Solving the ModuleNotFoundError: No module named '_dbus_bindings' on Debian 11 with Python 3.9.2

Facing challenges with Python on Debian 11? Learn how to resolve the `_dbus_bindings` module error and ensure your Bluetooth server functions smoothly.
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Troubleshooting Python's ModuleNotFoundError in Debian 11

Upgrading your operating system can often lead to unexpected issues, especially when it comes to programming environments. If you're running into ModuleNotFoundError: No module named '_dbus_bindings' on a Debian 11 (Bullseye) setup with Python 3.9.2, you’re not alone. This post will explore the problem you’re facing and guide you through a solution that worked for many users, including yourself.

The Problem: Understanding the ModuleNotFoundError

You upgraded your arm-based system from Debian 10 to Debian 11, and now you're stuck with the above error when trying to run a Bluetooth server using the bluedot API. The error indicates that Python is unable to find a module that is crucial for the operation of your Bluetooth server—the _dbus_bindings module from dbus-python.

Key Issues:

Upgrade Impact: The error emerged after upgrading the Debian system and switching from Python 3.7.3 to 3.9.2.

Dependency Confusion: Although you installed all the necessary dependencies for dbus, the issue persisted, which can be frustrating.

The Solution: Downgrading dbus-python

After some research and experimentation, the solution turned out to be simpler than expected. The answer lies in the version of the dbus-python package you are trying to use. Here’s how to resolve the error:

Steps to Fix the Error

Uninstall the Current Version: First, you need to remove the version of dbus-python currently installed.

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Install an Older Version of dbus-python: The trick here is to downgrade to a specific, older version of dbus-python that is compatible with your setup. In your case, this would be.

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

While 1.2.18 was causing issues, 1.2.16 has been noted to work, and it is the same version installed on your Ubuntu desktop.

Test the Setup: Finally, run your Bluetooth server code again to ensure that it now correctly imports the required modules.

Results

By following these steps, many users report success in resolving the ModuleNotFoundError. Make sure to test your Bluetooth server on the actual hardware once again, because the compatibility issues sometimes only manifest under full operating conditions.

Final Thoughts

Upgrading systems can sometimes feel daunting, especially when dependencies clash and modules become elusive. Thankfully, the resolution often lies in the versioning of packages. If you encounter the ModuleNotFoundError: No module named '_dbus_bindings' after upgrading to Debian 11, remember that downgrading dbus-python to version 1.2.16 can do the trick.

Don’t forget to share this fix with others facing similar issues; it’s a solution that has helped many in the community. If you have additional questions or run into further issues, feel free to reach out!