MathPen
Frequently asked questions
What MathPen is, how handwriting practice works, what's free and what's paid, how Parent mode fits in, and what we do (and don't) collect.
The basics
What is MathPen?
MathPen is a handwriting-based math practice app for kids. Instead of tapping multiple-choice buttons, children write their answers and their working by hand — right on the screen, just like on paper — so they learn the steps, not just the answer.
What ages is it for?
It's designed for roughly ages 5–12, and adapts as they grow with adjustable number ranges and question counts.
Do I need an internet connection?
No — kids' practice works 100% offline. An internet connection is only needed for optional Parent mode (to sync progress across devices).
Do I need to create an account?
No account is needed for kids to practice. An account is only required for Parent mode, which a grown-up sets up with their own email.
How it works
How do kids answer questions?
They handwrite the digits with a finger or stylus. MathPen reads the handwriting and gives instant, encouraging feedback. There's also space for scratch work — carrying, borrowing, and a guided long-division grid.
What if the app doesn't read my child's handwriting correctly?
Write one digit per box, and a stylus usually reads more cleanly than a finger. If you see a "warming up" message, the handwriting recognizer is still loading — give it a moment and it'll read normally.
Which topics are included?
Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division, and Mix, with support for carrying, borrowing, regrouping, remainders, decimals, and negative answers. More learning modules are on the way.
Can I change the difficulty?
Yes — you can adjust digit ranges and the number of questions, and turn on an optional timer for an extra challenge.
Pricing & purchases
Is MathPen free?
Yes — Addition is free, with all its features (practice, review, history, settings). No time limits or locked lessons.
What does the one-time purchase unlock?
A single one-time purchase unlocks Subtraction, Multiplication, Division, and Mix together — yours to keep, no subscription.
What is Parent mode, and how much does it cost?
Parent mode is an optional subscription that adds a parent dashboard, goals & rewards, and custom practice for the whole family (details below). It starts with a 3-day free trial; current pricing is shown in the app before you subscribe and may vary by region.
How do I restore a purchase?
Tap Restore on the unlock screen. Purchases restore on any of your devices signed in to the same App Store / Google account.
Does it support Family Sharing?
One-time purchases can be shared with your Apple Family group where enabled.
How do I cancel the Parent mode subscription?
Manage or cancel anytime in your Apple ID / Google Play account settings — the subscription won't renew after you cancel.
Parent mode
What do I get with Parent mode?
- A private dashboard with each child's progress across every topic
- Goals (daily, weekly, or monthly) with star rewards
- Custom practice you create and assign
- Track up to 5 children in one family
It also unlocks every module for everyone in your family.
Do I need Parent mode to use the app?
No. Kids' learning stays free (and paid modules are a one-time purchase). Parent mode is there when you want to guide and track their progress.
How do I connect my child's device?
In Parent mode, tap Add child, give them a name, and share the join code. On your child's device, open Settings → Connect to family, enter the code, and tap Start practice.
How many children can I add?
Up to 5 per family.
A child I removed still shows as connected — why?
Removing a child disconnects their device and re-locks the paid modules. This now happens instantly; if a device was offline, it updates the next time it's online.
Privacy & safety
Is MathPen safe for kids?
Yes. Kids practice with no ads, no sign-ups, and no data collected from their device. External links and account creation sit behind a parental gate. It's designed around Apple's Kids guidelines.
Do you show ads?
Never.
What data do you collect?
Nothing from a child's device. Optional Parent mode uses a secure parent sign-in to sync your children's progress across your devices. See our Privacy Policy for details.
Troubleshooting
My purchase didn't unlock the modules.
Make sure you're signed in to the same App Store / Google account you bought with, then tap Restore on the unlock screen. If it still doesn't appear, restart the app.
A child's device isn't showing the modules I unlocked.
Paid modules unlock for the family when a grown-up has an active subscription (or the module was purchased). The child device needs to be connected to your family and online once to receive it.
Still need help?
Email us at support@microclouds-consulting.com, or use the form on our MathPen Support page — it includes device and version fields that help us resolve things faster.