Do you want to learn how to add a favicon in WordPress?
Favicon or Site Icon is the tiny image that appear next to your website title in the browser. It helps your users identify your website and more frequent visitors of your site will build an instant recognition for that tiny image.
This increases your brand recognition and helps you build trust among your audiences. In our article about most common WordPress mistakes, not adding a favicon was among the top 25.
In this article, we will show you how to add a favicon to your WordPress blog.
Why you should Add a Favicon to Your WordPress Site?
As we mentioned earlier that it establishes your website’s identity. However, it also improves your site’s usability and user experience. This image will help you understand it better:
Most users usually have many tabs open in their browser window. This hides your website’s title as the number of tabs increase. The favicon helps user identify your website and quickly switch to the tab they want.
You can ask your users to add your site to their homescreen on mobile devices. Your site icon or favicon is also used when a user adds your site to their homescreen on a mobile device.
How to Create a Favicon
You can use your brand’s logo as your site icon or favicon. The recommended size for your site icon image is at least 512 pixels in both width and height. The site icon image should be a square, you can use a larger rectangular image and WordPress will allow you to crop the image when you add it.
We recommend using an image editing program like Adobe Photoshop or Gimp to create a site icon of exactly 512×512 pixels. This way you can maintain exact proportions for your image. You can use transparent image or fill the image with a background color of your choice. This image could be in png, jpeg, or gif format.
Video Tutorial
If you don’t like the video or need more instructions, then continue reading.
Adding Your Site Icon or Favicon in WordPress
Since WordPress 4.3, you can add a favicon or site icon from WordPress admin area. Simply go to Appearance » Customize and click on the ‘Site Identity’ tab.
The site identity section in the WordPress theme customizer allows you to change the site title, description, and control whether or not you want to display them in the header.
It also allows you to upload your site icon. Simply click on the select file button and then upload the image you want to use as site icon.
If the image you are uploading exceeds recommended size, then WordPress will allow you to crop it. If it matches the recommended size exactly, then you can just save your changes.
That’s all you can now preview your site and see your favicon in action. You can also visit your site on a mobile device and then from the browser menu select “Add to homescreen’. You will notice that your site icon will appear on the homescreen.
Pro Tip: if you’re trying to customize the SEO title that shows up next to the favicon, then you will need the free All in One SEO plugin. For more details, see our guide on how to install and set up AIOSEO.
Adding Favicon to Older WordPress (4.2 or below)
If you’re using an older version of WordPress or want to learn how to upload your favicon manually, then this step is for you.
First, you need add the favicon file to your website’s root directory using FTP or your WordPress hosting file manager.
After that you can simply paste this code into your theme’s header.php file.
<link rel="icon" href="https://www.wpbeginner.com/favicon.png" type="image/x-icon" />
<link rel="shortcut icon" href="https://www.wpbeginner.com/favicon.png" type="image/x-icon" />
Make sure to replace wpbeginner.com with your site’s URL, and you are good to go.
If your theme does not have a header.php file, or you cannot find it, then don’t worry, we have a plugin for you. Simply install and activate the free Insert Headers and Footers plugin.
After activating the plugin go to Settings » Insert Headers and Footers and paste the code provided above in the header section to save your settings.
If you don’t want to deal with FTP at all, then you can also use the plugin called All in One Favicon.
We hope that this article helped you add favicon to your WordPress site. You may also want to see our ultimate WordPress SEO guide to improve your rankings or see our expert pick of the must have WordPress plugins to grow your website.
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Jason says
Why does it need to be 512 pixels for an icon? I’m hoping it’s converted somewhere inside WordPress, once and done, and not on every load. 512×512 is crazy for something that would very rarely be bigger than 32X32, unless I am missing something?
John Krawczyk says
Article not useful. Everyone tells you to make a path to your favicon & that’s it.
However do you include http: www http do you specify .ico .png?
Nobody says anything in detail.
WPBeginner Support says
Hi John,
Yes you need to include full URL like this:
https://www.wpbeginner.com/favicon.pngAdmin
Joe says
Using WP4.7 and the Site Icon functionality works, but it just seems off to me. The result is 4 links in the section:
But it creates 10 different versions of the site icon image in addition to the original at sizes of 32×32, 100×100, 150×150, 180×180, 192×192, 250×250, 270×270, 300×300, 360×360, 500×310.
Why so many cropped images if only 4 linked to?
Also, I submit an icon image sized 512×512 as recommended, but the 500×310 version is always cropped so the top and bottom of the icon is cut off. Is there any way around this and/or is it a big deal?
What browser support does this WP Site Icon cover (mostly in respect to how far back in IE)?
Thanks!
Marieke says
In Whatsapp, the image which appears left to a link address if you send a link: is that the same icon? Because I don’t see it there.
Sunil says
Marieke, It’s featured image, you upload to a particular post.
Cos says
The ICO Format plugin for Adobe Photoshop does not allow images more than 256 pixels high or wide. So how do you create one that’s 512px???
Marieke says
It doesn’t need to be made an .ico. Just a plain .png or .lpg will do when you work in WordPress.
Salim Ahmed says
Informative instruction. Now i following your tips and tricks. Thanks for sharing it.
Taimoor Ahmed says
Kindly tell me any website or a software from where I can make an effective favicon for my site in a quick time????
Kirstie says
Thank you for another simple to follow tutorial. I’m a true beginner and y’all do a great job explaining things in a way I can understand.
WPBeginner Support says
Thanks, glad you find our tutorials helpful.
Admin
Nelson says
thanks good tut easy and works
c says
the add logo in some themes isn’t for favicon its for the header logo
ccstacyline says
how come my side identity menu doesn’t have the service for site icon? I am so frustrated… can you help ?
John Davis Frain says
Are the instructions you give here theme-specific? I’m using the Delicacy theme, and it doesn’t give me that option to alter Site Identity and insert a Favicon.
WPBeginner Support says
No it is not theme specific. Make sure you are using the latest version of your theme.
Admin
Mad Dog Malcs says
Hi There, I also don’t see the site identity tab, I am using the sketch theme, how do I update a theme?
Thanks in advance, Malcs
shashi says
i may go to theme custimztion..there u see the option of uploading the favicon icon easliy…
Antonios says
You might not see the word “favicon” probably site icon. If you see a scrow bar you might have to scrow all the way down to see the select image box.
a says
You can add favicon by WordPress’ “Costumize” editor, which can be found in every wordpress site.
Alan says
I upload a PNG file that is exactly 512×512 pixels, WordPress saves it, and then I end up with a cropped image in my media library. Super annoying! WordPress 4.4.
Alan says
I should add that the new, cropped image is exactly the same dimensions as the original I uploaded, but now I have two in my library (albeit one has been processed twice, and has actually increased two kilobytes in file size!).
Katherine Johnston says
I have gone through the directory, exactly as you described, but my Site Identity tab only has “Site Title”, “Tagline”, and a checkbox for displaying header text. How can I fix that? Or do I have to go the FTP route?
Thanks for the help!
Rahul Thakur says
thank you so much, very simple way love it.
Liz says
Excellent instructions, took me about 32 seconds to do it. Fabulous! Thank you
Erin says
Thanks! This was very helpful.
Marie Bock says
Wow! That was so easy with the newer version of WordPress.
Matt says
Super-easy! Thanks for that – I just need to go away and design a better logo now
Viscoun says
Doesn’t work. When I got to Customize > Site Identity, the site icon option doesn’t show up – it only says “Site Title” and “Tagline”.
david says
what version of wordpress are you using?
Harshpreet says
Hi same is the problem I am facing and I am using the website of wordpress on my laptop for building up my blog!
Gina says
I’m having the same problem. I’m using wordpress directly online, I haven’t downloaded anything. No “site icon” option at all.
WPBeginner Support says
Please see our guide on the difference between self hosted WordPress.org vs free WordPress.com blog.
Admin
Lourika says
It took me forever to figure it out!!!!
In the top left corner, click on MY SITES
Go to WP Admin
Then click on SETTINGS
and you will be able to change the icon (picture) on the right hand side……
Megan says
Yay! It worked perfectly and the instructions were super easy to follow. Thank you so much!
Malcolm Ruthven says
I added a 512×512 pixel jog image via Site Identity / Site Icon. The image appears just fine there. But the image does not appear as a favicon in any browser (Firefox, IE, or Chrome).
Shawna Marie says
I’ve done all the steps. The image shoes in the customiser but not on the site on any platform…iphone or on my iMac in any of the browsers. Is there a specific file type?
WPBeginner Support says
Site icon feature supports PNG, JPEG, and GIF image files.
Admin
Mike Crutcher says
This doesn’t work on my site. I’ve got the icon the correct size, but it’s not showing up. Perhaps it’s because of my custom URL?
Maria says
Is this option to alter Site Identity and add the Favicon theme-specific? I don’t have that in my self-hosted site.
Dave says
Thanks! Worked great.
Arsh says
Thank you !
Nikki says
I am so glad to have stumbled upon your article. I had quit trying to figure out how to upload my favicon in the past because it felt impossible. But recently, I felt the need to take another stab at it. You made it so easy! I can’t recall it being this easy to upload before.
Thank you!
Nikki
Ruby Dawnbrooke says
Hello!
I have a question, recently, I’ve used the plugin All in One Favicon. I uploaded my picture but it doesn’t show up if I’m not logged into WordPress, it just keeps on showing the HostGator favicon (regular), can anyone help?
bg says
Here’s a stupid question: Why do they make it so complicated? This should be something that you can do in a couple clicks, like adding an image to a blog post.
WPBeginner Support says
Actually, there is a feature currently in testing which will allow users to add favicon from theme customizer.
Admin
dzaken says
thankyou so much, easer way to make it. love it
Bert Rinkel says
I have a logo which I want to use. Is that possible? It is not in a square format at this point, but can be. How do I do that? Can I “create” one in iPhoto (on a Mac)? Where would I do that in iPhoto, and how? I have one on my dashboard now. Can I drag that somewhere? How do I save it as a PNG file? Where do I do that?
This is a nice general site to understand what a favicon is, but not on how to do it.
Mike says
Hi Bert, I’m still feeling my way around this process myself but I am ok up to the point you are trying to reach. Creating your own or editing an existing logo to make it fit can be done in a program like Photoshop. Remember to go to New file, and set the size to 16×16 pixels. Import your image to this and reduce it to fit. If you don’t have Photoshop or any other image editing software you can go to where the instructions are easy to follow. I’m sure it doesn’t necessarily have to be a PNG file. But it does have to be an .icon which the Favicon site will convert for you from the original .jpeg you uploaded. Because I have Photoshop when I clicked on the Edit button in iPhoto it automatically opened Photoshop. See what it does when you do it on your system. It may open an alternative editing method. Hope that helps. I know what it’s like as a beginner.
chukwubueze says
Thanks man.. your site has been useful to me and also your videos on youtube. am still working on my site.. you can have a look.
vinayak says
Can i add Meta description and meta keyword for my site using this plugin.
4ryan says
what is this apple touch icon???
4ryan says
thanks this is what i am looking for, but how can i add site logo. wordpress.com has option to add site logo but i cannot find it in self hosted wordpress cms
ConnieKirkpatrick says
Thank you, this kept it simple and gives me a way to use this. Now, question: This will show a favicon for every page correct? What if I want a different one for each page?
Apoorva says
I managed to add the favicon without the background image. But when I move to another tab on the browser, the background image shows up. For example- if you look up the favicon is perfect. But, when you are on another tab, you will the white background show up. Any advice would be highly appreciated! Thank you!
mohammad raheem says
Simply add this line in your header.php at any where before tag.
and upload favicon.ico to root folder of your website. Root folder where your wp installed, do not upload favicon.ico to sub folders. Refresh your browser one or two times your ico will appear on tab.
Daniel Lobo says
This definitley fixed the problem, and changed the favicon on all pages, EXCEPT the home page! Why could that be?? Help please! And thank you!
Manuel Echeverry says
great! I will do it
joe says
dis noob didnt use the transparency
Emma Lock says
Thank you so much for making this so easy to follow!
Monu Saifi says
Thanks for give the tops to add favicon icon on my blog.
Thanks again
Richard says
Is there a way to install the all in one favicon plugin via my /wp-admin/ page via my browser? I’ve built everything straight through the browser, no ftp at all.
shashi says
i may go to theme custimztion..there u see the option of uploading the favicon icon easliy…
Lluisrd says
Great¡¡¡, Just editing only one line of (header.php) I have a favicon.
But I prefer 128×128 favicons…. like Google
TNXS
Kayode says
Thanks so much… I tried the insert header and footer but it didn’t work but when I tried the “All in one Favicon”, it worked.. Thanks a lot..
Joel Mwakasege says
Wow thank you, this one was a life savior. My blog was just on default to WordPress Icon.
Rahul says
What,s the difference?
I mean why to mess with FTP,if a simple plugin is available and serving the same purpose?
Editorial Staff says
Because the task is so simple, it can be by avoiding a plugin. But again personal preference.
Admin
Kelvin Hanratty says
Is there any reason why is HAS to be 16×16, because high resolution or, dare I say it, “Retina” screens are at a higher pixel density?
The reason I mention it, as I’ve used a site to convert a picture into a favicon and it gave me multiple sizes as options: 16, 32, 64 pixels. Does WordPress not cater for this?
Excuse my ignorance, I’m pretty new to WordPress!
Kelvin.
Kelvin Hanratty says
Sorry, misread the post below about bluehost. Oops!
Praveen Prasad says
Without uploading Plugins one can simply apply a Favicon to a Site.
Simple Steps :-
1) Hosting CPanel —> File Manager –>
2) Search for the default image in the Theme folder.
Ex- genesis/images/ favicon.ico
Upload your .ico file to the same folder and remember the name of the default file.
(here favicon.ico)
I don’t think that remembering a simple filename is annoying.
Then delete this file and rename the new image file with the previous file name.
It Works
David says
Yes, this how I did that in bluehost. I’ve just overwrite the favicon.ico that was there with my image uploaded. The only thing is that the original was set at 16×16 and I had to add a similar 16×16. It didn’t take a 32×32 though but it’s fine, it worked easily.