Where is the “#” symbol on Xiaomi’s keyboard and how to type it quickly

You are trying to enter a password from Wi-Fi, activate USSD-command or just type a hashtag in social networks, but you can not find on the keyboard Xiaomi symbol “#” (aka “number”, “grating”, “hash”)? MIUI — The standard keyboard often hides special characters behind additional menus. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to access the # character, including alternative layouts, gestures and system settings.

Feature MIUI The location of the signs may vary depending on the firmware version (12, 13 or 14), the keyboard language (Russian, English) and even the smartphone model (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T). We’ll look at universal techniques that work on 90% of the brand’s devices, and give tips on optimizing your keyboard for quick access to frequently used characters.

If you are looking for not only #, but also other hidden signs such as * (asterisk), % (percentage) or € (Euro – there is a separate section with a map of the location of all special characters on the Xiaomi keyboard.

1. Standard method: where to search for "#" on the Russian and English keyboard

On most Xiaomi smartphones, the "#" symbol is hidden behind the number 3 key in the English layout.

1. Switch to English keyboard (this is usually enough swipe space or tap to the icon of the globe).
2. Press and hold the key with the number 3 – a pop-up menu with the symbol # will appear.
3. Swipe your finger up to the # sign (without releasing the key) or tap it after appearing.

In the Russian layout, the path is slightly longer:

• 🔹 Press the key?123 (numbers) in the lower left corner.
• 🔹 In the second row, a key will appear #+ — tap on her.
• 🔹 In some versions MIUI The # symbol can be hidden behind the key =< (Press and hold it).

If you have Xiaomi with firmware MIUI 14 and above, try double tap on the?123 key – this sometimes opens an extended character menu where # is in the front row.

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO F4 or Redmi K50) post-update MIUI 14 character # can move to the 4 key in the English layout. If the standard method does not work, check all the digital keys from 1 to 0.

2. Alternative ways to enter the symbol "#"

If the standard method is not suitable (for example, due to firmware features or inconvenience), use one of these options:

Method 1: Copying from the clipboard

• 📋 Copy the # character from this article (just highlight it and click Copy it»).
• 📲 Insert in the desired field (hold your finger in the text field). → «Insert»).

Method 2: Voice input

Activate voice input (the microphone icon on the keyboard) and say:

• 🎤 «Number sign»
• 🎤 «Hashtag (if necessary for social networks)
• 🎤 «Grid»

Method 3: Use of alternative keyboards

If the standard keyboard MIUI You are not satisfied, set up an alternative:

• 📱 Gboard (Google) – the # symbol is on the key with the number 3 in the English layout (holding).
• 📱 SwiftKey – supports gestures: swipe your finger from key 3 upwards, without letting go.
• 📱 Fleksy – allows you to add # to “quick characters” (settings) → «Quick Symbols»).

💡

In Gboard, you can add the # symbol to the Quick Access Panel: click on «=» top-row → «+» → Select # from the list.

Method 4: USB-keyboard

If you often work with symbols, connect to your smartphone:

• 🖥️ USB-keyboard OTG-adapter (# symbol usually on the key with the number 3 in the English layout).
• 🔑 Bluetooth keyboard (e.g. Xiaomi Bluetooth Keyboard).

3. map of the location of special characters on the Xiaomi keyboard

To avoid looking every time you find the right signs, save this table or take a screenshot:

If there is no symbol in the table, try:

1. Press and hold a key with a similar sign (for example, $ conceal €).
2. Switch to another layout (for example, from Russian to English).
3. Use the key «=» In the top row, it often opens an additional character menu.

4.Setting up the keyboard for quick access to "#"

If you often need a # character, optimize your keyboard:

Addition to “quick symbols» (MIUI Keyboard)

1. Open the Settings. → Additional settings → Language and input → Current keyboard (MIUI Keyboard) → Keyboard settings.
2. Select Quick Symbols (or Clipboard).
3. Click Add and enter #.

Creating a text template

Save # as a template:

• 📝 Go to the keyboard settings → Textual templates.
• 📝 Add a new template with a short code (e.g. ##) and a value #.

Use of gestures (Gboard)

In Gboard, you can customize the gesture for the symbol:

• 👆 Go to Settings. → System settings → Language and input → Gboard → Gestures.
• 👆 Include a gesture for characters and add # to the list.

Add # to the quick symbols|Create a text template|Set up a gesture in Gboard|Install an alternative keyboard-->

5 Why the # character may not be on the keyboard

If you don’t find # even after checking all the keys, the reasons may be as follows:

• 🔄 Update of firmware - in MIUI 14 character layouts have changed. Try to roll back to the previous version or upgrade to the latest version.
• 🌐 Regional settings – if the system language is set to Chinese or other Asian, some characters may not be available. → Additionally. → Language and region.
• 🛠️ Damage to system files – if the keyboard is not working properly, reset its settings (keyboard settings) → Reset).
• 📱 Modified firmware - on custom ROM (For example, LineageOS may not have a standard keyboard. MIUI.

⚠️ Note: If after updating to MIUI 14 several symbols are missing (for example, #, €, @), Check Xiaomi forums (like c.mi.com) for complaints from other users — a patch may have already been released.

If the problem is not solved, try:

1. Install an alternative keyboard (e.g. Gboard).
2. Reset the keyboard settings to factory (Settings) → Annexes → Application management → keyboard → Warehouse → Clear the data).
3. Remove the system update (if the symbols disappeared after the update).

6. USSD-teams and other cases where necessary «#»

The # symbol is most often required for:

• 📞 USSD-commands (e.g. *100# to check balance).
• 🔐 Wi-Fi passwords (many routers use # in standard passwords).
• 🏷️ Hashtags on social networks (Instagram, Twitter).
• 💻 Programming (comments in code, preprocessor directives).

On input USSD-Xiaomi teams can make mistakes, so that the team can work:

1. Use the standard Phone app (not third-party dialers).
2. Enter the * and # characters in the English layout.
3. If the command doesn’t go, try adding another # at the end (e.g. *100###).

💡

For USSD-commands always use the standard Phone app – third-party dialers (such as Truecaller) can block sending characters * and #.

If USSD-The team does not work even after the correct input, check:

• 📶 Network presence (symbol # will not go without connection).
• 📱 Support your team by your operator (some of the USSD-codes work only on MTS, Beeline, etc.).
• 🔄 Settings SIM-maps (Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Choice of network → Automatically).

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When searching for the # symbol, users often make these mistakes:

• 🔍 Look for a symbol on the Russian layout - in 80% of cases it is available only in English.
• 🖐️ Do not hold the key long enough – for the appearance of additional characters, you need to hold your finger 0.5-1 second.
• 📱 Use third-party keyboards with incomplete character support (for example, some versions of SwiftKey for the purpose of using the keyboard). MIUI may not display #).
• 🔄 No updates to the firmware in older versions MIUI (below 12) the arrangement of the symbols may differ.

To avoid problems:

1. Update your firmware regularly (Settings) → The phone. → Updating the system).
2. Check the keyboard settings after major updates – they may be reset.
3. Use the English layout to enter special characters.

1. Install the QuickShortcutMaker app.

2. Find action. com.android.phone/.DialtactsActivity.

3. Create a shortcut with a pre-entered command (e.g. *100#).

You don’t have to look for a symbol every time #!-->

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions