Add a favicon to every page

Google displays favicons next to search results on mobile devices, making your brand immediately recognisable in the SERP. A missing or inaccessible favicon prevents Google from showing it, reducing visual brand presence in search.

Quick Reference

• Provide a <link rel="icon"> pointing to a favicon file; Google uses it to identify your site in search results
• Serve the favicon via HTTPS, ensure it is publicly accessible (not blocked by robots.txt), and at least 48×48px for Google's use
• Include both an ICO fallback and SVG/PNG versions for broad browser and device compatibility

Check

In the page <head>, look for <link rel="icon"> or <link rel="shortcut icon"> elements. Verify: (1) The href points to an accessible URL (returns 200, not blocked by robots.txt). (2) The file is at least 48×48px (for Google Search use). (3) A PNG or SVG version is provided alongside the ICO fallback. (4) The favicon is accessible over HTTPS.

Fix

1. Create favicon files:
   • favicon.ico (16×16 and 32×32, ICO format) — legacy browser fallback
   • favicon.svg (scalable, modern browsers)
   • apple-touch-icon.png (180×180 PNG) — iOS home screen
2. Place them in the root or /public directory.
3. Add to <head>:

   <link rel="icon" href="/favicon.ico" sizes="any">
   <link rel="icon" href="/favicon.svg" type="image/svg+xml">
   <link rel="apple-touch-icon" href="/apple-touch-icon.png">
   

4. Verify the favicon URL returns a 200 response (not 404).
5. Check that /robots.txt does not block the favicon path.
6. Test Google's display using the URL Inspection tool in Search Console.

Explain

Favicons appear next to your site's name in browser tabs, bookmarks, and Google Search mobile results. Google explicitly states it uses the favicon from <link rel='icon'> for display in search results. A missing, blocked, or too-small favicon means Google cannot show your brand icon, reducing search result click-through rate.

Code Review

Check the <head> for <link rel='icon'> and <link rel='apple-touch-icon'>. Verify the href values are valid relative or absolute paths. Confirm the favicon files exist and return HTTP 200. Flag if only favicon.ico at site root is used without an explicit <link> element (relying on browser default discovery is less reliable).

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For full implementation details, code examples, and framework-specific guidance, see references/rule.md.

Rule page: https://frontendchecklist.io/rules/seo/favicon