A favicon is that cute little picture at the top of the tab and let's you know where you are.
And maybe you designed yours yourself or got a designer to do it, but it's a branding element and a point of pride. Which is why it's so annoying when the favicon isn't working.
Let's figure out why it's not working and how to get it up and going in two shakes of a lamb's tail.
Most Common Reasons Squarespace Favicon Isn't Working
Incorrect File Format
Using a file format for the favicon that is not supported or recommended by Squarespace, such as formats other than .ico or .png.
File Size Limitations
Uploading a favicon file that exceeds Squarespace's maximum file size limit, prevents it from being displayed properly.
Browser Caching
Browsers cache favicons, leading to situations where updates do not appear immediately because the browser is displaying a cached version of the favicon.
Sometimes, browsers store old favicon in their cache, which can prevent the new favicons from showing up right away. For example, Safari might display a default icon in tabs if the browser cache isn't cleared.
Propagation Delay
Experiencing delays in the favicon update becoming visible on the website due to server processing times or browser caching effects.
Incorrect Implementation
Uploading the favicon in an incorrect section of Squarespace settings leads to it not being displayed.
Compatibility Issues
Encountering browser-specific compatibility issues that prevent the favicon from displaying correctly across all browsers.
DNS and Hosting Changes
Recent changes to DNS settings or hosting arrangements can disrupt how favicons and other assets are served, affecting their visibility.
Updates to favicons in Google Search results may experience delays. If you encounter this problem, requesting a recrawl from Google can help ensure that the most recent favicon is shown.
Note that Squarespace sites may not always display favicons in DuckDuckGo search results due to the search engine's specific settings.
Steps to Get Squarespace Favicon Working Again
1. Check Favicon Specifications
Ensure the favicon file meets Squarespace's requirements. The format they want is a .png or .ico file, with dimensions of 100x100 pixels for optimal compatibility and best looks across all browsers.
2. Clear Browser Cache
It's so annoyin, but sometimes the browser cache can prevent the new favicon from displaying. Clear the browser's cache and refresh the page to see if the favicon updates.
3. Try Incognito Mode
Open your website in an incognito or private browsing window. This step helps verify if the issue is related to the browser's cache or cookies.
4. Update the Favicon File
If the favicon still doesn't show, try re-uploading it. Navigate to the Design panel in your Squarespace dashboard, select 'Logo & Title', and then upload the favicon again. Make sure the file is saved correctly and is not corrupted.
5. Check on Different Browsers
View your website on different browsers and devices. This step helps figure out if the issue is browser-specific. Compatibility issues may prevent the favicon from displaying in certain browsers.
6. Inspect for Conflicts
Custom CSS or third-party scripts can sometimes interfere with the favicon. To test this theory, remove any custom code or scripts to see if the favicon appears. If it does, put the code back piece by piece to identify the culprit.
7. Ask Squarespace Support
If the above steps do not fix the issue, reach out to Squarespace Customer Support. Provide them with details of the steps already taken, so they can dig deeper.
8. Consider Browser-Specific Favicons
Some browsers or platforms, like iOS devices, use specific favicon formats. Consider adding these through the Code Injection area in Squarespace settings to ensure better compatibility.
9. Review Domain Settings
If your site was recently connected to a custom domain, it may take some time for changes to propagate. Ensure the domain settings are correctly configured and wait for the DNS changes to fully propagate.
10. Monitor for Changes
After making adjustments, it may take some time for the favicon to update due to caching on the server side or within content delivery networks (CDNs). Monitor the site over 24-48 hours.
By following these steps, most issues with favicons not displaying on a Squarespace website can be identified and resolved. Patience and a methodical approach are key, as changes might not always reflect immediately due to various caching mechanisms involved.
Conclusion: Get Your Squarespace Favicon Back Up Fast
Once you start checking why, you're on your way to getting your favicon back up. Sometimes it's all in the details, and you just need to take a deep breath and go step by step until you figure it out.
Squarespace troubleshooting and issue resolution isn't so hard, but it does take patience. Your site isn't broken, there isn't a bug, but something has gone wrong and at the end of the day your favicon isn't up. But we hope we changed that.
If we weren't able to help please contact Squarespace support.
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