The “ERR_CACHE_MISS” error is a common Chrome browser error that indicates a failed attempt to load page content from cache. Browser caching allows pages, images, and other website data to be temporarily stored locally to speed up load times and reduce bandwidth usage. However, sometimes this cache can become outdated or corrupted, leading to the ERR_CACHE_MISS error.
When you see this error, Chrome is essentially saying that it tried to load the requested page from cache, but the needed data was missing from the local cache. This forces the browser to reload the full content from the original server, which is why you may experience delays or slow loading when receiving this message.
The ERR_CACHE_MISS error usually pops up due to browser cache corruption, connectivity problems, coding issues, overloaded caches, or faulty extensions. The good news is that it’s typically an easy fix. Most of the time, simply reloading the page or restarting the browser will resolve the problem. Other solutions include clearing the cache, disabling extensions, updating Chrome, or adjusting cache settings.
This article will provide an in-depth look at the common causes of ERR_CACHE_MISS errors, along with various troubleshooting steps and preventative measures you can take. With a few simple browser adjustments and connectivity checks, you can typically get rid of frustrating cache errors and optimize your Chrome performance.
Table of Contents
What is Browser Caching?
Browser caching is a technique used to store website files locally on your computer so pages load faster on subsequent visits.
When you first visit a website, your browser downloads all the necessary files – HTML, CSS, JavaScript, images, etc. This can take time depending on your internet speed. The browser then stores or “caches” these files temporarily so they don’t need to be re-downloaded each time you load the page.
The next time you visit the site, the browser will use the cached files instead of fetching them from the internet again. This eliminates additional download time and allows the page to load much faster.
Browser caching improves performance in the following ways:
- Saves Bandwidth: Downloading cached files consumes less bandwidth compared to downloading the originals again from the web server. This helps conserve network usage.
- Faster Page Loads: Accessing a locally cached file is much quicker than having to download the file again. Pages load near instantly when all resources are cached.
- Reduces Server Loads: Popular websites benefit greatly from caching as it reduces stress on their servers. Fewer original files need to be sent out with each request.
There are two main types of browser caches:
- Disk Cache: Also called the browser cache, files are stored on your hard drive for quick access later. Storage space is limited.
- Memory Cache: Smaller cache that keeps frequently accessed resources in your computer’s RAM for ultra fast retrieval. Get cleared out when you close all browser windows.
Proper browser caching is crucial for delivering a smooth and speedy browsing experience. The ERR_CACHE_MISS error indicates a failure to retrieve files from the cache.
What Causes ERR_CACHE_MISS?
The ERR_CACHE_MISS error can occur for several reasons related to your browser’s caching system:
Browser Cache Corruption
Over time, your browser’s cache can become corrupted or damaged, leading to missing resources and ERR_CACHE_MISS errors. Things like forcefully restarting your browser, computer crashes, or full hard drive can contribute to cache corruption. Clearing your browser’s cache may resolve simple corruption issues.
Network Connectivity Issues
Unstable internet connections, VPN usage, proxies, and other network factors can interfere with your browser properly saving or retrieving cached data. This leads to missing resources in the cache and ERR_CACHE_MISS errors. Check your network connectivity and disable any VPNs or proxies to see if that resolves the issue.
Incorrect Coding
For web developers, incorrect caching headers, resource URLs, or other coding mistakes can prevent resources from being properly cached. Double check that caching is implemented correctly on both the server and in your site’s code. Test your site in incognito mode after making coding changes.
Too Much Cache Data
Over time, your browser’s cache accumulates data from all the sites you visit. If the cache gets overloaded, the browser may struggle to save or retrieve resources properly. Try clearing your cache or adjusting the maximum size for a potential quick fix.
Browser Extensions
Some Chrome extensions override caching behavior or block resources from being cached. Try disabling or removing all extensions to pinpoint if one extension in particular is causing ERR_CACHE_MISS errors.
Fixing ERR_CACHE_MISS
One of the easiest ways to resolve the ERR_CACHE_MISS error is to reload the page or restart your Chrome browser. This will clear out any corrupted cache data that could be causing the problem.
You should also make sure you’re using the latest version of Chrome. Go to Help > About Google Chrome to check your version and update if needed. Updating to the newest Chrome version can fix bugs and caching issues.
Clearing your browser cache and cookies is another common fix. To do this in Chrome:
1. Click the 3 vertical dots in the top right corner
2. Go to More Tools > Clear Browsing Data
3. Select the desired timeframe and make sure “Cached images and files” is checked
4. Click Clear Data
If you have any Chrome extensions installed, try disabling them temporarily. Some extensions can interfere with caching and cause ERR_CACHE_MISS errors.
Using Chrome’s incognito mode is another troubleshooting step. Incognito doesn’t use any cached data, so if the error goes away in incognito it confirms the cause is a caching problem.
You can also dig into Chrome’s advanced settings and adjust the browser cache size and disk cache. Try increasing the cache size if you frequently get this error message.
Following these troubleshooting steps will resolve the majority of ERR_CACHE_MISS errors. Reloading, restarting Chrome, updating, clearing cache, disabling extensions, and using incognito mode are the most effective fixes. Adjusting advanced cache settings may help in some cases too.
Advanced Troubleshooting
If the basic troubleshooting steps don’t resolve the ERR_CACHE_MISS error, here are some more advanced things to try:
Test in Incognito Mode
Launch Chrome in incognito mode by clicking the three dot menu > New Incognito Window. Then attempt to load the problem page.
Incognito mode launches the browser without extensions and with the cache cleared. If the page loads correctly, it indicates an extension or caching issue is causing the error.
Try a Different Browser
Try loading the page in a different browser like Firefox or Edge. If the page works properly, it confirms something with Chrome specifically is triggering the error.
It’s worth keeping another browser installed for troubleshooting purposes.
Check Service Status
Websites like Downdetector track service outage reports and can confirm if others are experiencing problems with a particular site.
If there’s a spike in outage reports, it suggests the issue is on the server-side and not your local computer. Trying again later may resolve it.
Preventing Future ERR_CACHE_MISS Errors
Regularly clearing your browser cache can help prevent ERR_CACHE_MISS errors in the future. Cache builds up over time and can become corrupted, leading to errors. Clearing your cache once a week or so ensures it doesn’t become overloaded.
Keeping Google Chrome updated to the latest version also helps avoid ERR_CACHE_MISS. Updates often include fixes for bugs that can cause caching issues. Enable auto-updates in Chrome’s settings to stay current.
Too many extensions can sometimes interfere with Chrome’s caching and cause ERR_CACHE_MISS errors. Disable any unnecessary extensions, especially those you don’t use regularly. Only keep essential extensions enabled.
Using Chrome on an unstable internet connection can also lead to frequent ERR_CACHE_MISS errors. Check that you don’t have connectivity issues with your network. Connect via ethernet if possible for faster speeds and reliability. Restart your router and modem if you continue having problems.
Following these preventative measures will help minimize ERR_CACHE_MISS errors going forward. Proper browser hygiene is important for peak performance and a smooth user experience.
Tips for Web Developers
When developing a website, following caching best practices can help prevent ERR_CACHE_MISS errors for your users. Here are some tips:
Follow Caching Best Practices
- Set appropriate cache Control headers like “Cache-Control: max-age=3600” to control how long resources are cached. This prevents cache getting overloaded.
- Leverage caching features like ETags to validate cached resources instead of just relying on expiration times.
- Use a CDN to distribute static assets, reducing load on origin servers.
- Break up page components into logical fragments that can be cached separately.
- Avoid caching dynamic, user-specific data. Focus caching on static assets.
- Set Expires headers for definitive expiration rather than just Cache-Control.
Set Appropriate Headers
Adjust caching headers to find the right balance between freshness and minimizing requests to origin. Some headers to tweak:
- Cache-Control – sets cache length and directives like “no cache”
- Expires – sets an expiration date/time for a resource
- ETag – uniquely identifies a version of a resource for validation checks
- Vary – specifies what headers the cache key should be based on
Test Site Performance
Continuously test your website’s caching performance and ERR_CACHE_MISS frequency using tools like:
- Chrome Developer Tools – preview cache resources and diagnose issues
- WebPageTest – visualizes cache utilization and headers
- Pingdom – monitors real user metrics like ERR_CACHE_MISS
Follow the performance golden rule: only request resources from network when absolutely required.
Optimizing Browser Caching
Properly configuring your browser’s cache settings can help optimize performance and prevent ERR_CACHE_MISS errors. Here are some tips:
Adjust Browser Cache Settings
- In Chrome, go to Settings > Privacy and security > Clear browsing data. Under “Cached images and files,” choose how much data you want Chrome to store before deleting older cached files.
- Alternatively, go to Settings > Advanced > Content settings > Cached data and adjust the slider for how much disk space to use for the cache.
- In Firefox, go to Options > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data. Adjust the “Keep until” setting for cached web content.
- In Safari, go to Preferences > Privacy > Manage Website Data > Cached Web Content and adjust when to remove cached files.
Delete Old Cached Files
- Over time, your browser’s cache fills up with outdated, unused data that can slow things down. Periodically clearing your cache helps delete this old data.
- Find the “Clear browsing data” option to wipe the cache in Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. This forces the browser to re-download fresh, updated files instead of using old cached copies.
Use Cache Cleaner Tools
- Browser cache cleaner utilities like CCleaner or BleachBit can automatically clear your cache on a schedule. This prevents the cache from getting overloaded.
- Be careful with cache cleaners to avoid deleting important cookies or site data. Review what will be deleted before running the tools.
- Configure the tools to clear the cache on a regular basis, such as weekly or biweekly. Daily automated clearing is generally excessive.
When to Contact Support
If you have tried the basic troubleshooting steps listed in this guide but are still experiencing the ERR_CACHE_MISS error, it may be time to reach out for additional support. Here are some instances when contacting Chrome or website support may be your next best step:
If Basic Fixes Don’t Work
After trying fixes like clearing your cache, updating Chrome, restarting your browser, and disabling extensions, ERR_CACHE_MISS errors persist. The error seems to only affect one site. This indicates there may be a larger issue needing investigation.
For Recurring Issues
The ERR_CACHE_MISS error keeps coming back even after initially fixing it. There seems to be an underlying problem causing the error to repeatedly return. Professional help may be needed for a permanent solution.
For Site-Specific Problems
The error only appears on one particular website. This points to a website-specific issue beyond general browser troubleshooting. Consider contacting the site’s customer support for assistance. Provide details like when the error shows and the steps attempted.
Site-specific ERR_CACHE_MISS errors may require changes on the developer side. If many users report issues, the site owners may need to optimize their caching mechanisms. For individual problems, site support can troubleshoot further or escalate the issue.
Conclusion
The ERR_CACHE_MISS error in Chrome indicates that the browser could not load the needed cached resource. This can occur due to browser cache corruption, network issues, coding errors, overloaded cache storage, or extensions interfering with caching.
While frustrating, this error can often be resolved by simple fixes like clearing the browser cache and cookies, restarting the Chrome browser, updating Chrome to the latest version, or disabling extensions. More advanced troubleshooting may be required for persistent or complex cases like using incognito mode, adjusting cache settings, or checking for underlying internet connectivity problems.
Proper browser caching is important for fast page loading and optimal user experience. When caching works correctly, resources can be loaded from the local disk cache rather than needing to be re-downloaded each time. However, too much cache data can also cause performance issues. It’s recommended to periodically clear out old or unused cache files to maintain a healthy balance.
To optimize browser performance and prevent future ERR_CACHE_MISS errors, keep Chrome updated to the latest version, disable unnecessary extensions, regularly clear the cache/cookies, ensure a stable internet connection, and follow web development best practices around caching resources. With some tweaking and troubleshooting, these errors can often be resolved or avoided altogether.
I’m a writer, artist, and designer working in the gaming and tech industries. I have held staff and freelance positions at large publications including Digital Trends, Lifehacker, Popular Science Magazine, Electronic Gaming Monthly, IGN, The Xplore Tech, and others, primarily covering gaming criticism, A/V and mobile tech reviews, and data security advocacy.