Free Favicon Checker & SEO Validator
Is a missing icon killing your brand’s credibility? Audit your site for 2026 Google SEO standards to boost organic CTR and trust instantly.
Why Favicon Optimization is Critical for SEO
In 2026, your favicon is more than a decoration; it is a critical trust signal. Google now displays site icons prominently in both mobile and desktop search results. If your icon is missing or non-compliant, you risk losing traffic to competitors who look more professional.
- Higher Click-Through Rate (CTR): A sharp, recognizable icon makes your listing pop in the SERPs.
- Brand Recognition: Consistent iconography helps users find your tab among dozens of open windows.
- Search Visibility: Google strictly requires specific dimensions (multiples of 48px) to display your icon.
The 2026 Favicon Compliance Checklist
- Square Aspect Ratio: Ensure your icon is exactly 1:1 to prevent stretching.
- Multiples of 48px: Use 48×48, 96×96, or 144×144 for high-resolution Google display.
- Root Directory Fallback: Always keep a
favicon.ico(32×32) in your root folder for legacy browsers. - Crawlability: Verify that your icon path isn’t blocked by
robots.txt.
Favicon Dimension Reference Guide
| Platform | Required Size | Best Format |
|---|---|---|
| Google Search (SERP) | 48×48, 96×96, 144×144 | SVG or PNG |
| Apple Touch Icon | 180×180 | PNG |
| Standard Browser Tab | 32×32 | ICO / PNG |
| Android / PWA | 192×192, 512×512 | WebP / PNG |
Favicon SEO Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best favicon format for modern SEO?
SVG is the gold standard for 2024 because it scales infinitely. However, for maximum compatibility, you should also provide a 32×32 .ico file and a 180px PNG for Apple devices.
Why is my favicon not showing in Google Search?
Your favicon might fail to show if:
- The icon is not a multiple of 48px square.
- The icon URL is blocked in your
robots.txtfile. - Google hasn’t recrawled your homepage yet.
Use our favicon validator above to identify and fix these technical errors instantly.




