How to Resolve ERR_CACHE_MISS: Confirm Form Resubmission Error in Google Chrome?

Table of Contents

Introduction

If you’ve ever seen the message “Confirm Form Resubmission” while browsing in Google Chrome, you’re not alone. This error usually appears as part of the ERR_CACHE_MISS problem, and it often disrupts user experience when filling out forms, submitting payments, or refreshing important pages.
While it’s a common issue, many users don’t understand why it happens or how to fix it. The good news is that the error is not usually a sign of something broken on your device. Instead, it’s related to how Chrome handles cache and form submissions.

In this guide, we’ll explain:

  • What the Confirm Form Resubmission error means
  • The main reasons it appears
  • Step-by-step methods to fix it
  • How website owners can prevent it for their users
  • Answers to common FAQs

By the end, you’ll know exactly how to resolve the issue and ensure smooth browsing on Chrome.

What Does “Confirm Form Resubmission” Mean?

The Confirm Form Resubmission error usually appears with the message:
“Confirm Form Resubmission – ERR_CACHE_MISS”

This happens when Chrome detects that a user is trying to reload or go back to a page that previously contained a form submission.

For example:

  • Submitting payment details in an online store
  • Logging into an account
  • Filling out a registration form
  • Posting comments on a blog

When you hit refresh (F5) or use the back button, Chrome tries to re-submit the form data. To prevent accidental duplicate submissions (like making two payments), it throws this warning.
So essentially, the error is a safety mechanism, not a bug.

Common Causes of Confirm Form Resubmission Error

Here are the main reasons why this error shows up:

  • Browser Cache Issue
    Chrome tries to fetch data from its cache but fails, leading to ERR_CACHE_MISS.
  • Form Submission Handling
    The website might be using POST requests without proper redirects, so Chrome wants confirmation before re-sending data.
  • Accidental Page Refresh
    Pressing refresh after submitting a form triggers the warning.
  • Back or Forward Navigation
    Navigating with the back button after a form submission can also cause this.
  • Browser Extensions
    Certain extensions interfere with form data handling.
  • Outdated Chrome Version
    Bugs in older versions of Chrome may increase the chances of this error.

How to Fix Confirm Form Resubmission (ERR_CACHE_MISS)

Here are practical solutions you can try:

  1. Avoid Refreshing After Submitting Forms
    The simplest fix is behavioral: don’t refresh the page after submitting payment, login, or registration forms. Instead, wait until the website redirects you automatically.
  2. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies
    Since caching issues cause this error, clearing them often resolves it.
    Steps:
    Open Chrome.
    Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete (Windows) or Command + Shift + Delete (Mac).
    Select Cookies and Cached files.
    Click Clear data.
    Now restart Chrome and try again.
  3. Use the GET Method Instead of POST (For Developers)
    If you’re a developer managing a website, switch form submissions from POST to GET for non-sensitive data.
    POST requests send data in the body of the request and can’t be cached.
    GET requests append data in the URL and are cache-friendly.
    This prevents Chrome from throwing the Confirm Form Resubmission error on reloads.
  4. Implement the Post/Redirect/Get Pattern (PRG)
    For website owners, the PRG pattern is the most reliable fix.
    Here’s how it works:
    • User submits a form via POST.
    • Server processes the data.
    • Server sends a redirect (302) to a new page.
    • Browser loads the new page with a GET request.
    Since the final page is a GET request, refreshing won’t trigger resubmission.
  5. Disable Problematic Extensions
    Extensions like ad-blockers or form fillers may interfere.
    Steps:
    Go to chrome://extensions/.
    Disable extensions one by one.
    Restart Chrome and check if the issue is gone.
  6. Update Google Chrome
    Running the latest version ensures fewer bugs.
    Steps:
    Open Chrome.
    Go to Settings > About Chrome.
    If updates are available, install them.
  7. Use Incognito Mode
    Press Ctrl + Shift + N (Windows) or Command + Shift + N (Mac) to open incognito mode.
    This bypasses cached data and often resolves the issue temporarily.
  8. Reset Chrome Settings
    If nothing works, reset Chrome to default.
    Steps:
    Open Chrome.
    Go to Settings > Reset and clean up > Restore settings to original defaults.
    Restart browser.

Advanced Fixes for Developers

If you’re a website owner or developer, you can take further steps:

  • JavaScript History Manipulation
    After form submission, use JavaScript’s history.replaceState() to replace the current state.
    This ensures refreshing doesn’t re-submit the form.
  • Custom Error Handling
    Implement custom error pages for failed submissions to guide users clearly.
  • Monitor User Behavior
    Use tools like Google Analytics to track where users drop off after forms.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • 1. What is Confirm Form Resubmission in Chrome?
    It’s a warning that appears when you try to reload a page with previously submitted form data.
  • 2. Is Confirm Form Resubmission an error or a feature?
    It’s a feature designed to prevent duplicate submissions, like multiple payments.
  • 3. Can I disable Confirm Form Resubmission in Chrome?
    Not directly. But developers can prevent it using the PRG pattern or JavaScript fixes.
  • 4. Why do I see ERR_CACHE_MISS with Confirm Form Resubmission?
    Because Chrome tries to retrieve data from its cache but cannot. It asks for confirmation before re-sending data.
  • 5. Does this error affect online payments?
    Yes, refreshing during checkout may cause duplicate payment attempts. Always avoid refreshing after submitting payment forms.
  • 6. I’m just a user. What should I do?
    Clear your cache, avoid refreshing after forms, or try using incognito mode.
  • 7. I’m a developer. How do I prevent this for my users?
    Use Post/Redirect/Get, JavaScript replaceState(), or switch to GET where appropriate.

Conclusion

The Confirm Form Resubmission (ERR_CACHE_MISS) warning in Google Chrome is not a bug but a protective mechanism to stop duplicate form submissions.
For users, the best fixes are:

  • Avoid refreshing after forms
  • Clear cache and cookies
  • Disable problematic extensions
  • Update Chrome

For developers, implementing the Post/Redirect/Get (PRG) pattern or using history.replaceState() ensures that users never face this issue.
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can resolve the problem and enjoy smooth browsing or form handling in Chrome.

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