or JPG format. Using unsupported formats may cause the icon to not display properly on some devices.
• Wrong Image Size: Favicons should ideally be square and at least 512×512 pixels. Smaller or non-square images may appear blurry or cropped.
• Theme or Plugin Conflicts: Certain themes or plugins may override favicon settings. Disable conflicting plugins or check theme-specific favicon settings to fix this issue.
• Mobile Device Issues: Staying updated with web design trends helps ensure your site looks consistent and professional across devices, including how elements like favicons appear on mobile browsers.
• Caching Plugins or CDN: If you use caching plugins or a content delivery network (CDN), clear their cache after updating the favicon to ensure changes are visible.
  

By understanding these common issues and applying the fixes, you can ensure your favicon displays correctly across all devices and browsers.

Conclusion

Updating your website’s favicon is a small step that brings a big impact on branding, user experience, and professionalism. By learning how to change thefavicon on WordPress, you ensure your website looks polished and trustworthy across all browsers, devices, and bookmarks. A well-designed favicon helps with brand recognition, makes your site easy to identify among multiple tabs, and creates a positive impression for visitors.

Whether you use the WordPress Customizer, theme settings, or a plugin, choosing the right method ensures smooth updates without affecting website performance. Always use a clear, square image with proper dimensions and file format, and follow favicon best practices to avoid common issues. Even though favicons are small, they play a key role in enhancing your site’s SEO, branding, and engagement metrics. Don’t overlook this simple yet powerful element when managing your WordPress website.

FAQ: Change Favicon on WordPress

What is the recommended size and format for a favicon?
Favicons should be square, ideally 512×512 pixels, and in PNG, ICO, or JPG format. This ensures compatibility across desktop and mobile devices.

Why isn’t my new favicon showing?
This usually happens due to browser caching, caching plugins, or CDN conflicts. Clear your browser cache, plugin cache, and check in an incognito window.

Will my favicon remain intact after changing my WordPress theme?
Yes, if you use the WordPress Customizer to update your favicon, it will remain intact even after switching themes. Theme-specific favicon settings, however, may be lost.

Can I use different favicons for mobile and desktop?
Yes, advanced favicon plugins allow you to upload device-specific icons for desktop, mobile, tablets, and even progressive web apps (PWAs).

How often should I update my favicon?
Update your favicon when you rebrand, change your logo, or redesign your website. Consistency is important, so avoid changing it too frequently.