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Troubleshooting·6 min read

Square Face Icon Generator Not Working? Complete Troubleshooting Guide (2026)

Square Face Icon Generator Not Working? Complete Troubleshooting Guide (2026)

Having trouble with the square face icon generator? Don't worry - you're not alone. This comprehensive troubleshooting guide will help you solve the most common issues and get back to creating awesome pixel art avatars in no time.

Understanding Why the Original Flash Version Stopped Working

If you're here because the original square face icon generator from Icon Generators (icongenerators.net) stopped working, here's what happened:

The End of Adobe Flash Player

On December 31, 2020, Adobe officially ended support for Flash Player. After January 12, 2021, Adobe actively blocked Flash content from running in Flash Player. This affected millions of websites and tools, including the beloved square face icon generator that ran on Flash technology.

Why this matters: The original square face generator on Icon Generators was built with Flash technology. When Flash Player was discontinued, these tools became inaccessible on modern browsers.

The Ruffle Emulator Solution

Some sites now use Ruffle, an open-source Flash emulator that attempts to run old Flash content in modern browsers. While Ruffle has made great progress, it's not perfect:

Pros of Ruffle:

  • Allows some Flash content to run without Flash Player
  • Works in modern browsers
  • Open-source and actively developed

Cons of Ruffle:

  • Not all Flash content works properly
  • Can be slow or buggy
  • Limited feature support
  • May crash on complex animations

The Modern HTML5 Alternative

That's why modern square face icon generators have been rebuilt using HTML5, JavaScript, and Canvas technology. These new versions:

  • Work on all devices (desktop, mobile, tablet)
  • Load faster than Flash ever did
  • Don't require any plugins or emulators
  • Are more secure and privacy-friendly
  • Support touch controls for mobile users

Common Issues & Solutions

Issue #1: Generator Won't Load or Shows Blank Screen

Symptoms:

  • Page loads but the generator area is blank
  • Infinite loading spinner
  • Error message in the browser console

Solutions:

Solution A: Check Your Browser The generator requires a modern browser. Ensure you're using:

  • Chrome 90+
  • Firefox 88+
  • Safari 14+
  • Edge 90+

Update your browser if you're using an older version.

Solution B: Clear Browser Cache Old cached files can cause loading issues:

Chrome:

  1. Press Ctrl+Shift+Delete (Cmd+Shift+Delete on Mac)
  2. Select "Cached images and files"
  3. Choose "All time" from the time range
  4. Click "Clear data"
  5. Refresh the generator page

Firefox:

  1. Press Ctrl+Shift+Delete (Cmd+Shift+Delete on Mac)
  2. Select "Cache"
  3. Click "Clear Now"
  4. Refresh the page

Safari:

  1. Go to Safari > Preferences > Privacy
  2. Click "Manage Website Data"
  3. Remove data for the generator site
  4. Refresh the page

Solution C: Disable Browser Extensions Some extensions block canvas elements or JavaScript:

  1. Open your browser in Incognito/Private mode (usually Ctrl+Shift+N)
  2. Try loading the generator
  3. If it works, disable extensions one by one to find the culprit

Common problematic extensions:

  • Ad blockers (especially aggressive ones)
  • Privacy tools that block canvas fingerprinting
  • Script blockers like NoScript
  • VPN extensions that interfere with content loading

Solution D: Check JavaScript The generator requires JavaScript to run:

  1. Ensure JavaScript is enabled in your browser settings
  2. Check if any security software is blocking JavaScript
  3. Try a different browser to isolate the issue

Issue #2: Can't Save or Download Avatar

Symptoms:

  • Download button doesn't respond
  • Downloaded file is corrupted or won't open
  • Browser blocks the download
  • File downloads but is 0KB

Solutions:

Solution A: Check Download Permissions Your browser might be blocking downloads:

Chrome:

  1. Go to Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings
  2. Click "Additional permissions" > "Automatic downloads"
  3. Ensure the generator site is allowed

Firefox:

  1. Go to Settings > Privacy & Security
  2. Scroll to "Permissions" > "Files"
  3. Ensure automatic downloads are allowed

Solution B: Disable Pop-up Blockers Some generators use pop-ups for downloads:

  1. Check if your browser shows a blocked pop-up icon in the address bar
  2. Click it and allow pop-ups for the generator site
  3. Try downloading again

Solution C: Try Right-Click Save If the download button fails:

  1. Right-click directly on your avatar preview
  2. Select "Save Image As..."
  3. Choose your download location
  4. Save the PNG file

Solution D: Use a Different Browser If one browser consistently fails:

  • Try Chrome if you're using Firefox
  • Try Firefox if you're using Chrome
  • Safari users can try Chrome or Firefox
  • Edge is another reliable alternative

Solution E: Check Available Disk Space Ensure you have enough storage space:

  • Avatar files are small (10-30KB typically)
  • But your Downloads folder needs space
  • Clear old downloads if necessary

Issue #3: Mobile Device Issues

Symptoms:

  • Generator looks broken on phone or tablet
  • Touch controls don't work properly
  • Can't scroll through options
  • Buttons are too small to tap

Solutions:

Solution A: Use Landscape Orientation Many generators work better in landscape mode:

  1. Rotate your device horizontally
  2. The interface will have more space
  3. Controls become easier to access

Solution B: Update Your Mobile Browser Mobile browsers need to be current:

iOS:

  • Update to latest iOS version (Settings > General > Software Update)
  • Safari updates with iOS
  • Try Chrome or Firefox if Safari has issues

Android:

  • Update Chrome from Play Store
  • Try Firefox if Chrome has issues
  • Samsung Internet is another good option

Solution C: Zoom and Pan If interface elements are too small:

  1. Pinch to zoom in on the generator
  2. Pan around to access different controls
  3. Zoom out to see the full preview

Solution D: Use Desktop Mode Request the desktop version on mobile:

Chrome Android:

  1. Tap the three dots menu
  2. Check "Desktop site"
  3. The full desktop interface loads

Safari iOS:

  1. Tap the "aA" button in the address bar
  2. Select "Request Desktop Website"
  3. The desktop version loads

Issue #4: Generator is Slow or Laggy

Symptoms:

  • Controls respond slowly
  • Preview updates with delay
  • Color picker is sluggish
  • Browser becomes unresponsive

Solutions:

Solution A: Close Other Tabs Free up browser memory:

  1. Close all unnecessary tabs
  2. Keep only the generator tab open
  3. Close other applications running in background
  4. Restart your browser if needed

Solution B: Upgrade Your Device Minimum requirements for smooth operation:

  • 2GB RAM minimum (4GB recommended)
  • Modern processor (last 5 years)
  • Updated operating system
  • Hardware graphics acceleration enabled

Solution C: Reduce Browser Load Optimize your browser:

  1. Disable unused extensions
  2. Clear browsing history
  3. Update to latest browser version
  4. Enable hardware acceleration in settings

Solution D: Use Incognito/Private Mode Start fresh without extensions:

  1. Open Incognito window (Ctrl+Shift+N in Chrome)
  2. Load the generator
  3. Extensions are disabled by default
  4. Less memory overhead

Issue #5: Colors Look Different After Download

Symptoms:

  • Downloaded avatar colors don't match preview
  • Colors appear washed out or too vibrant
  • Skin tones look wrong
  • Hair color changed

Solutions:

Solution A: Understand Color Profiles Different devices display colors differently:

  • Your monitor's color calibration affects preview
  • The PNG file itself is always correct
  • Different platforms (Discord, Twitter) may display slightly differently
  • This is normal and unavoidable

Solution B: Preview on Target Platform Before finalizing:

  1. Download your avatar
  2. Upload to intended platform (Discord, Twitter, etc.)
  3. Check how it actually looks there
  4. Adjust colors in generator if needed
  5. Re-download and re-upload

Solution C: Use High Contrast Colors To minimize display differences:

  • Choose bold, saturated colors
  • Avoid subtle color gradients
  • Use high contrast between elements
  • Test on multiple devices

Solution D: Check Your Monitor Settings Ensure your display is properly calibrated:

  • Adjust brightness to comfortable level
  • Check color temperature settings
  • Consider using night mode might affect perception
  • View in natural lighting conditions

Issue #6: Lost Work / Avatar Not Saved

Symptoms:

  • Refreshed page and avatar disappeared
  • Browser crashed and lost creation
  • Closed tab accidentally
  • Work was not saved automatically

Solutions:

Solution A: Understand Auto-Save Limitations Most generators don't auto-save because:

  • Browser security restrictions
  • Privacy concerns (no server-side storage)
  • Local storage can be unreliable
  • Different browsers handle storage differently

Solution B: Download Frequently Develop good habits:

  • Download your avatar periodically while working
  • Save multiple versions as you make changes
  • Create a "Work in Progress" folder
  • Don't rely on the browser keeping your work

Solution C: Use Browser Session Recovery If you just closed the tab:

  • Press Ctrl+Shift+T to reopen last closed tab
  • Check browser history for recent visits
  • Some browsers auto-restore last session on restart

Solution D: Screenshot as Backup While working on complex avatars:

  1. Take screenshots periodically
  2. Save color codes you're using
  3. Note which elements you've selected
  4. This helps recreate if something goes wrong

Issue #7: Specific Features Not Working

Symptoms:

  • Color picker won't open
  • Random button does nothing
  • Certain categories won't display
  • Preview doesn't update

Solutions:

Solution A: Try Different Elements Isolate the problem:

  1. Test other categories - do they work?
  2. Try different colors - is it color-specific?
  3. Test random button multiple times
  4. Check if issue is consistent or random

Solution B: Refresh the Page Simple but effective:

  1. Save your current avatar if you like it
  2. Refresh the page (F5 or Ctrl+R)
  3. Start fresh or recreate your avatar
  4. Check if the feature works now

Solution C: Report the Bug Help improve the generator:

  1. Note exactly what's not working
  2. Document steps to reproduce the issue
  3. Include browser and device information
  4. Contact the developer with details

Issue #8: Image Quality Issues

Symptoms:

  • Avatar looks blurry
  • Pixels appear jagged
  • Image is lower resolution than expected
  • Transparency not working

Solutions:

Solution A: Ensure PNG Format Always use PNG, not JPEG:

  • PNG supports transparency
  • PNG maintains pixel-perfect quality
  • JPEG compresses and loses quality
  • Check your download is .png format

Solution B: Don't Resize in External Editors Maintain original 256×256 size:

  • Enlarging causes pixelation
  • Reducing loses detail
  • Keep original size for best quality
  • Let platforms resize automatically

Solution C: Check Upload Platform Requirements Different platforms have different needs:

  • Discord: 128×128 display (uploads larger fine)
  • Twitter: Auto-crops to circle
  • Some platforms compress uploads
  • Check platform-specific image guidelines

Solution D: Re-download if Corrupted If image appears damaged:

  1. Delete the corrupted download
  2. Clear browser cache
  3. Create the avatar again
  4. Download fresh copy

Platform-Specific Issues

Discord Upload Problems

Issue: Avatar won't upload to Discord or appears distorted

Solutions:

  1. Ensure file is under 8MB (should be no problem for 256×256 PNG)
  2. Try uploading on Discord desktop app instead of web
  3. Check Discord server boost level (higher res allowed with boost)
  4. Ensure PNG format, not corrupted

Twitter Circular Crop

Issue: Avatar gets cropped into circle, losing square edges

Solutions:

  1. This is normal - Twitter uses circular avatars
  2. Design with this in mind - keep important elements centered
  3. Avoid placing critical details in corners
  4. Test how it looks in circular crop before finalizing

Mobile Upload Issues

Issue: Can't upload avatar from phone

Solutions:

  1. Ensure avatar is saved to phone's photo gallery
  2. Check app permissions - allow photo access
  3. Try uploading from mobile browser instead of app
  4. Use desktop mode if mobile site has issues

Prevention: Best Practices

Before You Start Creating

Check Your Setup:

  • Use a modern, updated browser
  • Ensure stable internet connection
  • Close unnecessary tabs and applications
  • Have enough disk space for downloads

Organize Your Workflow:

  • Create a dedicated folder for avatar downloads
  • Name files descriptively (e.g., "discord_avatar_final_v3.png")
  • Save versions as you work
  • Keep original downloads in case you need them later

While Creating

Save Regularly:

  • Download after major changes
  • Keep multiple versions
  • Test downloads periodically
  • Don't rely on browser memory

Document Your Choices:

  • Screenshot color combinations you like
  • Note which elements work well together
  • Save reference images
  • Keep a text file of settings if creating series

After Creating

Verify Your Download:

  • Open downloaded file to ensure it's not corrupted
  • Check file size (should be 10-30KB for most avatars)
  • Verify transparency if needed
  • Keep backup copies

Test on Target Platforms:

  • Upload to intended platform
  • Check how it displays at actual size
  • Adjust if needed
  • Save final approved version

Advanced Troubleshooting

Developer Console Errors

If you're comfortable with technical details:

  1. Open Developer Console (F12 in most browsers)
  2. Check Console tab for error messages
  3. Look for:
    • JavaScript errors (red text)
    • Network failures (failed requests)
    • Canvas errors
    • CORS issues

Common error meanings:

  • "Canvas is not defined" = Browser doesn't support canvas
  • "Failed to fetch" = Network connectivity issue
  • "Quota exceeded" = Browser storage full
  • "CORS error" = Server configuration issue

Network Connectivity Issues

If the generator loads partially:

  1. Check your internet speed
  2. Try different WiFi network or use mobile data
  3. Disable VPN temporarily
  4. Check if firewall is blocking assets
  5. Try accessing from different location

Browser Compatibility

If all else fails, try these browsers (in order of reliability):

  1. Chrome - Best overall support, fastest performance
  2. Firefox - Excellent standards compliance
  3. Edge - Chromium-based, similar to Chrome
  4. Safari - Good on Mac/iOS, can have quirks
  5. Brave - Chrome-based with privacy features

When to Contact Support

Reach out for help if:

  • Issue persists across multiple browsers
  • Problem occurs on different devices
  • You've tried all troubleshooting steps
  • You suspect a bug in the generator
  • Features that worked before suddenly don't

What to include in your support request:

  • Detailed description of the issue
  • Browser name and version
  • Device type and operating system
  • Steps to reproduce the problem
  • Screenshots or screen recordings
  • Error messages from developer console

Alternative Solutions

If Generator Remains Inaccessible

Temporary Alternatives:

  1. Try a different square face generator site
  2. Use Picrew for anime-style avatars
  3. Try pixel art tools like Piskel
  4. Use general avatar makers like Avatoon

Come Back Later:

  • Developers may be deploying updates
  • Server maintenance might be in progress
  • Try again in a few hours
  • Check social media for status updates

Conclusion

Most issues with the square face icon generator have simple solutions. The vast majority of problems stem from:

  • Outdated browsers
  • Cache issues
  • Browser extensions interfering
  • Download permission settings

By following this troubleshooting guide, you should be able to resolve virtually any issue and get back to creating amazing pixel art avatars.

Remember: The modern HTML5 square face generators are far more reliable than the old Flash versions. If you're still trying to use the original Flash-based Icon Generators site, it's time to switch to a modern HTML5 alternative for a better, faster, and more reliable experience.

Still having issues? Don't hesitate to reach out for support. The community and developers are here to help you create the perfect avatar!

Last updated: January 2026 - This guide covers the most common issues with modern HTML5-based square face icon generators and solutions for legacy Flash-based tools.

Keywords: square face icon generator not working, flash player alternative, icon generator troubleshooting, ruffle emulator, avatar maker problems, download issues, mobile generator issues

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