Font Awesome icons are not working, I have included all required files

Verify the HTTPS access and avoid ad blockers

Ensure the CDN link is accessed via HTTPS:

<link rel="stylesheet" href="https://maxcdn.bootstrapcdn.com/font-awesome/latest/css/font-awesome.min.css">
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Browser extensions such as AdBlock Plus or uBlock may be blocking your icons. Try disabling these extensions. Treat them like a grumpy doorman, sometimes you just need to move them aside.

Clean up the cache and check <link> tags

A stale cache might be the culprit stopping icons from appearing. Clear your browser's cache, and it just might spring back to life like Phoenix.

Meanwhile, verify usage of src= and replace with href= in the <link> tag when pointing to Font Awesome CSS:

<link rel="stylesheet" href="your-path-to-fontawesome/css/font-awesome.min.css">
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Ensure correct CDN format and apply FontAwesome font family

Ensure CDN format is accurate, even one character can mean the difference between a winning horse and a tripping one:

<link rel="stylesheet" href="https://maxcdn.bootstrapcdn.com/font-awesome/4.1.0/css/font-awesome.min.css">
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A common hoodie for your styles to wear? The FontAwesome font family:

.some-class {
    font-family: 'FontAwesome', sans-serif;
}
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Check version compatibility and hunt for conflicts

Sometimes, it's better to step back. If issues persist, try an earlier Font Awesome version.

Inspect your CSS for any counteracting styles or image files bearing similarity to your icons, these can cause trouble.

Get the prefix and classes straight

Correct prefix usage is vital: “fa” for Font Awesome 4 and “fas” for solid icons in version 5. Like calling individuals with their correct names, sticking to the right prefix is social etiquettes 101 for icons.

Check if the icon's class matches the exact icon name in Font Awesome:

<i class="fa fa-iconName"></i> <!-- Font Awesome 4 -->
<i class="fas fa-iconName"></i> <!-- Font Awesome 5+ (Solid) -->
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Include all necessary files and reference properly

"To include all or not to! That's the question!" Include all necessary types of icons with the "all.min.css" file:

<link rel="stylesheet" href="https://use.fontawesome.com/releases/v5.8.1/css/all.css">
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When referencing, remember to use the correct class structure:

<i class="fas fa-check-square"></i> <!-- Checking it off the list, one square at a time -->
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Proper setup and testing different elements

Setup instructions from Font Awesome’s website are like a treasure map, leading you to the golden icons:

1. Choose your version. Version 5: "Pick me, Pick me!"
2. Copy the CDN link or download files. Silly rabbit, files are for devs!
3. Put the link or files in your HTML. It's like feeding the beast!
4. Use the icon classes as instructed. It's like a secret handshake!

Check the waters by testing with different HTML elements like <i> and <span>:

<i class="fas fa-coffee"></i> <!-- I see coffee, I click! -->
<span class="fas fa-coffee"></span> <!-- Is it coffee time yet? -->
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Self-host the icons and keep up-to-date

Self-hosting Font Awesome might give more control and improve performance by limiting the menu to just the icons you need.

Maintaining to the latest Font Awesome version can sort out compatibility issues and sashay away many bugs.

Icon availability per version and official wiki insights

The specific version of Font Awesome in use can determine icon availability. What if your favourite iced donut wasn't available at a doughnut shop last year?

Still feeling lost? Font Awesome's official Wiki is like a lighthouse in the storm, guiding you back to safety.