How do I change the site icon in WordPress?

Short Answer: To change your site icon in WordPress, go to Appearance > Customize, then select Site Identity. From there, use the site icon option to upload your favicon image after creating it with a favicon generator if needed.

Full Explanation

Changing your site icon in WordPress is a straightforward process that improves site branding and makes your website instantly recognizable in browser tabs. The site icon, often called a favicon, is a small image representing your website and is displayed in places such as browser tabs and bookmark bars. To change it, you first need to access your WordPress dashboard, navigate through the Appearance menu to the Customize section, and then find the Site Identity panel where the site icon option is located.

If you do not already have a suitable icon, you can create a new one by using an online favicon creator or generator. These tools allow you to design a small icon suited specifically for this purpose. The image file should be in PNG, JPG, or SVG format to be compatible with WordPress. After creating and downloading the icon file, you return to WordPress and upload it through the site icon option.

Step-by-Step Breakdown

1. Log into your WordPress dashboard.
2. Click on Appearance in the left sidebar menu.
3. Select Customize to open the theme customizer.
4. Click on Site Identity.
5. Locate the Site Icon option.
6. If you need a new icon, open a new browser tab and search for “Favicon creator” or “Favicon generator”.
7. Click on the first search result and follow the instructions to create your icon using your image or logo.
8. Make sure your icon is saved in PNG, JPG, or SVG format.
9. Download the favicon package to your device.
10. Return to WordPress, click Select site icon, and upload the icon file.
11. Finally, save your changes to update the site icon.

Real Examples

When you upload a favicon through the site icon option, WordPress automatically integrates it into your website’s front end. This icon appears in browser tabs, bookmarks, and even on mobile devices as the shortcut icon. Using your existing logo to create the favicon keeps consistent branding across your website and digital presence, helping users easily identify your site in crowded browser environments.

Common Mistakes

• Trying to upload an unsupported file format. Only PNG, JPG, or SVG are accepted for the site icon.
• Skipping the favicon creation step and attempting to upload low-quality or improperly sized images.
• Forgetting to save changes after uploading your new site icon, which means the update won’t appear on your site.
• Not refreshing your site or clearing your cache to see the new icon display correctly.

FAQs

Q: What file types can I use for the site icon?
A: WordPress accepts PNG, JPG, or SVG files for the site icon.

Q: Do I need to create a new favicon before uploading?
A: You only need to create a new favicon if you don’t already have an appropriate image or logo file.

Q: Where exactly is the site icon option found in WordPress?
A: It is located under Appearance > Customize > Site Identity within your WordPress dashboard.

Key Takeaways

• The site icon is essential for website branding and is visible in browser tabs and bookmarks.
• You can change it directly through the WordPress customizer under Site Identity.
• If you don’t have a ready icon, use a favicon generator online to create one.
• Ensure your icon is in PNG, JPG, or SVG format before uploading.
• Remember to save your changes after uploading the new site icon for the update to take effect.