How to fix How to fix 'pip3: command not found' in Python in Python

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This error indicates pip3 is not installed or not in your system PATH. pip3 is used for Python 3 package management.

What this error means

pip3 is the package manager for Python 3. Unlike pip (which can point to Python 2 or 3), pip3 explicitly targets Python 3. When the system cannot find pip3, it means either Python 3 was installed without pip, or pip3 is not in the executable PATH.

Typical symptoms

Typing 'pip3 install' returns 'command not found'
Python 3 is installed but pip3 is not available
'which pip3' returns nothing
pip works but pip3 does not
Fresh Python 3 installation lacks pip3
'python3 -m pip' works as a workaround
Error on Linux, Mac, or Windows with Python 3

Common causes

Python 3 installed without pip3
pip3 not included in Python 3 installation
Python 3 PATH not configured
Using Python 3 installed from source without pip
Virtual environment not properly set up
Homebrew or package manager didn't install pip3
Old or minimal Python 3 installation

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 installation guide(Official Docs)
💬
SO: pip3 command not found(Stack Overflow)
📖
Python: Installing packages guide(Official Docs)