diff --git a/lisp/progmodes/python.el b/lisp/progmodes/python.el
index 7f329f91e4f..f966190ea6d 100644
--- a/lisp/progmodes/python.el
+++ b/lisp/progmodes/python.el
@@ -6911,6 +6911,12 @@ argument, restrict the suggestions to imports defining the symbol
 at point.  If there is only one such suggestion, act without
 asking.
 
+If the buffer does not belong to a project, the import statement is
+searched under the buffer's default directory.  For example, if the file
+is located directly under the home directory, all files under the home
+directory will be searched.  Please note that this can take a long time
+and may appear to hang.
+
 When calling from Lisp, use a non-nil NAME to restrict the
 suggestions to imports defining NAME."
   (interactive (list (when current-prefix-arg (thing-at-point 'symbol))))
@@ -6955,7 +6961,17 @@ asking."
 
 ;;;###autoload
 (defun python-fix-imports ()
-  "Add missing imports and remove unused ones from the current buffer."
+  "Add missing imports and remove unused ones from the current buffer.
+
+If there are missing imports, ask for an import statement using all
+imports found in the current project as suggestions.  If there is only
+one such suggestion, act without asking.
+
+If the buffer does not belong to a project, the import statement is
+searched under the buffer's default directory.  For example, if the file
+is located directly under the home directory, all files under the home
+directory will be searched.  Please note that this can take a long time
+and may appear to hang."
   (interactive)
   (let ((buffer (current-buffer))
         undefined unused add remove)