ERR_CACHE_MISS Fix: Step-by-Step Guide

This guide explains how to fix the ERR_CACHE_MISS error in Google Chrome. This error typically appears when you submit a form or refresh a page, and Chrome’s cache fails to properly store or retrieve the data. The fixes below are straightforward and safe, requiring only a few minutes and no special tools.

What You’ll Need

• Access to Google Chrome (desktop version for most steps; some steps also work on mobile).
• Administrator rights on your computer (only for the “Clear Browsing Data” and “Reset Settings” steps, if you use a managed device you may need permission).
• Your Chrome bookmarks and passwords (they are not deleted by these steps, but it’s good to have them backed up if you plan a full reset).

Step-by-Step

1. Reload the page. Sometimes the error is a one-time glitch. Press Ctrl+R (Windows/Linux) or Cmd+R (Mac). If the page loads, you’re done. If not, continue.
2. Clear the cache for the specific site. Click the lock icon (or info icon) in the address bar next to the URL. In the dropdown, click “Site settings”. In the “Permissions” section, scroll to “Clear data” and click it. Then reload the page. This removes only the cache and cookies for that site, so you’ll have to log in again, but your other sites are untouched.
3. Use Incognito mode. Open a new Incognito window (Ctrl+Shift+N on Windows/Linux, Cmd+Shift+N on Mac). Go to the same page. If the error doesn’t appear, the problem is likely related to your normal profile’s cache or extensions. If it still appears, the issue is on the website’s side, and you can try the next steps anyway.
4. Disable browser extensions. Type chrome://extensions in the address bar and press Enter. Toggle off all extensions (or remove suspicious ones). Then reload the page. If the error disappears, re-enable extensions one by one to find the culprit. Common offenders are ad-blockers, privacy tools, and download managers.
5. Clear all browsing data. If the specific-site fix didn’t work, clear the entire cache. Click the three-dot menu (â‹®) in the top-right corner, go to “More tools” → “Clear browsing data”. In the new tab, set the time range to “All time”, check “Cached images and files” (and optionally “Cookies and other site data”), then click “Clear data”. This will log you out of most websites, so make sure you have your passwords handy.
6. Update Chrome. Outdated versions can have bugs. Click the three-dot menu, go to “Help” → “About Google Chrome”. Chrome will check for updates and install them automatically. Relaunch the browser after updating.
7. Reset Chrome settings. If nothing else works, reset Chrome to its default state. Go to chrome://settings/reset and click “Restore settings to their original defaults”. This disables extensions, clears temporary data, and resets shortcuts, but it does not delete your bookmarks, history, or saved passwords. After reset, try the page again.
8. Check your network and firewall. Occasionally, a proxy or VPN can interfere with cache validation. Temporarily disable any VPN or proxy, or switch to a different network (e.g., mobile hotspot) to test. Also, make sure your firewall isn’t blocking Chrome’s access to the site.

Common Mistakes

• Only refreshing the page repeatedly. This often makes the error worse because Chrome keeps trying to use the same corrupted cache entry. Always clear the site data first.
• Clearing only cookies, not cached files. The error is usually caused by cached files, not cookies. Make sure you check “Cached images and files” in the clear browsing data dialog.
• Not disabling extensions before troubleshooting. Extensions can inject scripts that interfere with form submissions. If you skip this step, you might waste time on other fixes.
• Resetting Chrome without backing up passwords. Although reset doesn’t delete passwords, if you are using a local profile (not synced), a reset can sometimes cause issues. Export your passwords just in case.

Tips

• Use a password manager. Since clearing cache logs you out of sites, a password manager (like the built-in Chrome password manager or a third-party one) saves you from resetting passwords.
• Keep Chrome updated automatically. Enable auto-updates in your system settings to avoid bugs that are fixed in newer versions.
• Use a dedicated profile for sensitive tasks. If you frequently encounter this error on banking or payment sites, creating a separate Chrome profile for those can isolate issues.
• Check for website maintenance. Sometimes the error is on the website’s end. If the error appears only on one site, try accessing it from another browser or device to confirm.

Troubleshooting

If the error persists after trying all the steps above:

• Try a different browser. If the site works in Firefox or Edge, the problem is likely Chrome-specific. You can continue using the other browser, or reinstall Chrome.
• Reinstall Chrome. Uninstall Chrome completely (make sure to check “Also delete your browsing data” if you don’t mind losing local data, or back up your profile first). Then download the latest version from the official Chrome website and install it. This resets everything, including hidden settings.
• Check for system file corruption. On Windows, run sfc /scannow in Command Prompt (as administrator) to repair system files that might affect Chrome. On Mac, use Disk Utility to verify the disk.
• Contact the website’s support. If the error only happens on a specific site (like a payment portal), the site’s developers may have a known issue with Chrome’s cache. Look for a “contact” or “help” section on the site.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will clearing my cache delete my passwords?

No, clearing the cache does not delete saved passwords. However, clearing cookies will log you out of websites, so you’ll need to log in again, but the saved passwords will still be there for autofill.

Why does this error happen only when I submit a form?

Chrome uses a cache to store the data you’ve entered in forms to prevent loss when you hit the back button. If the cache entry becomes corrupted or if the server expects different data, Chrome throws the ERR_CACHE_MISS error to avoid submitting stale data.

Is this error dangerous? Is my data at risk?

No, it’s a harmless error. It simply means Chrome couldn’t properly handle the cache for that page. Your data is not at risk, but you might lose unsaved form input if you refresh.

Can I disable Chrome’s cache entirely to avoid this?

While you can disable the cache in Chrome’s developer tools (by checking “Disable cache” in the Network tab), this is not recommended for regular browsing because it slows down page loads significantly. It’s better to fix the underlying cause.

Does this error affect mobile Chrome?

Yes, it can appear on Android and iOS Chrome, but it’s less common. The fix is similar: clear the site data or the entire cache from Chrome’s settings on your phone.

Will I lose my bookmarks if I reset Chrome?

No, resetting Chrome to default settings does not delete bookmarks, history, or saved passwords. It only disables extensions and clears temporary data.

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