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How to fix favicon.ico error: "Failed to load resource: net::ERR_EMPTY_RESPONSE"

html
favicon
html5
best-practices
Anton ShumikhinbyAnton Shumikhin·Jan 4, 2025
TLDR

To resolve the net::ERR_EMPTY_RESPONSE you need to add a correct favicon link to your HTML file:

<link rel="icon" href="/favicon.ico">

Ensure the favicon exists at the specified path. If the problem persists, clear the browser cache.

If you are working in a development environment and do not require a favicon just yet, you can silence the error temporarily by using:

<link rel="shortcut icon" href="#">

Remember to implement a proper favicon for the production environment to improve brand identity and user experience.

Locating the breadcrumb trail

Examine Netbeans connector and project settings. Make sure there’s no unintended breadcrumb like an incorrect favicon.ico reference that could mislead the browser.

<!-- Who left this shiny breadcrumb here? --> <link rel="shortcut icon" href="somewhere/favicon.ico">

When macaroni pictures won’t cut it

In some cases, it's better to embed a base64 encoded icon directly into your HTML:

<!-- Because sometimes, you need more than a macaroni picture --> <link rel="icon" href="data:;base64,iVBORw0KGgo=">

This method can avoid initial server requests and is suitable for HTML5 compliance.

MIME types and paths are like applauce and standing ovations

Specify the MIME type and correct path to ensure proper loading of your favicon:

<!-- Applause? No, standing ovation! --> <link rel="icon" type="image/png" href="/path/to/favicon.png">

Update the type attribute to match your favicon's file format.

Dancing favicons for those fun Friday nights

For dancing favicons (.gif), you want to specify type="image/gif":

<!-- Favicons also have Friday night disco! --> <link rel="icon" type="image/gif" href="/path/to/dancing_favicon.gif">

Validate your efforts and avoid the ‘Walk of Shame’

Use favicon checkers and Developer Tools in your browser to validate loading of your favicon. Don't let a 404 error catch you off guard; it's the digital Walk of Shame.

Crafting your identity, one pixel at a time

Every brand needs a custom favicon. Use online tools like http://convertico.com/ to convert images to icons. After all, you want to stand out in the crowd, right?

Wrong turn? Lost path? Clear indicators

Here's a guide to avoiding favicon loading errors.

  • Place: Make sure favicon.ico is well-placed in the root directory of your website.
  • Cache: Always clear browser cache after each update of favicon.
  • Path: Triple-check your href attribute to prevent wrong-route issues.
  • Dev vs Prod mode: Use real favicon for production, keeping the preference of user experience in mind.