
The ByteDance-owned homework helper banned in the US since January 2025 - but still accessible via VPN in 150+ countries. Snap photos of math problems, get AI solutions in seconds, with 5% of questions routed to human tutors.
In this review
Gauthmath Banned in US (ByteDance Ownership) - Here's How Students Still Access It
Starting January 19, 2025, the US TikTok ban officially took effect. This means that all apps owned by ByteDance, including Gauth, have stopped service in the United States . The #2 educational app in the Apple App Store disappeared overnight, leaving millions of students searching "what happened to Gauthmath" and "when will Gauthmath be back."
Gauth AI began as Gauthmath in 2019 and evolved into a comprehensive homework assistant powered by large language models . The platform combines camera-based problem recognition, AI explanations, and live human tutors across math, science, and multiple subjects. In mid-2023, reports began surfacing about difficulties accessing the app across countries like India, Indonesia, and Bangladesh , followed by the complete US shutdown in January 2025.
This review explains why Gauthmath was banned, how students in banned regions still access it, compares free vs paid tiers, and lists the best alternatives (Photomath, Microsoft Math Solver, Homework.ai) that work without VPNs.
Why Was Gauthmath Banned? The ByteDance Connection
It's because, starting January 19, 2025, the US TikTok ban officially took effect. This means that all apps owned by ByteDance, including Gauth, have stopped service in the United States .
| Region | Ban Date | Official Reason |
|---|---|---|
| India, Indonesia, Bangladesh | Mid-2023 | Data privacy concerns, non-compliance with IT rules |
| United States | January 19, 2025 | National security concerns tied to ByteDance |
| UK, Canada, Australia, EU | Still available | No ban (as of February 2026) |
The Academic Integrity Debate
The ban on Gauthmath was implemented due to concerns over academic integrity and the potential for misuse as a tool for cheating. Official explanations highlighted that the app was being used in ways that compromised the learning process .
The most insidious part about Gauth? Look at the reviews. Apparently it gets the homework wrong - raising questions about whether students who relied on it actually learned mathematics or just submitted incorrect AI-generated answers.
How Students in Banned Countries Still Access Gauthmath
Yes, there is! Open the X-VPN app and connect to a server in a country where Gauth is still available, like the UK, Canada, or Australia .
VPN Workaround (3-Step Process)
- Install VPN: Download X-VPN, ExpressVPN, or NordVPN
- Connect to allowed region: Connect to a server in UK, Canada, or Australia
- Create new account: Since your original US Gauth account is blocked, you'll need to register a new Gauth account using an email address you haven't used before
Important: Keep X-VPN turned on throughout the process. X-VPN changes your network environment to match the target region . Without VPN active, the app won't function even if already downloaded.
Is Gauthmath Free? Pricing Breakdown (2026)
Gauth AI operates on a freemium model. Free tier — 11 questions per day, additional credits through referrals. Ads shown, limited chat follow-ups .
| Plan | Price | Questions/Day | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | 11 questions/day | Ads, limited chat, photo solve only |
| Monthly | SGD 6.98/month (~$5 USD) | Unlimited | No ads, human tutors, Super Gauth AI |
| Quarterly | ~$4/month | Unlimited | All monthly features, 20% discount |
| Ticket Packs | Pay-per-use | Varies | One-time ticket packs for occasional use |
How Gauthmath Actually Works (Features Overview)
The signature feature: open the app, point your phone at any question—handwritten equations, printed textbook problems, whiteboard content—and watch solutions appear instantly .
1. Camera-Based Problem Solving
Snap a photo of a problem—printed, handwritten, or on a whiteboard—and Gauth returns step-by-step solutions within seconds . Covers subjects: Math (algebra, geometry, calculus), physics, chemistry, biology.
2. AI Chat Follow-Up
After receiving an initial answer, continue chatting with Gauth AI for clarifications, alternative approaches, or deeper explanation. The chat uses the in-house "Gauth GPT" model .
3. PDF Question Solver
Upload worksheets, past exams, or study guides to the PDF Question Solver. The system extracts problems automatically, letting you crop specific areas, request summaries, or get cited answers pulled from the document itself .
4. Human Tutor Backup (5% of Questions)
Approximately 5% of questions still stump the algorithm. When AI falls short, Gauth routes requests to a global pool of verified human experts. Typical turnaround is under five minutes .
Gauthmath Alternatives for Banned Regions
| App | Free Tier | Paid Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Photomath | Unlimited scans | $2.99/month | Math-only, best UI |
| Microsoft Math Solver | 100% free | N/A | Free alternative, no limits |
| Socratic by Google | Free | N/A | Multi-subject, Google integration |
| Homework.ai | Limited | Varies | Multi-subject, PDF upload |
| Mathway | Answers only | $9.99/month | Step-by-step (paid) |
Best Free Alternative: Microsoft Math Solver
Microsoft Math Solver is a powerful app that offers comprehensive math problem-solving. It's a strong competitor to Gauthmath . Completely free with no hidden limits, works offline, includes graphing calculator.
Is Gauthmath Safe? Data Privacy Concerns
Authorities flagged Gauth for allegedly collecting user information without adequate transparency or consent—a serious issue under local laws such as India's Digital Personal Data Protection Act .
Privacy Red Flags (Why It Got Banned):
- Users were reportedly unaware that their personal data was being transmitted to servers outside the country
- The app also gains access to location information - raising national security concerns
- ByteDance ownership links Gauthmath to TikTok data collection practices
- Photos of homework problems upload to ByteDance servers (potential academic information harvesting)
Is Using Gauthmath Cheating?
Critics argue that apps like Gauth promote shortcut-based learning by providing instant answers rather than encouraging critical thinking skills essential for education .
Academic Perspectives:
- Teachers say: Undermines learning if used to copy answers without understanding steps
- Students argue: Helpful for checking work, understanding alternate solution methods, and studying efficiently
- Universities consider: Similar to using Chegg or Wolfram Alpha - acceptable for learning, not for submitting assignments
Common Gauthmath Problems & Solutions
Why Isn't Gauthmath Working?
If in banned region (US, India, Indonesia): App is geo-blocked. Solution: Use VPN to UK/Canada or switch to Microsoft Math Solver.
How to Cancel Gauthmath Subscription?
- Open Gauthmath app
- Profile > Settings > Subscription
- Select "Cancel Subscription"
- Confirm cancellation
Note: Cancel at least 24 hours before renewal date to avoid next charge.
When Will Gauthmath Be Back in US?
Uncertain. Starting January 19, 2025, the US TikTok ban officially took effect. This means that all apps owned by ByteDance, including Gauth, have stopped service in the United States . Restoration depends on ByteDance divesting ownership or US legislation changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Happened to Gauthmath?
Starting January 19, 2025, the US TikTok ban officially took effect. This means that all apps owned by ByteDance, including Gauth, have stopped service in the United States . Also banned in India, Indonesia, Bangladesh since mid-2023.
Who Owns Gauthmath?
ByteDance - the Chinese company that owns TikTok. This ownership led to national security-based bans across multiple countries.
Is Gauthmath Getting Banned in More Countries?
Possibly. What about other apps owned by Chinese companies? Should they be banned too? - ongoing debates in EU, UK, Canada about restricting ByteDance apps.
Is Gauthmath Free?
Partially. Free tier — 11 questions per day, additional credits through referrals. Ads shown, limited chat follow-ups . Premium plans start ~$5/month for unlimited questions.
What Is Gauthmath Used For?
Homework help across math, science, physics, chemistry. Snap a photo of a problem and Gauth returns step-by-step solutions within seconds . Primary users: middle school to college students.
Is Gauthmath Accurate?
Approximately 5% of questions still stump the algorithm , meaning 95% accuracy rate. However, Apparently it gets the homework wrong according to user reviews - accuracy varies by problem complexity.
What Are the Best Alternatives to Gauthmath?
- Microsoft Math Solver (100% free)
- Photomath ($2.99/month)
- Socratic by Google (free)
- Homework.ai (freemium)
- Mathway ($9.99/month for steps)
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