Google Search users will no longer have access to cached versions of web pages as Google officially retires the feature. This change, confirmed by Google's search liaison Danny Sullivan, marks the end of an era where users could view pages as Google sees them, useful for various purposes like debugging sites or accessing content from blocked sites.
Hey, catching up. Yes, it's been removed. I know, it's sad. I'm sad too. It's one of our oldest features. But it was meant for helping people access pages when way back, you often couldn't depend on a page loading. These days, things have greatly improved. So, it was decided to…
— Google SearchLiaison (@searchliaison) February 1, 2024
The cache links, gradually removed over recent months, were a go-to resource for users encountering slow-loading pages or seeking historical versions of websites. While Google cites improved internet reliability for the feature's retirement, its removal impacts various user groups, including SEO professionals, journalists, and those relying on cached pages in regions with restricted access.
Though the cached view option is disappearing, Google is considering alternatives, such as linking to the Internet Archive to show webpage changes over time. However, Sullivan emphasizes that this potential replacement is not confirmed, highlighting the need for further discussions.
