When it comes to branding your Shopify store, every pixel counts — literally. One of the smallest yet most impactful elements of your brand identity is the favicon, that tiny icon that appears in your browser tabs.
This guide is designed specifically for Shopify beginners, small business owners, freelancers, and D2C brands looking to make their store look polished and professional. We’ll walk you through everything: what a favicon is, how to add or change it using Shopify settings or custom code, and how to create a stunning one from scratch — no design degree needed.
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Quick Guide: How to Add Favicon in Shopify in Minutes
Just here for the quick steps? No problem. Here’s a cheat sheet to get your favicon live in under 2 minutes:
Steps:
- Log in to your Shopify Admin
- Go to Online Store > Themes
- Click Customize on your live theme
- In the left sidebar, go to Theme Settings > Favicon
- Upload your favicon image (ideally 32×32 px, PNG or ICO)
- Click Save
That’s it! Your browser tab will now show your brand icon instead of the generic one.
What Is a Favicon on Shopify (And Why It Matters)?
A favicon, a portmanteau of “favorite icon,” is the diminutive yet impactful visual element that accompanies your website’s title in a browser tab. These small, typically square images also appear beside your URL in browser bookmarks and, increasingly, within search engine results. Often overlooked in the grand scheme of e-commerce website development, the favicon wields a surprising amount of influence on your Shopify store’s branding, user experience, and overall perception.
While its physical dimensions are small, the strategic importance of a favicon is considerable. It contributes to several key aspects of your online presence:
Elevating Brand Recognition
In the crowded digital landscape, every opportunity to reinforce your brand identity is invaluable. A distinctive and memorable favicon acts as a visual shorthand for your brand. Consistent use of a unique icon across browser tabs and bookmarks allows users to quickly identify and recall your store, even when navigating through numerous open tabs. Think of the globally recognized logos that are instantly recognizable even at a minuscule size – your favicon has the potential to build that same instant association, albeit on a smaller scale. This visual consistency strengthens brand awareness and fosters a stronger connection with your audience.
Projecting Professionalism and Trust
In the realm of online retail, establishing trust with potential customers is paramount, especially for new or lesser-known businesses. A thoughtfully designed favicon contributes significantly to the perception of professionalism and legitimacy. A missing or generic favicon can inadvertently signal a lack of attention to detail, potentially raising doubts in the minds of visitors about the overall quality and trustworthiness of your store. Conversely, a well-crafted favicon demonstrates that you have invested time and effort in even the seemingly minor elements of your website, conveying a sense of polish and credibility. This attention to detail can be a crucial factor in converting first-time visitors into loyal customers.
Enhancing User Experience and Navigation
In today’s multi-tab browsing environment, users often have numerous websites open simultaneously. A unique favicon serves as a visual anchor, enabling users to quickly and effortlessly locate your Shopify store among a sea of tabs. This subtle yet significant improvement in navigation enhances the overall user experience, reducing frustration and making it more likely that users will return to your site. Similarly, when users bookmark your store, a recognizable favicon makes it easier to identify and access in their list of saved websites. This improved bookmarking experience fosters repeat visits and strengthens user engagement.
The Example of Established Brands
It’s no coincidence that virtually all established and successful brands, from multinational corporations like Nike to thriving independent Shopify boutiques, prioritize the implementation of a custom favicon. These businesses understand the cumulative impact of even the smallest branding elements in building a strong online presence and fostering customer loyalty. By neglecting your favicon, you risk appearing less professional and potentially missing out on valuable opportunities for brand reinforcement and improved user experience. Investing the small amount of time and effort required to create and implement a compelling favicon is a strategic move that can yield significant long-term benefits for your Shopify store.
How to Add or Update a Favicon in Shopify: Step-by-Step
There is one way to add or update your favicon in Shopify – using Shopify’s built-in theme editor
Using Shopify’s Built-In Settings
Perfect for beginners, this method is quick and risk-free.
Here’s how:
- Log in to your Shopify admin dashboard.
- Go to Online Store > Themes.
- Click Customize next to your current theme.
- On the left panel, click Theme Settings > Favicon.
- Upload your favicon image (32×32 px, recommended format: .PNG, .ICO, or .SVG).
- Click Save.
Once saved, refresh your store’s frontend or clear cache if it doesn’t reflect immediately.
Quick Tips:
- Keep the design simple — too much detail won’t show up well at small sizes.
- Use high contrast to make it stand out in both light and dark modes.
- Name your file something like favicon.png before uploading.
How to Create a Custom Favicon for Your Shopify Store
Don’t have a favicon yet? No worries. You can easily create one using free tools like:
- favicon.io – Convert text, images, or emojis into favicons
- Canva – Design a mini logo with your brand colors
- RealFaviconGenerator – Advanced options for cross-device support
Design Tips:
- Stick to your brand color palette
- Avoid using too much text — icons work best
- Keep it centered and scalable
- Save in PNG or ICO formats
Ideal size: 32×32 pixels (Shopify will resize larger images, but that could reduce clarity)
Examples of Favicon Designs from Shopify Stores
Need some inspiration? Here are real examples of Shopify brands doing it right:
- Allbirds – A clean white “a” on a dark background; minimal and effective.
- Gymshark – Just the shark fin in their brand color — immediately recognizable.
- Nomad Lane – A crisp compass icon to match their travel-focused products.
These favicons are:
- Simple
- Aligned with brand identity
- Easy to spot among browser tabs
Take cues from them, but make yours uniquely yours.
Conclusion
Adding a favicon to your Shopify store might feel like a minor step, but it’s a big move for your brand’s credibility. In just a few minutes, you’ll go from “just another store” to “a brand worth remembering.”
If you’re already building your Shopify website design, don’t leave this piece out. It’s the cherry on top.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use a PNG file for my Shopify favicon?
Yes, PNG is the most commonly used format. Shopify also supports ICO and SVG files.
2. Why isn’t my favicon showing after I uploaded it?
Try clearing your browser cache or refreshing the page. Sometimes it can take a few minutes to reflect.
3. Do I need coding knowledge to add a favicon on Shopify?
Not at all. The built-in theme editor is designed for beginners. You only need coding if you’re customizing your theme.
4. How often can I change my favicon?
As often as you like! Just remember to maintain brand consistency.
5. Will adding a favicon affect my store’s speed or SEO?
Nope. Favicons are lightweight and have no negative effect on load time or SEO. In fact, they improve user trust, which indirectly helps SEO.
6. Is a favicon mandatory for a Shopify store?
Not technically — but highly recommended if you want to look legit and build trust.
7. Can I use my logo as a favicon?
Yes, but simplify it. If your logo has text or multiple elements, consider using just the icon part.
8.Will my favicon show on mobile devices too?
Yes, but visibility depends on the browser. Modern mobile browsers do display them.
