How to fix pip not working / installing properly in Python

Pip is an extremely useful tool to have for Python development, it allows us to take advantage of tons of different packages that were developed by other people. However, there can be times when trying to install pip. I have a tutorial on exactly how to install pip which can be read here. If you’re running into issues during installation, try these common fixes.

Make sure Python is installed

First thing you want to do is verify that Python is installed on your machine, start off by typing in

python --version

For Python 3 users use this

python3 --version

If you get something like this:

Then you know Python is successfully installed, however, if you get something like “Python command not found” you probably didn’t install Python correctly, start off by installing Python by using the article I made a few weeks ago here.

Make sure Pip is installed properly

Next up you want to do is verify that pip was even installed on your machine, start off by opening up your Terminal / Command Prompt and typing in the following command:

python -m pip --version

If your output is something like this:

You know that pip is installed on your machine, however, if your output is something like “pip command not found” or something similar, then pip probably wasn’t installed on your machine properly, so go ahead and use this article I made to learn how to install pip properly.

Alternative way to install a pip package

Another way to install pip is using the Praw command. Open up your Terminal / Command Prompt and type in the following command:

python -m pip install PACKAGE NAME HERE

This will install a pip package using the Python command, just in case pip still doesn’t function properly on its own.

These are just a few of the common ways to fix pip on your machine just in case it isn’t working for you.