Google allows revisiting past web pages again: we tested it for you

A new feature from Google offers a fresh look at the web of the past. By teaming up with Internet Archive, the tech giant now provides direct access to old versions of websites right from search results.

A few months ago, Google removed its cache feature, leaving many users dissatisfied. Today, the search engine is back on the scene, integrating archives from Internet Archive's Wayback Machine service.


Now, users can view the history of websites in just a few clicks. By accessing additional options from a search result, it's possible to find a link to archived versions of pages via the Wayback Machine. The Wayback Machine, which has been active for over 25 years, is a vast database archiving the entire web. This partnership highlights the depth of Internet Archive's records, which add more than 20 terabytes of data each month.

This collaboration aims to deepen the historical understanding of web pages by making their old versions easily accessible. Researchers and digital history enthusiasts can thus explore the evolution of websites and online content. However, copyright issues remain a concern. Internet Archive clarifies that archived web pages will only be accessible if site owners have not expressed a desire to keep this data private. This safeguard ensures that creators' privacy choices are respected.

By providing direct access to these archives, Google simplifies the search for historical information and enhances the user experience. The feature, integrated into the search interface, makes it easier to access this collective digital memory. This initiative represents a significant step forward in preserving digital heritage. By making older versions of websites accessible, it helps us better understand the evolution of online content and preserves a valuable record of the Internet's past.

Ultimately, the collaboration between Google and Internet Archive transforms web browsing into an enriched exploration of the digital past. Users can now travel back in time to see how websites have evolved over the years.

So, how exactly can you access archived versions of sites?

Techno-Science tested this new service for you and offers a guide on how to make the most of this tool. As of now, there are two ways to access an archived version of a site:

1 – By going directly to the site https://web.archive.org/, type in the address of the website you're looking for (for example, techno-science.net) and hit "Enter" on your keyboard. In the window that appears, you can go back in time and select the desired date and time. After making your selection, the page you're looking for will appear just as it did at the chosen date and time!

2 – Through a Google search. For example, type "techno science" into a Google search. Lucky you, the first result should be our site techno-science.net. To the right of the result, you'll see three little dots—click on them. In the panel that appears on the right, go to the "About this source" section and click on the link "learn more about this page." In the window that will open, at the very bottom, you'll find a link named "Internet Archive's Wayback Machine." By clicking on it, you'll gain access to an archived version of the page.


To freely travel back in time, the only method we've identified so far is to manually modify the URL that contains the extraction date. We admit, this method is somewhat cumbersome in its current version.