How to enter the symbol # (number) on the keyboard Xiaomi Redmi: step-by-step instructions with pictures

You are trying to enter a hashtag in social networks, type USSD-command to check balance or activate hidden function through the engineering menu, but can not find the symbol # (grating, number) on the keyboard of your Xiaomi Redmi? the problem is familiar to many users - especially those who have recently switched from iPhone or button phones. On Android keyboards, the grille sign is often “hidden” on secondary layers, and its location depends on the firmware version, the input language and even the smartphone model.

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can type # on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones (including the Redmi Note 12/13, Redmi 10/11, POCO X5, and more). You’ll learn where to look for a grille on a standard MIUI keyboard, how to add it to Gboard’s fast access, and what to do if the character is not in the layout at all, and a secret method for typing # through Android codes when the keyboard is not working.

1. Standard location of the # character on the MIUI keyboard

On most Xiaomi Redmi smartphones with MIUI firmware 12-14, the grille symbol (#) is on the digital keyboard (the one that opens when you press?123 or 12#).

• 🇷🇺 Russian layout: press?123 → the # symbol is on the second page of the digital characters (swipe left on the key) =< or 1/2).
• 🇬🇧 English layout (UK/US): press?123 → # It is displayed directly on the main digital panel (near the number). 3).
• 🌍 Other languages: In Turkish, Spanish or German layouts, the symbol can be hidden behind a long tap on the key & or *.

If you don’t see # on the digital keyboard, try:

1. Press and hold the * (asterisk) key – some versions of MIUI contain alternate characters.
2. Switch to English layout (EN) - there the grille is usually available immediately.
3. Check if T9 mode is activated (predictive input) – it can hide some characters.

2. How to enter # on Gboard (Google keyboard)

If you replaced the standard MIUI keyboard with Gboard, the search algorithm for the # character will be different. In English, the grille is on the main digital bar (?123 → next to 3), and in Russian, it is hidden behind an additional layer:

Open any text input field (e.g., Telegram message)| Press?123 to go to numbers |In Russian layout swipe left on key =< or press 1/2| Press # (usually in the upper right corner of the second layer) | Return to the letter keyboard with the ABC button

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Problem: In some versions of Gboard, the # symbol may not be in the Russian layout.

1. Switch to English layout (EN) temporarily.
2. Or add # to Quick Access: Hold the comma (,) → select “Tune keys” → drag # to the main panel.

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If you use it often USSD-commands (e.g. *100# for balance check), add # to the favorite characters in Gboard settings: → Dictionary → Personal symbols.

3. Alternative ways to enter the symbol #

If the grille is missing from the keyboard or it is not in your layout, use one of these methods:

Important for owners of Redmi Note 10/11: in the firmware MIUI 13.0.4+ symbol # may be absent in the Russian layout due to a bug. Update the keyboard through Settings → Applications → Application Management → Keyboard → Update.

4.Why the # character may not be on the keyboard

If you tried all the methods, but the grid never appeared, the reasons may be as follows:

• 🔄 Outdated version of the keyboard: in MIUI 11 and below the # character sometimes disappeared after resetting the settings.
• 🌐 Regional settings: if the system has a language without # support (for example, some Asian layouts).
• 🛠️ Damage to system files: after incorrect update or root access.
• 📱 Custom firmware: in informal builds (for example, Pixel Experience) layout may differ.

⚠️ Note: If you use a third-party keyboard (like SwiftKey or Fleksy), the # symbol may be elsewhere.

5. Enter the # symbol through the engineering menu (for advanced)

If the keyboard is not working completely, but you urgently need to enter # (for example, for the keyboard). USSD-commands, you can use hidden Android codes:

1. Open the Phone app and go to the dial tab.
2. Enter the combination: ##4636## This will open the engineering menu.
3. In some versions of MIUI, after entering this code, a field will appear for manual character input - you can select # there.

Alternative method for USSD-team:

• Create a new contact in the phone book.
• In the number field, enter *100# (or other command).
• Save the contact and dial it – the system automatically recognizes #.

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The engineering menu (#4636##) doesn’t work on all Redmi models, and newer smartphones (like the Redmi Note 12 Pro+) can be blocked.

6. Solving keyboard issues on Xiaomi Redmi

If the # character is missing regularly or the keyboard is unstable, follow these steps:

1. Cleaning the keyboard cache: Settings → Applications → Application Management → Keyboard → Storage → Clear the cache
2. MIUI Update: Go to Settings → About Phone → Update System and install the latest firmware. MIUI 14 fixes character display bugs.
3. Reset keyboard settings: In the keyboard settings, find Reset to factory (may be called Reset default settings).
4. Install an alternative keyboard: If the problem is not solved, install Gboard, SwiftKey or AnySoftKeyboard from Google Play.

⚠️ Note: on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones with custom firmware (for example, LineageOS) a standard keyboard MIUI In this case, it is recommended to use Gboard or other third-party solutions.

7. Frequent Questions About the # Symbol on Xiaomi Redmi