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

You are trying to enter a hashtag in social networks, activate USSD-A team to check your balance or simply dial a phone number with extra characters — and suddenly you find that the # sign (number) disappears from your Xiaomi keyboard, a problem that many Android smartphone users are familiar with, especially after updates or changes in layout. Unlike computer keyboards, where the “#” is usually on the same key with the number 3, on mobile devices, its location depends on the version of the keyboard, the input language and even the phone model.

In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to find the symbol “#” on the Xiaomi keyboard – from the standard one. MIUI-You'll learn why the button disappears, how to return it, and what to do if none of the methods worked. And for those who use this symbol often, we've created unique quick-typing life hacks without searching the menu.

1. Standard MIUI keyboard: Where to look for "#"?

If you use a built-in keyboard from Xiaomi (it is activated by default on most models such as the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 or Xiaomi 13), then the location of the “#” symbol depends on the current layout:

• 🔢 Digital Keyboard: Switch to numbers (click?123 or 12# in the bottom row), and the "#" character usually appears in the bottom right corner next to the «*».
• 📱 Alphabetical layout: Press and hold the key with the number 3 – in the pop-up window, a “#” may appear (does not work on all versions). MIUI).
• 🌐 Language features: In some languages (such as Chinese or Arabic), the # symbol may be hidden - try switching to English layout.

If you don’t see “#” even on the digital keyboard, the problem may be in the character display settings. Go to Settings → Additional Settings → Language and Input → Current Keyboard (MIUI) → Layout and input and check if special characters are shown.

2.Gboard keyboard: quick access to "#"

Gboard (Google keyboard) is installed by default on many Xiaomi models or is available for download in the Play Market. Here, the search for the "#" character is simplified:

1. Open any field to enter text and switch to the digital keyboard (button?123).
2. In the top row you will see the characters! @ #$% - "#" will be the third on the left.
3. If there is no character, click the =< button (in the lower left corner of the digital keyboard) and the extended menu with the "#" will open.

Gboard also has a quick typing gesture: swipe your finger from the 3 key up and left and a menu with alternative characters including "#" will appear.This method saves time if you often have to type hashtags or USSD-team.

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Add "#" to the Gboard clipboard: press and hold the character, then select "Copy." Now it will be available in one click through the buffer bar (icon) 📋).

3.Why is the "#" missing from Xiaomi's keyboard?

The disappearance of the # symbol is a common problem, and there are several reasons for it:

If the problem arises after changing the input language, try adding English layout (even if the main language is Russian).

1. Go to Settings → Additional settings → Language and input → Virtual keyboard.
2. Select your keyboard (MIUI or Gboard).
3. Press Languages and add English (US).

4. Alternative ways to enter "#" without searching the keyboard

If the # symbol stubbornly doesn’t want to appear, use one of these methods:

• 📋 Clipboard: Copy the “#” from this article or any other source and paste as needed.
• 🔤 Voice input: In Gboard, click on the microphone and say “number sign” or “hashtag” – the system recognizes the command.
• 🖥️ USB-Keyboard: Connect the physical keyboard through OTG-Adapter – the “#” is usually on the key with the number 3 (in English layout).
• 📱 Special apps: Install Unicode Pad or Symbo from Play Market – there are all characters in one place.

For users who often work with USSD-There's another life hack, which is to use codes (e.g. *100# to check balance): create a quick access widget on the home screen:

1. Hold your finger in the free space of the screen.
2. Select Widgets → Shortcuts (or Shortcuts).
3. Find the Phone app and drag it to the screen.
4. In the input field, type the desired USSD-code (e.g. *100#) and save.

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If you use it often USSD-commands, save them in notes or names (e.g., MTS Balance) and eliminate the need to type characters manually.

5. # problems with specific Xiaomi models

On some Xiaomi devices, the location of the # symbol may differ due to firmware or hardware limitations.

• 📱 Redmi Note 10/11/12: On the standard keyboard. MIUI «#» hidden by long press 3 (english-only).
• 📱 POCO F3/F4/F5: In Gboard, the symbol is available on a digital keyboard, but in MIUI-Keyboard may not be available – firmware updates are required.
• 📱 Xiaomi 13/13 Pro: On these flagships, the "#" appears by default, but after updating to MIUI 14 It may be missing – switching to Gboard helps.
• 📱 Redmi A1/A2: Budget models often come with a stripped-down version of the keyboard – here the “#” is only available via an extended menu (button). =<).

If you have an older model (e.g. Redmi 4X or Mi A1), the problem may be related to an older version of MIUI. Check for updates in Settings → About Phone → System Update. If there are no updates, try manually flashing the latest firmware version through the Mi Flash Tool (the instructions are on the official Xiaomi forum).

✅ Update. MIUI last-minute

✅ Clear the cache and keyboard data

✅ Check the work in safe mode (excludes the influence of third-party applications)

✅ Install an alternative keyboard (Gboard, SwiftKey)

✅ Test the “#” character in another application (e.g., in a notebook)-->

6. What to do if none of the methods work?

If you've tried all the ways, but the # symbol is still unavailable, the problem may be deeper than it seems. Here are some extreme measures to help you get back to work:

⚠️ Warning: Before resetting your phone to factory settings, back up your data via Settings → The phone. → Backup.This process will delete all your files, photos and installed apps!

• 🔧 Reset keyboard settings: Go to Settings → Annexes → App management. Find your keyboard (MIUI or Gboard) and press Warehouse. Select Clear Data and Clear Cache. Reboot your phone.

Safe regime

Press the power button, then hold your finger on the option to turn off, you will be prompted to go to safe mode. If it works "#", one of the installed applications is to blame (remove the last installed ones).

Flip-flashing

If the problem occurred after the MIUI update, try rolling back to the previous firmware version via the Mi Flash Tool.Instructions look for on the 4PDA or Xiaomi Community forums.

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi models (especially those with a blocked bootloader), flashing can lead to the blocking of the Mi Account. Before the procedure, unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi website!

7. Frequent mistakes when searching for “#” and how to avoid them

Many users make the same mistakes when trying to find the "#" character on the keyboard, and here are the most common ones:

• 🔍 Alphabetical search: "#" never appears on the letter keyboard - always switch to numbers (£123).
• 🌍 Incorrect language: In Chinese or Arabic, the symbol can be replaced with a local counterpart. Always check the English layout.
• 📱 Ignoring updates: In older versions MIUI (below MIUI 12) "#" is often missing - update the firmware!
• 🔄 Reset without backup: Before any manipulation of keyboard settings, save important data.

There is no such feature on a standard MIUI keyboard, but you can use applications like MacroDroid to automate.