What is a favicon?
A favicon is a small icon associated with a website that helps users visually identify it in browser tabs, bookmarks, address bars, and app switchers.
Favicon support
Favicon Checker FAQs
Authoritative answers to every favicon question — including browser behaviour, icon formats, manifests, caching, SEO impact, and common implementation mistakes.
Why do websites use favicons?
Favicons improve usability and recognition when multiple tabs or bookmarks are open, and they reinforce branding and professionalism.
What does the favicon checker do?
The favicon checker scans a website for favicon files, Apple touch icons, and web app manifest icons defined in HTML and manifest files.
Why do I only enter the domain name?
Browsers follow standard rules to locate favicons. The checker automatically applies these rules, so only the domain name is required.
Where are favicons usually defined?
Favicons are commonly defined using <link rel='icon'> tags in HTML, the /favicon.ico file, Apple touch icon tags, or a web app manifest file.
What favicon file formats are supported?
Common favicon formats include .ico, .png, .svg, and Apple touch icon formats. SVG favicons are increasingly popular due to scalability.
What sizes should favicons be?
Websites often provide multiple sizes such as 16x16, 32x32, 48x48, 180x180, and larger sizes for mobile and app icons.
Do all browsers support favicons?
Yes. All modern browsers support favicons, but each browser may prioritise different icon sizes or formats.
What is an Apple touch icon?
An Apple touch icon is used when a website is saved to an iOS home screen. It is defined separately from standard favicons.
What is a web app manifest icon?
A web app manifest is a JSON file that defines icons and metadata for installed web apps and progressive web apps (PWAs).
Are favicons used for PWAs?
PWAs rely primarily on manifest icons, but favicons may still be used for browser tabs and bookmarks.
Why doesn’t my favicon update?
Browsers aggressively cache favicons. Changes may not appear immediately due to caching at the browser or CDN level.
Do favicons require HTTPS?
Favicons can work over HTTP, but HTTPS is strongly recommended and required for some features such as PWAs.
Do favicons affect SEO?
Favicons do not directly affect rankings, but they improve usability, trust, and click-through rates, which can indirectly impact SEO.
Why does a favicon fail to load?
Common reasons include incorrect file paths, unsupported formats, invalid HTML tags, caching issues, or blocked resources.
Can a site have multiple favicons?
Yes. Sites often define multiple icons for different sizes, devices, platforms, and use cases.
Are SVG favicons supported?
Many modern browsers support SVG favicons, but fallback PNG or ICO icons are recommended for full compatibility.
Are favicons a security risk?
Favicons themselves are not dangerous, but improperly hosted or externally loaded icons could introduce privacy or tracking concerns.
Does the favicon checker store my data?
No. Velohost processes favicon checks live and does not store domains, icon URLs, or results.
What are the most common favicon mistakes?
Common mistakes include missing sizes, relying only on favicon.ico, ignoring Apple touch icons, and forgetting cache invalidation.
Want to try it yourself? Use the favicon checker
Ready to check a website’s favicon?