How to enter the # (number) character on the keyboard of Xiaomi phone: a step-by-step guide

Why is the # sign so hard to find on Xiaomi smartphones?

You are trying to enter a hashtag in social networks, activate USSD-Is it a command or just dialing the number symbol (#), but is Xiaomi's keyboard stubbornly hiding it from your eyes, POCO And Mi, especially for those who have recently switched from iPhones or other brands, because the standard keyboard is the keyboard. MIUI (Gboard, if you have installed it, organizes symbols differently than the usual layouts.

In this article, we will not only show you where the # sign is on the Xiaomi keyboard, but also reveal:

• 🔍 3 main ways to access the symbol depending on the layout (Russian / English / digital)
• 📱 Differences between Redmi Note models, POCO and Mi flagships
• ⚙️ Hidden keyboard settings that will make it easier to enter special characters
• 🚫 Common errors that cause # to disappear from the screen

You will also learn how to add # to quick access so you don’t search for it every time, and what to do if the symbol is not in your version of MIUI (relevant for firmware older than 2021).

Method 1: Standard input via digital keyboard

The most obvious way is to switch to a digital layout, but even here, Xiaomi users often face confusion.

1. Open any field to enter text (for example, in Messages or Notes).
2. Tap the “123” icon in the lower left corner of the keyboard to switch to numbers.
3. Click on the #+ button (usually located in the lower right corner next to 0).
4. In the menu of additional characters, find # (it can be on the first or second page – scroll to the left).

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO M3) button #+ In this case, move on to Method 2.

Method 2: Entering through English or Russian layout

If the digital method didn't work, try typing # through the letter keyboard. This is the universal method for all versions of MIUI:

For the English layout:

1. Switch to English (EN icon at the bottom of the keyboard).
2. Hold the button with the number 3 with your finger – a pop-up with the symbol # will appear.
3. Without letting go of your finger, move it to # and let go.

For the Russian layout:

1. Switch to Russian (RU icon).
2. Press the button?123 (digits and symbols).
3. Hold the number 3 – the # character will appear in the pop-up menu.

💡 Useful tip: If the pop-up menu doesn't appear, check the keyboard settings. go to Settings → Additional settings → Language and input → Current keyboard → Settings and enable the option to Show pop-up prompts.

Method 3: Alternative methods (for old firmware or non-standard keyboards)

If the first two methods didn't work, your firmware might be outdated (before MIUI 12) or you might be using a custom keyboard.

• 📲 Copying from clipboard: Find the # symbol online (like in this article), copy it and paste it as needed.
• ⚙️ Install Gboard: Google's keyboard has a more intuitive character arrangement. Download it to Play Market and switch to settings.
• 🔧 Manual addition to custom characters: In Gboard you can add # to quick access via Settings → Dictionary → Personal dictionary.

⚠️ Note: Some custom firmware (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience) may not have a standard Xiaomi keyboard. In this case, install Gboard or SwiftKey - they are guaranteed to support the symbol #.

Why can the # symbol disappear from the keyboard?

Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the # sign suddenly disappears.

• 🔄 Update MIUI: After updating the firmware, the location of the characters may change. MIUI 14 # moved to the first page of additional characters, while in MIUI 12 he was on the second.
• 🧹 Reset keyboard settings: If you reset the Keyboard app settings through Settings → Apps, it could have brought the layout back to factory settings.
• 📱 Change of regional settings: When changing the system language (for example, from Russian to English), some characters may “move” or disappear.
• 🛠️ Custom firmware errors: Unofficial firmware (e.g. xiaomi.eu) sometimes contain bugs that affect the display of the keyboard.

🔧 How to return the # symbol if it is missing?

1. Restart your phone – sometimes it helps you get back to the standard layout.
2. Update your keyboard via Play Market (if you use Gboard).
3. Reset keyboard settings: Settings → Applications → Application management → Keyboard → Storage → Clear data.

💡

If the # symbol does not appear after resetting the keyboard settings, install an alternative keyboard (such as Gboard) – this will solve the problem 99% of the time.

Secret combinations with the # symbol for Xiaomi

The # sign isn't just used for hashtags, but on Xiaomi smartphones, it can activate hidden features and test modes. Here are the most useful combinations:

⚠️ Warning: Not all combinations work on custom firmware. If nothing happens after you enter the code, your version MIUI It can block the engineering menu, and avoid entering unknowns. USSD-codes – this can lead to resetting settings or blocking SIM-map.

How to configure the Xiaomi keyboard for easy access to #?

If you often have to type the # character, set up the keyboard for quick access:

• 📌 Add to Favorites (Gboard): Open Gboard and go to characters (?123). Find # and hold it. In the menu that appears, select Add to Favorites.

Creating a text template:

1. Go to Settings → Additional settings → Language and input → Keyboard → Text templates.
2. Add a new template with # and short code (e.g. ##).

Change of layout:

MIUI

Digital series

💡 Useful advice: If you use it frequently USSD-commands, create a shortcut widget on the home screen with frequently used codes (for example, to check balance:

1. Hold your finger in the free seat of the main screen.
2. Select Widgets → Labels.
3. Add a shortcut with *100# (or other code) text.

FAQ: Frequent Questions About the # Symbol on Xiaomi