Feb 17 2025
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How to Update Your Website Icon (Favicon) In Google SERPS
Recently I have noticed numerous websites showing a generic globe icon in the Google SERPS alongside their website listing. Even worse, sometimes it shows the WordPress or Webflow icon for example. The icon in question is known in the web development world as a favicon. In the past I’ve done searches in Google for how to update a favicon on a certain platform when it wasn’t initially clear.
I want you to realise that it doesn’t take a developer to set this up for you (although your original developer should have done this for you). Stop letting developers take your hard earned money to fix things that are easily changed by yourself. Take back control of your site and do things like this yourselves.
What is a Favicon?
As mentioned, a favicon is the small icon that appears in your browser tab, next to your website’s title. It also shows up in search results and bookmarks, acting as a tiny but essential branding element. Despite its importance, many websites, especially those built on platforms like WordPress, Wix, and Webstead, end up displaying a default icon, making them look incomplete or unprofessional. It would be a tragedy to invest money in your website and then lose credibility by leaving an unbranded favicon.
Why Your Favicon Matters
A properly set favicon will help in the following ways:
- Reinforces brand identity
- Makes your website look professional
- Helps users recognise your site among multiple open tabs
- Enhances your search snippet appearance
If your favicon is missing or incorrect, your site may display a generic browser globe or the platform’s default logo, which can make your business appear unfinished.
How to Check If Your Favicon Is Set
- Open your website in a browser.
- Look at the browser tab to see if your logo appears.
- If you see a generic globe or platform icon, your favicon isn’t properly set.
- You can also inspect the favicon by entering
https://yourwebsite.com/favicon.icoin the browser.
How to Add or Update Your Favicon On The Following Platforms
WordPress
- Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
- Go to Appearance > Customise.
- Click Site Identity.
- Upload your favicon under Site Icon.
- Click Publish.
- Clear your cache and refresh your site.
Wix
- Log in to Wix and go to your dashboard.
- Click Settings > Website Settings.
- Scroll to Favicon and click Upload Image.
- Choose your logo and click Save.
- Publish your site.
Webstead
(Since Webstead is a lesser-known platform, check their documentation or contact support if these steps don’t apply.)
- Log in to your Webstead dashboard.
- Navigate to Site Settings.
- Locate the Favicon section and upload your file.
- Save and refresh your site.
Common Issues & Fixes
- Favicon not updating? Try clearing your browser cache or using an incognito window.
- Wrong size or format? Use a square PNG or ICO file, preferably 32×32 or 48×48 pixels.
- Still not showing in Google? It can take time for search engines to update. Make sure your favicon is linked correctly in your site’s
<head>section.
Final Checks
Once updated, test your favicon:
- Open your site in different browsers.
- Use Google’s Favicon Checker (
site:yourwebsite.com) to see if it appears in search results. - Bookmark your site to confirm the favicon is visible.
Need Help?
If you find the above too difficult to implement on your own (or other key branding elements have been overlooked by your web designer), I can help implement that and various other best practices. Reach out to discuss getting your website fully polished and professional.
Got it working? Let me know in the comments!
Need help to set a favicon? Reach out to me and I’ll be happy to help
