How to fix How to fix 'pip subprocess error' in Python in Python

PythonINTERMEDIATEMEDIUM

A subprocess called by pip (usually for building wheels) failed with an error. The root cause is often in the subprocess error message, not in pip itself.

What this error means

pip works by calling subprocesses: calling git to clone repos, running setup.py scripts, compiling C code. If any subprocess returns a non-zero exit code, pip reports a subprocess error and stops installation.

Typical symptoms

pip install fails with 'subprocess error'
Error message points to specific subprocess that failed
Full error traceback shows subprocess call
Works with different package or installation method
Error appears before or after wheel building
Subprocess output shows the actual problem
Retry sometimes succeeds (network flake)

Common causes

Subprocess (git, compiler, setup.py) failed
Network failure during git clone in subprocess
Build failure in subprocess (compiler error)
Missing tool that subprocess depends on
Permission denied in subprocess
Subprocess ran out of memory or disk
Subprocess timed out

How to fix this error

1Verify the root cause

Review the error message above and identify which cause applies to your situation. Run additional diagnostics if needed.

2Apply the appropriate fix

Follow the corresponding solution from the causes section above.

3Retry the installation

Once you've addressed the root cause, try running 'pip install' again.

Related errors

Official resources & further reading

📚Python Official Documentation
📖
pip documentation(Official Docs)
💬
SO: pip subprocess error(Stack Overflow)
🐙
GitHub: pip issues(GitHub)