Python “pip: command not found”: bootstrap it with ensurepip
Use python3 -m pip, bootstrap with ensurepip, or install pip via your OS package manager.
First try python3 -m pip --version — the module often exists when the command doesn't. If truly missing, run python3 -m ensurepip --default-pip, or on Debian/Ubuntu install python3-pip with apt. Prefer python3 -m pip over the bare pip command going forward.
Try these fixes in order
Try python -m pip first
This works even when the pip executable is not on PATH, and sidesteps python/pip mismatches.
python3 -m pip --versionBootstrap with ensurepip
The standard library can bootstrap pip itself. This is the documented first fallback.
python3 -m ensurepip --default-pipOr install via the OS package manager
On Debian/Ubuntu, pip for system Python comes from the distro package; install it with apt.
sudo apt install python3-pipLast resort: get-pip.py
If ensurepip was stripped too, run the official bootstrap script from bootstrap.pypa.io.
python3 get-pip.pyInterpret what you see
pip worked before a PATH or shell change
What it suggests: The pip module may already exist even when the pip script is missing from PATH; python -m pip bypasses the PATH problem entirely.
Next check: Try python3 -m pip --version first.
Fresh Linux install via apt/dnf
What it suggests: Linux distro Pythons often ship without pip; the ensurepip bootstrap module can install it from the standard library.
Next check: Run python3 -m ensurepip --default-pip.
ensurepip reports no module named ensurepip
What it suggests: If ensurepip is also missing (some distros strip it), the official get-pip.py bootstrap script is the fallback.
Next check: Download get-pip.py from bootstrap.pypa.io and run it with python3.
Why this happens
- pip was never installed for this Python (common with Linux distro packages and some minimal installs).
- The pip executable is not on PATH even though the pip module exists.
Still not working?
Do not download random get-pip.py copies from unofficial sites; use the bootstrap.pypa.io URL from the official docs. And never sudo pip install to fix a missing pip.
Official sources
These steps are based on the linked documentation and general diagnostics. BugMedic has not independently tested every product and system configuration. Review commands before running them.