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Did you know that you can modify any URL for Google to show you a cached version of a browser page? This cached URL will convert the regular browser page into a cached browser page.
So, how do you do that? Below are the instructions mentioned to help you modify an URL to get a Google-cached version of the page:
- To get the Google-cached version of a page, you will have to put the following into the URL followed by the link to the browser page you want to view in a cached format:
http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:
- Once you enter the above-mentioned, add the URL following the semicolon to cache the page. For example, http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:http://example.com/, if this is the modified URL, the portion in bold is where your URL (the one you want to cache should be). Here is a screenshot for reference:
- When you hit Enter, you will be able to view the cached version of the page that should look something like the image below. We have outlined what is distinct about a cached page made by Google.
- You also get two other formats to view the cached page: ‘Text-only version’ which only includes the text and removes all images and media, and ‘View Source’. ‘Text-only version’ of any cached page should look similar to this:
How To Get A Google Cached Version Of A Page Without Modifying URL?
There is a simpler go-to solution to viewing the Google cached version of a page without modifying an URL. If you do not want to play with the search bar and want a more dynamic solution to view the cached version of a browser page, follow the instructions below.
- Open the search bar and search for the result that you wish to view in a cached browser page. Below is an image for reference:
- Now, from the search results, pick the page you want to view in the Google cached version. Next, tap on the three-dot button next to the link on top of individual search descriptions.
- Next, tap on “Cached” and the page will open directly in the cached version without having to modify the URL.
- The cached page looks the same as you would see in the previous process:
Note: You can copy the URL and keep it for future use or you can just visit the History and tap on the cached URL. The cached URL made by Google using this process is the same as the one you enter when you need to modify the URL in the first process. This process just saves you from taking an additional step.
- (such as Firefox) communicates with the webserver. A request is what you’re making.
- Mozilla’s browser cache is also consulted throughout this process. It’s doing a cache check to verify if any data from the requesting URL has already been stored locally (saved inside the cache).
- By default, requests for content that isn’t already cached on your computer are sent to an external server for delivery. We refer to this as a “reaction.”
- Our Firefox browser ignores the server if the requested material is found in the browser’s cache.
- Cached data must match the requested webpage exactly, and it can’t be deemed “stale.” Since practically all cached data has an expiration date, the browser may run into old cached content. Site material changes frequently, thus archiving and serving up old content would be a bad idea. The browser should only display material that is almost identical to that found on the current webpage.
All in all, if there is data from the requested website in the browser’s cache that hasn’t expired, the browser will use that data.
Why Do You Need to Clear Your Browser Cache?
Most of the time, you aren’t even aware that browser caching is taking place. It operates fully in the background and, in most cases, has no impact on your browsing experience. However, things can go awry from time to time.
If you want to make a change to your website, for example. However, because your browser is still serving up the cached version of that resource, you will not be able to notice the change that has occurred. Alternatively, the cache could have become corrupted and interfered with the correct functioning of a web page.
As a result, whenever you discover a problem with your website (or another website), clearing your browser cache is a recommended first thing to take. It will not always resolve the problem, but it is an important first diagnostic step to take before concluding that a more difficult problem is at the root of the problem.
It is possible to encounter the “This Site Can’t Provide a Secure Connection” warning while utilizing local web development tools such as MAMP without first clearing the cache. The number of times that what you perceive to be a “major” website bug is actually a caching issue that can be resolved by clearing the cache in your browser may surprise you.
How to Clear Cache For A Single Page?
You can try something called a “force refresh” before attempting to delete your whole browser’s cache, which might be useful in some situations. Typically, when you refresh a website, your browser continues to serve up the cached version of the page rather than downloading all of the content from the server once more. The following hotkeys, on the other hand, will allow you to circumvent the cache and trigger a complete refresh:
- Windows and Linux browsers: CTRL + F5
- Apple Safari: SHIFT + Reload toolbar button
- Chrome and Firefox for Mac: CMD + SHIFT + R
As previously stated, this approach only bypasses the cache for the specific page that you’re currently viewing. It doesn’t affect the rest of your browser’s cache in any way. If you’re having problems with only a single page, this is a wonderful alternative to consider. Alternatively, if you wish to totally reset your experience (for example, across an entire website), it is preferable to erase your whole browser cache.
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