image/*
image/x-icon
File extensions: .ico
Windows icon format — the traditional favicon container.
What is image/x-icon?
image/x-icon is the historical media type served by /favicon.ico. Modern browsers also accept image/vnd.microsoft.icon, but image/x-icon has broader legacy support.
Typical usage
Site favicons, Windows shortcut icons.
HTTP header example
Response header
Content-Type: image/x-iconRegistration status
This media type is not officially registered with IANA. It is widely used in practice, but strict clients or standards-conformant tooling may not recognize it — check your consumer's tolerance.
Frequently asked questions
What is the image/x-icon MIME type?
image/x-icon is the historical media type served by /favicon.ico. Modern browsers also accept image/vnd.microsoft.icon, but image/x-icon has broader legacy support.
What file extension does image/x-icon use?
Files served as image/x-icon typically use the extension .ico. The most common is .ico.
How do I set the Content-Type for image/x-icon?
Send the HTTP response header Content-Type: image/x-icon. Site favicons, Windows shortcut icons.
Is image/x-icon an official MIME type?
No. image/x-icon is not officially registered with IANA. It is widely used in practice, but strict or standards-conformant tooling may not recognize it, so verify your consumer accepts it.