How to Fix ModuleNotFoundError: no module named ‘rest_framework’

ModuleNotFoundError: no module named ‘rest_framework’ error occurs when Python is unable to find the module rest_framework, which is part of Django REST framework, a powerful and flexible toolkit for building Web APIs in Django applications.

To fix this error, install the rest_framework module using the “pip install djangorestframework” command.

Visual representation of installing djangorestframework

After installation, you can verify if the Django REST framework is installed by running the pip list and looking for djangorestframework in the list.

Flowchart

Flowchart of fixing ModuleNotFoundError: no module named 'rest_framework'

Common causes of the error

  1. The rest_framework module is not installed on your system.
  2. If you are using a virtual environment, then it might be possible that multiple versions of the rest_framework are installed, and you are using the wrong version.
  3. There might be a spelling mistake while installing or importing the modules.
  4. Python might not be able to locate the installed packages due to path configuration issues. You have to set the Python path. Open your terminal and type the below command.
    export PYTHONPATH = ~/rest_framework
  5. If you’re still getting the error, then the djangorestframework module may be installed, but Django is unable to find it. For this case, add the module to your Django settings:
    INSTALLED_APPS = [ ... 'rest_framework', ]
  6. Working in the wrong environment: If you have multiple Python environments (like when using virtual environments), you might be working in an environment where the Django REST framework isn’t installed.
  7. Incorrect installation: There might have been an issue during the installation process of the Django REST framework, resulting in an incomplete or failed installation.

That’s all!

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