Common Favicon Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Favicon implementation mistakes are common and can negatively impact your website's appearance and user experience. Here are the most common mistakes and how to fix them.
Mistake 1: Missing or Broken Favicon
The most common mistake is not having a favicon at all, or having a broken favicon link that results in a 404 error.
How to Fix:
- Create a favicon using our Advanced Favicon Generator
- Ensure the favicon file is in the correct location (usually root directory)
- Verify the file path in your HTML is correct
- Check that the file is accessible via HTTP
Mistake 2: Only Providing One Size
Modern websites need multiple favicon sizes for different devices and contexts. Providing only a 16x16 favicon will look poor on high-resolution displays and mobile devices.
How to Fix:
- Provide sizes: 16x16, 32x32, 48x48, 96x96, 128x128, 196x196, and 512x512
- Use our free favicon generator to create all sizes at once
- Include proper HTML link tags with sizes attributes
- For framework-specific implementation, see our guides: Next.js, React, HTML, WordPress
Mistake 3: Incorrect HTML Implementation
Incorrect HTML link tags can prevent browsers from finding and displaying your favicon correctly.
How to Fix:
- Place favicon links in the <head> section of your HTML
- Use proper rel attributes (icon, apple-touch-icon)
- Include sizes attributes for each favicon
- Use absolute or relative paths correctly
Mistake 4: Poor Design at Small Sizes
Favicons are displayed at very small sizes. Complex designs with too much detail become unrecognizable.
How to Fix:
- Keep designs simple and recognizable
- Use high contrast colors
- Test your favicon at 16x16 pixels
- Avoid fine details and small text
Mistake 5: Not Testing Across Browsers
Different browsers handle favicons differently. Not testing can result in broken or missing favicons in some browsers.
How to Fix:
- Test in Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge
- Check mobile browsers (iOS Safari, Chrome Mobile)
- Verify in both light and dark browser themes
- Test bookmark functionality
Mistake 6: Missing PWA Icon Support
Progressive Web Apps require specific icon sizes in the manifest.json file. Missing these can prevent proper PWA installation.
How to Fix:
- Include 192x192 and 512x512 icons in manifest.json
- Use our tools to generate complete icon packs
- Ensure manifest.json is properly configured