Your maths teacher has given you a Desmos code and you need to get in. Desmos Classroom (now part of Amplify) has two kinds of code, and they work a little differently. Here’s how to use each one, and what to do if it doesn’t work.
The two types of Desmos code
| Class code | Single-session code | |
|---|---|---|
| What it’s for | Joining your teacher’s class | Joining one activity |
| Account needed? | Yes (free) | No, you can continue without signing in |
| Is your work saved for you? | Yes, you can come back to it | No, only your teacher can see it after you leave |
How to join a Desmos class with a class code
- Go to student.desmos.com.
- Enter the class code your teacher gave you.
- Sign in or create an account. Most students use Continue with Google with their school account.
- If you’re asked to create an account, follow the steps. Your teacher may need to approve your account before you can see the class.
- Once you’re in, your assigned activities appear on your dashboard.
According to Amplify’s guide, students under 13 can only create an account through a teacher’s class. Students 13 or older without a Google account can create an account with an email and password.
How to join a Desmos activity with a single-session code
- Go to student.desmos.com.
- Type the code shown on your teacher’s screen.
- Choose Continue without signing in and enter your name.
- Work through the activity.
The catch: with a single-session code, you can’t come back to your work after you leave. Your teacher can still see it. If you want to keep your progress, sign in instead.
Desmos code not working? Try this
- Check the code. Look for swapped letters or numbers.
- Type the address yourself: student.desmos.com. Avoid look-alike sites from search results.
- Ask if the session has ended. Teachers can close a session, and old codes may stop working.
- Sign in with your school account, not a personal one, if your school uses Google sign-in.
- Wait for approval if your teacher has to approve new accounts.
- Refresh or try another browser.
If your school uses Clever for sign-in, see my Clever login guide.
Desmos tools you might also use
- Desmos Graphing Calculator (desmos.com/calculator) is free and doesn’t need an account.
- Scientific and four-function calculators are also free.
- Polypad is Amplify’s virtual manipulatives tool. You can use a blank Polypad without an account, but you need a free account to save work.
For teachers
Teachers create classes and activities at teacher.desmos.com, share a class code or a single-session code, and can approve student accounts from their dashboard. If you run other interactive lessons too, see my guides to Pear Deck and Nearpod Join.
Frequently asked questions
What is the website to join Desmos? student.desmos.com.
Do I need an account to join Desmos Classroom? Not for a single-session code. You need a free account to join a class and save your work.
Can I go back to a Desmos activity later? Only if you were signed in. With a single-session code, you can’t revisit your work after leaving.
Do students have to pay for Desmos? No. Student accounts are free, and the Desmos calculators are free to use.
Related guides on WebTechHelp
- Clever login: how students sign in
- IXL login: how to sign in at school and at home
- Khanmigo: Khan Academy’s AI tutor explained
Sources
- Amplify Polypad: Creating student accounts
- Desmos: Graphing calculator
