Offline surprise demo: a Chrome browser prefetching experiment

This is a short experiment in browser behavior, not a network hack or a real airplane mode bypass.

It shows how Chrome can prepare a page in advance — even when you think you're offline — thanks to clever use of web technologies.

Important:

• Use a recent version of the original Google Chrome (not on iOS)
• Keep a stable internet connection until you are explicitly asked to disconnect.
• Free up memory by closing unnecessary browser tabs and background apps. Large resources are involved — low memory may cause the demo to fail.

You can also read a full explanation here — but doing so beforehand will spoil the experience!

Instructions

The demo consists of 8 easy steps.
For the best experience, please follow them carefully and don't rush.

1. Close all incognito windows, if any.

   If you are already in an incognito window, reopen this page in normal browsing mode.

   Done

2. Keep this normal window open.

   You will need it for instructions while performing actions in a different window.

   Fine

3. Press the button below to copy the search phrase. Then, open a new incognito window and paste the copied phrase into Google. Do not use Bing, DuckDuckGo, or any other search engine.

   Important: Do not click any search results yet!

   Copy the search phrase
   You can also copy it from here:

4. Look for a matching search result.

   It should look like this (the CODE will be different):

   
   Yes, I see it No, I don't

5. Without clicking the search result, type the 4-digit CODE you see into the input below:

   OK

6. Please wait...

   This part prepares the experience. Keep the Google search results page open in your incognito window, but don't perform any actions there yet.

7. Now disconnect from the internet.

   You can enable airplane mode, disable Wi-Fi, or unplug the cable.

   Waiting...

8. Now click the search result you found.

   Pay attention — small details may surprise you.

   If things look normal, close the incognito window and start again.

   Restart the demo

   If you're still having trouble making the demo work, please go online and refer to the explanation. You will find a video recording of the demo there.