How to enter the number sign (#) on the Xiaomi keyboard: Step-by-step instructions

You try to enter a password from Wi-Fi, type a hashtag in social networks or enter USSD-Team, but can't find the number sign (#) on your Xiaomi keyboard? this problem is familiar to many Redmi smartphone owners, POCO And Mi, the grille symbol, disappears from the main layout, then hides in unexpected menus. In this article, we will explore all possible ways to enter #, including hidden combinations, alternative keyboards and even system settings that will help return the symbol to its place.

Keyboards on Xiaomi Android devices are adaptable: layouts can vary depending on the language, application or even version of MIUI. For example, in MIUI 14, the grille sign moved to a different place than MIUI 12, and in some localizations (for example, Ukrainian or Kazakh) it is not at all on the main screen. But don’t worry – we have collected all the working methods, including those that are not written in the official documentation.

Before proceeding to the instructions, check two points: 1 Which keyboard is installed by default - standard Gboard (from Google) or branded Mi Keyboard? This depends on the location of the characters. 2 In which application you are trying to enter #? In some messengers (for example, Telegram or WhatsApp), the layout may differ from the system.

1. Standard way: where to look for # on Mi Keyboard

If you use the Mi Keyboard (the default on all Xiaomi smartphones), the number sign is usually hidden behind additional characters.

1. Open any field to enter text (for example, in Notes or Messages).
2. Switch to English layout (if you have Russian enabled, click on the icon of the globe or hold the space to change the language).
3. Click on the?123 button (numbers and symbols) in the lower left corner of the keyboard.
4. Now, look at the second page of the characters - the # sign can be: 🔹 Next to the number 3 (in some versions) MIUI). 🔹 On a separate tab. =< (Click on this button to open additional characters). 🔹 In the section with currencies and special signs (for example, near the $ or €).

Important! In the latest versions of MIUI 14+, the grille sign may not be on the first page of the characters.

1. Click the =< button (or 1/2 if there is one) – this switches to the second character screen.
2. Scroll to the right if the characters don't fit on the same screen.

Switch to English layout |

Open the digital keyboard (button?123)|

Check the second page of characters (button =< or 1/2)|

Scroll the character screen to the right if # is not visible-->

If you haven’t found # after this, your version of the Mi Keyboard may have a different interface, in which case try updating the keyboard through Settings → Apps → Application Management → Mi Keyboard → Update.

2. Alternative method: enter # via Gboard (Google keyboard)

Many Xiaomi users prefer to install Gboard, a keyboard from Google, where character layout is more predictable. If you have Gboard installed, here's how to find #:

1. Open the field to enter text and switch to English layout.
2. Press the button?123 (digits and symbols).
3. The # bar will be located on the first page of the characters, usually next to the number 3 or in the upper row on the right.

If you haven’t installed Gboard yet, do it through Google Play Market.

1. Download the Gboard app – Google keyboard.
2. Go to Settings → System and Device → Language and Input → Current Keyboard.
3. Select Gboard and turn it on.

💡

If you use the # sign often, you can add it to "Favorites" in Gboard. To do this, hold your finger on # and drag it to the top panel.

3. Hidden combinations: how to enter # without a keyboard

If the bar sign is missing from all layouts or you can’t find it on the menu, there are several alternative ways to type #:

Method 1: Copying from the clipboard

The easiest way to do this is to copy the symbol from another source:

1. Open your browser and search for "grid sign".
2. Copy the # symbol (hold your finger on it and select Copy).
3. Put it in the right field (hold your finger → “Insert”).

Method 2: Using Unicode

You can enter # through Unicode code (works in most applications):

1. Hold your finger on the input field until the cursor appears.
2. Select "Insert Unicode Character" (if you have this option).
3. Enter the code U+0023 and press "Insert".

Method 3: Voice input

If you have voice input enabled, you can try:

1. Click on the microphone icon on the keyboard.
2. Say "grid sign" or "hashtag."

These methods will come in handy if the Xiaomi keyboard is not working properly or the symbol is really missing in the layout.

4. Keyboard setting: how to return # to the main screen

If the bar sign is on the keyboard but is too far away (e.g., on the third page of the characters), it can be transferred to the main screen.

For Mi Keyboard:

1. Go to Settings → System and Device → Language and Input → Mi Keyboard → layout settings.
2. Select Additional Symbols.
3. Find the # in the list and hold it to drag it to the main screen.

Unfortunately, in the latest versions of the Mi Keyboard, this feature can be disabled, in which case only changing the keyboard to Gboard will help.

For Gboard:

1. Open the Gboard and click on it. ⚙️ Settings → Personalization → Symbolic management.
2. Find # and add it to the quick access.

If these options are not available, try resetting the keyboard settings:

1. Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management → Gboard/Mi Keyboard → Warehouse → Clear the data.
2. Reboot your smartphone.

5. Problems with # in specific applications

Sometimes the bar sign doesn't disappear on the entire keyboard, but only in certain applications.

If the problem only occurs in one application, it's most likely a bug in the program, not the keyboard.

• 🔹 Update the application to the latest version.
• 🔹 Clear the application cache (Settings) → Annexes → [name] → Clear the cache).
• 🔹 Reinstall the application.

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If the # sign is missing in only one application, the problem is probably in it, not in the keyboard. Try using another application to type (for example, Notes instead of messenger).

6. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When searching for the # symbol, users often make the same mistakes.

⚠️ Attention! Do not try to type # in additional languages (e.g. Chinese or Arabic). In these layouts, the symbol may be missing or replaced with a character. Always use English layout.

Other common mistakes:

• 🔹 Search # in Russian layout – in 90% of cases, the symbol is only in English.
• 🔹 Ignoring the second page of characters – many people don’t notice the button =< or 1/2.
• 🔹 Use of an outdated version MIUI — into MIUI 10-11 The location of the symbols differed from the modern versions.

If you tried all the ways but # never came up, check out:

• 🔹 Are there any restrictions on the entry of characters (for example, in corporate phones).
• 🔹 Is the system keyboard damaged (try installing another one).
• 🔹 Is the mode for children or guest mode (in which some characters are blocked) turned on).

⚠️ On some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 8 Pro or POCO X3) post-update MIUI 13+ The # sign may be lost due to a system bug, in which case only resetting the keyboard settings or rolling back to the previous version will help. MIUI.

7 Xiaomi models where # is hidden especially strongly

Some Xiaomi smartphones have more lattice than others, and here is a list of models where users are most likely to experience this problem:

If you have one of these models, try updating your firmware — newer versions of MIUI often fix the problem. For example, in Redmi Note 11, after upgrading to MIUI 14.0.4, the # sign returned to second place on the character list.

For POCO owners, there is a separate life hack:

1. Install the Gboard.
2. In the POCO Launcher settings, disable the option “Keyboard Optimization” (Settings → Additional → Special Features).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions