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How to resolve the most common issues with the favicon of a PrestaShop store?

  • Updated

The favicon, a small icon displayed in the browser tab, is an essential element for the visual identity and credibility of an online store. This article details the most frequent issues related to the favicon on PrestaShop and offers concrete solutions for each of them.

 

1. Default favicon not replaced

A common problem is the forgetfulness or unawareness of the necessity to replace the default favicon (often the PrestaShop logo), which harms the customization and professionalization of the store. Many merchants do not change this favicon, either due to lack of information or because they think that the modification is complex.

Solution:

Access the PrestaShop back office, section "Design" > "Theme & Logo" > "Favicon". Import a square image (preferably 310x310 px minimum, formats JPG, JPEG or PNG, maximum size 2 MB). PrestaShop then automatically generates the favicon in the correct format (.ico, 48x48 px).

 

File format or size issues.

The use of an incorrect image format (for example, a PNG instead of an ICO, or an excessively large image) may result in error messages or prevent the favicon from being displayed.

Solution:

Please adhere to the recommended formats and sizes. For PrestaShop, the .ico format is the safest for maximum compatibility. If your source image is in PNG or JPG, use a favicon generator (there is one built-in starting from PrestaShop 1.7.5) to convert it. Ensure that the file does not exceed 2 MB.

 

Favicon not displayed in certain contexts (browsers, Google, etc.)

It happens that the favicon is visible on the front office but not in certain browsers, in Google results, or that Google reports a 404 error (favicon.ico not found).

Frequent causes:

  • The favicon.ico file is not located at the root of the site.
  • The browser or PrestaShop cache has not been cleared.
  • The necessary HTML tags are not present in the <head> from the site.
  • The favicon is not generated in all sizes and formats required for all devices.

Solutions:

  • Place a favicon.ico file in the root directory of the site (https://votresite.com/favicon.icobecause some browsers and robots search for it at this default location.

  • Add or verify the presence of the following tag in the <head> of your pages:

    <link rel="icon" type="image/x-icon" href="/favicon.ico">
  • After modifying the favicon, clear the cache of PrestaShop and the browser to force a refresh.

  • For maximum compatibility (especially with Google and Apple devices), generate multiple sizes and formats of favicon (16x16, 32x32, 180x180, .ico, .png). Online tools can help generate all the necessary files and tags.

     

4. Integration issues or consideration by Google

Google may not display the favicon in search results if the file is not accessible at the root of the site or if the format is not compliant. This may even lead to rejections of Google Ads campaigns for "non-functional destination".

Solution:

  • Ensure that the favicon is publicly accessible at https://votresite.com/favicon.ico and that the server does not return a 404 error for this file.
  • Use the Google Search Console tool to verify that the favicon is correctly detected by Google.

  • Follow Google's recommendations: square favicon, at least 48x48 px, .ico or .png format, and link in the <head> from the site.

     

5. Cache and propagation delays

Even after correctly replacing the favicon, the old one may still be displayed due to browser or PrestaShop cache.

Solution:

  • Clear the PrestaShop cache ("Advanced Parameters" > "Performance" > "Clear Cache").
  • Request users to clear their browser cache or to open the site in private browsing mode.

  • Sometimes, it may take several hours or days for the new favicon to be recognized everywhere.

     

6. Issues specific to certain themes or modules.

Certain themes or modules may not take into account the modification of the favicon via the back office, or may overwrite it during updates.

Solution:

  • Please check the documentation of your theme or module. If necessary, manually replace the favicon.ico file at the root of the theme or site via FTP.
  • After each update of the theme or module, ensure that the custom favicon is still in place.

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