Photomath is a math-learning app that scans math problems with your phone’s camera and provides step-by-step explanations and solutions.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Download and Install Photomath
- Open Google Play Store on Android or App Store on iPhone/iPad.
- Search for Photomath.
- Confirm that the developer is Google.
- Tap Install or Get.
- Wait for the app to finish installing.
Photomath’s current Google Play listing identifies Google as the developer, while the iOS listing also identifies Google as the provider/developer.
Step 2: Open Photomath
- Tap the Photomath icon after installation.
- Allow the app to load.
- On first launch, you may see an introductory or welcome screen.
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
- Continue to the main Photomath interface.
The exact introductory screen can change between app versions, so your screen may look slightly different from older screenshots.
Step 3: Create a Photomath Account
- Open the profile/account area if your version displays one.
- Look for Sign Up, Create Account, or a similar option.
- Enter the requested information.
- Use an email address that you can access.
- Complete any verification requested by Photomath.
Note: Account registration is optional for basic use; Photomath’s official guide says users can download the app and start scanning immediately.
Step 4: Log In to Your Account
If you already have a Photomath account:
- Open Photomath.
- Go to the account/profile section.
- Select Sign In or the equivalent option if displayed.
- Enter your registered login information.
- Complete any verification step.
- You should then be signed into your account.
Tip: The exact login button and authentication options can change with app updates, so follow the options currently displayed in your Photomath app.
Step 5: Give Camera Permission
- Select the camera/scanning feature.
- When your phone asks for camera permission, tap Allow.
- Hold your phone above the math problem.
- Make sure the problem is clearly visible.
Photomath’s main workflow is based on using the mobile camera to recognize mathematical problems.
Step 6: Scan Your Math Problem
- Place your math problem inside the camera view.
- Keep your phone steady.
- Make sure the writing is clear.
- Try to include only the problem you want to solve.
- Photomath will recognize the equation automatically.
For better recognition, Photomath recommends keeping one problem in the frame, making the writing legible, including all relevant information, and avoiding blurry images.
Step 7: Check the Recognized Equation
- Look at the equation Photomath recognized.
- Check that numbers, signs, fractions, and variables are correct.
- If something is wrong, use the edit/pencil option when available.
- Correct the equation before checking the solution.
Photomath officially explains that scanned problems can be edited using the edit/pencil control.
Step 8: View the Answer
- After Photomath recognizes the problem, the solution appears.
- Review the displayed answer.
- Some problems may offer more than one solving method.
- Do not stop at the final answer if you are trying to learn the method.
Photomath says it can provide a solution for the scanned problem and may offer multiple methods.
Step 9: Open the Step-by-Step Explanation
- Tap Show Solving Steps or the relevant solution card.
- Read each mathematical step.
- Expand individual steps when additional explanations are available.
- If multiple methods are offered, compare them.
- Use the explanation to understand how the answer was calculated.
Photomath is specifically designed to break problems into smaller steps and explain the solving process rather than simply displaying an answer.
Step 10: Use the Calculator or Try Another Problem
- Return to the main screen.
- Scan another problem, or use the smart calculator/math keyboard.
- Enter equations manually when scanning is not convenient.
- Review the solution and steps.
- Continue practicing different types of math.
Photomath supports scanning as well as a smart calculator, and its current feature set covers areas including arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, statistics, and calculus.
Quick Workflow
Install → Open → Optional Account → Login → Allow Camera → Scan → Check Equation → View Answer → Show Steps → Practice
Photomath’s official guidance recommends using the app as a learning aid: focus on the solving process and explanations rather than simply copying the final answer.