Fix – “ImportError: No module named pip” in Python

ByJerry Richard R
Fix - "ImportError: No module named pip" in Python

Hi, As you have visited this page, There is a high probability that you have encountered the error “ImportError: No module named pip” in Python. In this article, Let’s understand the nature of this error and the ways to resolve it

“ImportError: No module named pip” in Python arises when Python can’t find the pip utility in the current environment, Make sure to validate the installation or reinstall Python and ensure the pip utility is included as part of the installation

ImportError: No module named pip

What is pip

pip is a package installer in Python. It allows us to install, remove, and manage Python packages and their dependencies. Packages are usually retrieved from the Python Package Index (PyPI) but can also be installed from other sources. Typically included in Python installations, pip can be easily used with commands like ‘pip install package_name’ to add new packages.

Example:

# pip install numpy
Collecting numpy
  Downloading https://packages/2t/4g/32349239423492384/numpy-1.16.6-cp27_x86_64.whl (17.0MB)
    100% |################################| 17.0MB 7.8kB/s 
Installing collected packages: numpy
Successfully installed numpy-1.16.6

Why we are facing “ImportError: No module named pip” in Python

ImportError: No module named pip, indicating that Python can’t find the pip module, the package installer for Python.

We can recreate this issue, By removing the pip package from the Python “pip uninstall pip” (Not a correct way, But can be used for learning)

  Successfully uninstalled pip-9.0.3

Once it is removed, We can able to see the same error in the console

python -m pip
No module named pip

Resolution to “ImportError: No module named pip” ERROR

1. Ensure pip is Installed

This can be done in two ways

1. Using “ensurepip” command

The command python -m ensurepip is used to install pip and setuptools in environments where it is not installed by default. The ensurepip module is a provision in Python used to bootstrap the pip installer into Python installations and virtual environments.

python -m pip install
/usr/bin/python: No module named pip

Resolution: 
# python -m ensurepip
Requirement already satisfied: setuptools in /usr/lib/python2.7/site-packages
Collecting pip
Installing collected packages: pip
Successfully installed pip-9.0.3

 pip --version
pip 9.0.3 from /usr/lib/python2.7/site-packages (python 2.7)

NOTE: It is safer to run even if the package is installed already. It will simply ignore if it is already installed

# python -m ensurepip

Requirement already satisfied: setuptools in /usr/lib/python2.7/site-packages
Requirement already satisfied: pip in /usr/lib/python2.7/site-packages

2. By installing the package manually

To reinstall or install pip:

python get-pip.py

NOTE: get-pip.py will work from Python 3.7 onwards

2. Ensure pip is in your PATH

If pip is installed but not in your system’s PATH, Python won’t be able to find it. Verify pip’s presence in your PATH by running:

pip --version

If pip isn’t in the path:

  • For Windows: Add the directory where pip is installed to the system’s PATH environment variable, typically found in the Scripts folder where Python is installed, e.g., C:\Python39\Scripts.
  • For macOS/Linux: Add pip to your PATH by editing the ~/.bashrc or ~/.zshrc file and appending the line export PATH=$PATH:/path/to/pip.

3. Use the Correct Python Interpreter

Multiple Python installations can lead to conflicts. Ensure you are using the correct interpreter where the pip is installed:

/path/to/python get-pip.py

4. Use Python’s -m Option

If pip isn’t in your PATH, you can run pip using Python’s -m option:

python -m pip install package_name
# python -m pip install pygame
Collecting pygame
  Downloading https:///packages/16/cc/3243423423423r2343/pygame-2.0.3-cp27_x86_64.manylinux1_x86_64.whl (13.3MB)
    100% |################################| 13.3MB 16kB/s 
Installing collected packages: pygame
Successfully installed pygame-2.0.3

5. Try using pip3

If you are using Python 3.x and the pip the command isn’t recognized, try using pip3:

pip3 install package_name
# pip3 install pygame
Collecting pygame
  Downloading https://packages/c3/aa/2c0c867d6cff00966cfc2152b25f61599f87e88b239e4dcb8ad5357f0f69/pygame-2.5.2.tar.gz (15.8MB)
     100% |################################| 13.3MB 16kB/s 
Installing collected packages: pygame
Successfully installed pygame-2.0.3

6. Reinstall Python

As a last resort, reinstall Python and ensure you select the option to add Python to the PATH during installation, which should also install pip and add it to your PATH.

Note on Importing pip in Python Scripts

If you’re attempting to import pip within a Python script or an interpreter, be aware that pip is generally not meant to be imported as a module. It’s designed for command-line use to install or manage packages. For programmatic use of pip functionalities, use the subprocess module to call pip commands from within your Python script:

import subprocess subprocess.check_call(["pip", "install", "package_name"])

Conclusion

The ImportError: No module named pip is generally resolvable through the reinstallation of pip, adjusting system PATHs, or utilizing alternative command-line options. Always ensure pip is correctly installed and configured in your environment to maintain seamless package management in Python.

Good Luck with your Learning !!

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