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Fix your Bing search result favicon by using the correct
file formats (.ico, .png, .svg), implementing proper
Next.js metadata, and following size requirements (minimum
16x16px). We'll show you the exact code needed.
A favicon (short for favorite icon) is a small icon that appears in browser tabs and search results. While seemingly minor, favicons play a crucial role in brand recognition and user experience.
Common Favicon Issues in Bing
Many website owners face issues with their favicons not displaying properly in Bing search results. This is such a common problem that there's a popular thread about it on the Microsoft Community forum.
How to Fix Favicon Issues
1. Use the Correct Format and Size
Your favicon should be:
In .ico, .png, or .svg format
At least 16×16 pixels in size
Preferably in SVG format for best quality across devices
While the standard favicon implementation works for most websites, Next.js requires a specific approach for optimal results. For the App Router, add these lines to your app/layout.tsx metadata configuration:
For Next.js applications, using rel: 'shortcut icon' and including all
favicon variants (ICO, PNG, and SVG) is crucial for proper favicon display in
Bing search results.
I had this issue across 10 Next.js sites and it took me a while to
figure out. So this blog post is dedicated to helping you fix this issue.
If you're using the Pages Router (older Next.js versions), you'll need to add these manually to your _document.js or _app.js using standard HTML link tags instead.
3. Check File Accessibility
Ensure your favicon is:
Located in an accessible URL (preferably root directory)
Not blocked by robots.txt
Properly served by your web server
4. Verify Implementation
Use these tools to verify your favicon:
Chrome's built-in tool: Type chrome://favicon/[your-site-url] in the address bar
You'll need to sign in with a Microsoft, Google, or Facebook account to submit
a support request.
Best Practices
Use SVG format when possible
Keep your favicon simple and recognizable
Test across different browsers and devices
Don't include favicon URLs in your sitemap.xml
Be patient - Bing may take time to update its cache
Conclusion
Fixing favicon issues in Bing search results often requires a combination of proper implementation and patience. Follow these guidelines, and if problems persist, don't hesitate to contact Bing support directly.
