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ImportError: cannot import name 'Flask' from 'flask'

7 Dec 2025

1 min read

python flask errors

ImportError: cannot import name ‘Flask’ from ‘flask’

$ python -c "from flask import Flask"
Traceback (most recent call last):
  File "<string>", line 1, in <module>
ImportError: cannot import name 'Flask' from 'flask' (unknown location)

Why this happens

  • A local flask.py file or flask/ package shadows the real Flask installation.
  • Flask isn’t installed in the active environment, or you’re using the wrong interpreter.
  • Corrupted installation or mismatched versions after partial upgrades.

Fix

  • Rename/remove local flask.py/flask/ that shadows the package.
  • Activate the correct venv and ensure Flask is installed.
  • Reinstall Flask cleanly.

Wrong code

# project layout
./flask.py  # shadows package
from flask import Flask
app = Flask(__name__)

Fixed code

# project layout (no shadowing)
from flask import Flask
app = Flask(__name__)

Environment sanity:

python -m pip install --upgrade --force-reinstall Flask
python -c "import flask, sys; print(flask.__file__, sys.executable)"

Verify you’re importing from the site-packages path of your intended interpreter.