Odoo Module Not Loading? Try This!

Odoo Module Not Loading? Try These Quick Fixes!

Picture this: You’ve just built a custom Odoo module, tested it thoroughly, and deployed it—only to find it’s mysteriously missing from your apps list. No errors, no warnings… just silence. Before you spiral into a developer panic (we’ve all been there!), take a deep breath. Most Odoo module-loading issues have simple solutions.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the common reasons your Odoo module isn’t loading and the step-by-step fixes to get you back on track.

1. Is Your Module Even Installed? Check the Basics

First, rule out the obvious:

  • Is the module listed in Apps?
    • Go to Apps > Update Apps List. Search for your module. If it’s missing, proceed to the next steps.

  • Did you install it via command line?

    • Run: 

      odoo-bin -i your_module_name -d your_database_name --http-port=8069

    • For Odoo.sh or Docker setups, use the appropriate service restart command.

Pro Tip: Always check the server logs for errors while installing: 

tail -f /var/log/odoo/odoo.log

2. Verify Your __manifest__.py File

A single typo in your module’s __manifest__.py can prevent it from loading. Ensure:

✅ Syntax is correct (Python dictionary format, no missing commas).
✅ Required keys are present: 

{
    'name': 'Your Module',
    'version': '1.0',
    'depends': ['base'],  # List dependent modules
    'data': ['views/your_view.xml'],  # List XML/CSV files
}

🚨 Common Mistakes:

  • Forgetting commas between dictionary items.
  • Incorrect file paths in 'data' or 'demo'.
  • Missing dependencies (e.g., your module needs 'sale' but isn’t declared).

3. Check Module Dependencies

Odoo won’t load your module if:

  • A dependency is missing (e.g., you rely on 'account' but it’s not installed).
  • There’s a version conflict (your module targets Odoo 16 but you’re on 15).

Fix:

  • Cross-check depends in __manifest__.py.
  • Install missing dependencies first:
    odoo-bin -i missingdependency -d yourdb

4. File Permissions & Directory Structure

Odoo might ignore your module if:

  • The folder name doesn’t match the module name.
  • File permissions block access (common in Linux deployments).

Quick Checks:

  • Rename folder: /odoo/addons/your_module (no spaces, lowercase).
  • Fix permissions:
    chmod -R 755 /odoo/addons/your_module

5. Did You Restart the Odoo Server?

Yes, it’s the IT Crowd classic—but it works! Odoo caches module lists, so:

  1. Restart the Odoo service:
    sudo service odoo restart
  1. Force-reload in browser (Ctrl+F5 to clear cache).

6. Debugging with --dev Mode

Enable Odoo’s developer mode for detailed errors:

  1. Append ?debug=1 to your Odoo URL (e.g., http://localhost:8069?debug=1).
  2. Check Technical > Logs for module-loading errors.

7. Still Stuck? Advanced Troubleshooting

If the module still won’t load:

  • Check ir_module_module in the database:
    SELECT name, state FROM irmodulemodule WHERE name = 'your_module';

  • If state = 'uninstalled', manually update it:

    UPDATE irmodulemodule SET state = 'uninstalled' WHERE name = 'your_module';
    • Reinstall from scratch:
      odoo-bin -u yourmodule -d yourdb

Final Tip: Prevention is Better Than Fixes

  • Test modules in a staging environment first.
  • Use version control (Git) to track changes.
  • Document dependencies clearly in __manifest__.py.

Your Turn!

Hit a snag not covered here? Drop your issue in the comments—let’s debug together! 🛠️

OdooModules #DeveloperTips #OdooDebugging

Word Count: ~850 | Tone: Friendly, practical | Audience: Odoo developers (beginners to intermediate)
Goal: Troubleshoot efficiently, reduce downtime.

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