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How to Resolve "ModuleNotFoundError: No module named 'requests'" in Python

The ModuleNotFoundError: No module named 'requests' is one of the most common errors encountered by Python developers, especially those new to making HTTP requests. It signals that the Python interpreter can not find the requests library when your script tries to import it. This almost always means the package hasn't been installed correctly in the specific Python environment you are using. This guide provides clear, step-by-step solutions to install requests properly and resolve the error.

Understanding the Error​

This error means that when Python executes import requests or from requests import ..., it searches its list of installed packages and known locations but can not find a module named requests.

Solution 1: Install requests using pip (Most Common)​

The requests library is a third-party package and needs to be installed using pip, Python's package installer.

Open your terminal or command prompt and run:

pip install requests

Variations (Choose the one appropriate for your setup):

# If you primarily use Python 3
pip3 install requests

# If pip/pip3 are not in your system PATH
python -m pip install requests
python3 -m pip install requests

# On Windows, 'py' launcher might be available
py -m pip install requests

Troubleshooting Common Installation Problems:​

If pip install requests gives an error or the ModuleNotFoundError persists, check these points:

  • Using the Correct pip: Ensure you're using the pip linked to the Python interpreter running your script (usually pip3 or python3 -m pip for Python 3). Verify versions with python --version and pip --version (or pip3 --version).
  • Working with Virtual Environments (Crucial!): This is the most frequent reason for the error. You might have installed requests globally but are running your script inside a virtual environment (or vice-versa).
    • Always activate your virtual environment before installing: 
      # Create (if needed)
      python3 -m venv venv
      # Activate (adjust for your OS)
      source venv/bin/activate        # Linux/macOS
      .\venv\Scripts\Activate.ps1     # Windows PowerShell
      .\venv\Scripts\activate.bat     # Windows CMD
      # Install INSIDE the active environment
      pip install requests
    • Confirm your IDE (VS Code, PyCharm) uses the Python interpreter from your activated virtual environment.
  • Permissions Issues (--user or sudo): When installing globally (not recommended).
    • Recommended: Install for the current user: pip install requests --user
    • Use Cautiously: Use admin/root privileges: sudo pip install requests (Linux/macOS) or Run Terminal as Administrator (Windows). Virtual environments avoid this need.
  • Multiple Python Installations / IDE Configuration: Double-check that the Python interpreter selected in your IDE matches the one you used pip with. Use the "Select Interpreter" feature in your IDE.
  • Naming Conflicts (requests.py): Ensure none of your project files are named requests.py. This "shadows" the installed package. Rename your file if necessary. Also, avoid using requests as a variable name before the import.

Verifying Installation (pip show)​

Confirm the package is installed in the active environment:

pip show requests
# Or variants like: pip3 show requests / python3 -m pip show requests

This command should display package details (Name, Version, Location, etc.). "Package(s) not found" means it's not installed in that specific environment.

Platform/Tool Specific Installation Notes:​

  • Windows: Use CMD or PowerShell. py -m pip install requests is often reliable. Run as Administrator for global installs if needed (prefer venvs/--user).
  • macOS / Linux: Use the Terminal. Use pip3 or python3 -m pip. Use sudo cautiously for global installs.
  • VS Code: Use the integrated terminal (Ctrl + `` ). Ensure the correct Python interpreter (often venv) is selected.
  • PyCharm: Use the Terminal (Alt+F12) or the Python Packages tool (File > Settings > Project > Python Interpreter > +). Ensure the correct project interpreter is set.
  • Anaconda: Use the Anaconda Prompt/Navigator or terminal in an active conda environment. Preferred command: 
    conda install -c anaconda requests
    # Or sometimes just: conda install requests
    # Pip also works within conda environments:
    pip install requests
  • Jupyter Notebook: Install from a notebook cell: 
    !pip install requests
    # Or for user install:
    # !pip install requests --user
    Restart the kernel after installation.

Using requests After Installation​

Once installed correctly, you can import and use the library:

import requests

try:
    res = requests.get('https://httpbin.org/get', timeout=10)
    res.raise_for_status() # Good practice to check for HTTP errors
    data = res.json()
    print(data)
except ImportError:
    print("Error: 'requests' module not found.")
    print("Please install it using: pip install requests")
except requests.exceptions.RequestException as e:
    print(f"An error occurred during the request: {e}")
except Exception as e:
    print(f"An unexpected error occurred: {e}")

Linters like Pylance (in VS Code) might show this warning even if the package is installed. This usually means:

  1. Incorrect Interpreter Selected: The IDE isn't looking at the Python environment where requests was installed. Use the "Python: Select Interpreter" command (Ctrl+Shift+P) in VS Code to choose the correct one (especially the one inside your virtual environment).
  2. IDE Needs Restart: Sometimes, restarting VS Code or PyCharm resolves the issue after installing a package.
  3. Linter Glitch (Workaround): As a last resort, if you're sure the package is installed correctly and your code runs, you can suppress the Pylance warning for that line: 
    import requests  # type: ignore
    warning

    Only use # type: ignore if you are certain the installation is correct and the problem lies with the linter. It hides potential real import errors.

Conclusion​

The ModuleNotFoundError: No module named 'requests' almost always signifies that the requests package needs installation in your active Python environment.

  • The standard solution is pip install requests.
  • Ensure you're using the correct pip command and, most importantly, that you are working within the intended virtual environment.
  • Verifying your IDE's interpreter setting is key to resolving both the runtime error and related linter warnings.

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