In recent years, JupyterLab has emerged as a powerful tool that is revolutionizing the fields of data science and front-end development. With its intuitive interface and onboard features, it provides a streamlined environment to work with data analysis and visualization on the go.
Now one core feature that sets JupyterLab apart is its wide support for Widgets. They allow users to manipulate and explore data to get real-time insight. They also act as a bridge between the user and the data so they can better visualize and stimulate.
However, as with any sophisticated tool, there can be occasional hiccups by using Widgets in JupyterLab. Today we will go over the “Error displaying widget: model not found” troubleshooting and brief you step by step on how you can fix it. So, let’s begin!

Understanding the “Error Displaying Widget: Model Not Found” Issue
As the name implies, this error mostly occurs when JupyterLab fails to load the necessary widget model for rendering. In simpler words, JupyterLab is unable to locate the files that tell it how the widget should appear and function. As a result, the user sees a pop-up message indicating that the model is not found.
It’s also worth understanding that there isn’t a specific cause for this type of error. It may result when attempting to load a widget in the notebook or interacting with existing widgets. If this issue persists, it can disrupt your workflow and even hinder data exploration and analysis.
Preparing For Troubleshoot
Before diving straight into the troubleshooting process, it’s important to go through a couple of mandatory steps to increase the likelihood of end results. These steps include:
1) Recheck JupyterLab and Widget Versions
Many times, this error results due to compatibility issues in your Widget. To check the current version of JupyterLab that you’re running, enter the following command in the terminal:
jupyter lab --version
Similarly, identify the version of the Widget that you’ll be using. Use the following command in your notebook:
import widget_name
print(widget_name.__version__)
Now compare both versions to determine whether they are compatible.
2) Verify Widget Installation
Sometimes, uncompleted widget installation could also result in an error. To verify the Widget installation, use the following code:
!jupyter labextension list
Once that’s done, look for the particular Widget in the available list and make sure it’s activated.
3) Review JupyterLab Extensions
Finally, check the Extensions that are already installed on JupyterLab. This can be archived via the following command:
jupyter labextension list
Now carefully take note of extensions that might modify or disable the Widget you might be working on. Remove it to see whether the issue persists or not.
Troubleshooting Techniques: Step-by-Step
Here are some of the common techniques that could potentially help you solve Widget related errors in JupyterLab:
Step 1: Verifying Widget Installation
To verify whether Widget is correctly installed in your environment, you need to:
1) Open the JupyterLab and import the following code in a notebook cell:
import widget_name
Now manually modify the “widget_name” with the actual name of your Widget file. If you see no errors, then the Widget is likely installed correctly, and you need to move to the next step.
Step 2: Checking Widget Dependencies
Another key culprit of the “error displaying widget: model not found” issue is that the Widget is sometimes incompatible with the running version of JupyterLab. For this:
1. Open the widget’s documentation page of the website are check for recommended dependencies.
2. Compare the dependencies with the version of the current JupyterLab running on the system.
3. If the values are mismatched or outdated, resolve the issue by using the “pip” command in the package manager.
4. Once they are updated, restart JupyterLab and check whether the issue arises or not.
Step 3: Identifying and Repairing Missing or Corrupt Widget Files
It’s also possible that the Widget you are using might be corrupted or missing some files. In that regard, follow these steps:
1. Head straight to your widget’s installation directory. (Location may vary depending on OS).
2. Now, double-check whether the necessary files are present in the directory. While you’re at it, look for JavaScript, CSS, or other resource files as well.
3. If you detect any missing files or files that are straight corrupted, it’s best to reinstall the Widget as a whole.
4. Again, run that Widget in JupyterLab and test if the issue is resolved.
Step 4: Disabling Conflicting Extensions
There could also be several JupyterLab that may contribute to the displaying error. If that’s the reason, then here is what you have to do:
1) Open JupyterLab and head straight to the extension directory.
2) Now disable conflicting extensions manually by running commands such as:
jupyter labextension disable extension_name
Make sure to replace the “extension_name” input with the actual name of the extension.
3) Now, restart JupyterLab and test out the display error. If the issue is gone, then consider finding alternative extensions.
Advanced Troubleshooting Methods
If the previous troubleshooting techniques didn’t resolve the “Error Displaying Widget: Model Not Found” issue, you can definitely try out these advanced protocols, which will enhance the likelihood of success:
Clearing Cache
Now JupyterLab tends to store cache data which can cause rendering issues in Widgets. You can clear this data by:
1) First and foremost, close any running notebook and open the JupyterLab cache directory.
2) After that, delete the directory’s content such that any important file related to JupyterLab is safe.
3) Restart the project and check if the error is resolved.
Resetting Configuration
Another great technique to resolve Widget related issues is to reset the JupyterLab. For this;
1) Again, locate the JupyterLab configuration directory.
2) Now create a backup of the same directory so you can revert back changes if necessary.
3) Once that’s done, generate the default configuration by restarting JupyterLab.
4) Test to see if the error is resolved. If it is, then you may need to reconfigure any custom settings that were previously applied.
Debugging Widget
If the above techniques fail, you must debug the Widget’s loading process.
1) Edit the JupyterLab configuration file and enable the “debug” logging. Consult the documentation page for more information.
2) Now, you need to reproduce the error scenario where the “Model Not Found” issue occurs.
3) Open the JupyterLab logs and check for any error messages.
4) Now look for a solution over GitHub repositories or online coding forms.
5) If you are unable to find a specific answer, seeking help from the JupyterLab community is recommended.
Best Practices for Preventing the “Error Displaying Widget: Model Not Found” Issue
It’s best to implement these preventive measures to avoid encountering the issue in the future:
- Thoroughly read the Widget documentation before installation.
- Consider creating a virtual environment for JupyterLab
- Check for extension compatibility so it doesn’t hinder the Widget
- Always use a package manager like “pip” to install your dependencies
- Regularly check for updates to avoid compatibility issues
Summary
So, this concludes our troubleshooting guide for the “Error Displaying Widget: Model Not Found” issue. In the end, understanding the root cause of this error and implementing necessary preventive measures are great ways to ensure a smooth and uninterrupted JupyterLab experience. Hopefully, by following the steps, you will definitely be able to resolve this issue by now.
FAQs
Q1: What is a JupyterLab widget?
It’s basically an interactive graphical user interface (GUI) that allows you to create dynamic content in JupyterLab notebooks.
Q2: Why am I encountering this “Error Displaying Widget: Model Not Found” issue?
This could result from a number of issues, including incompatible Widget dependencies or corrupted Widget files.