The number symbol (or the lattice as it is often called) is one of the most popular special characters in typing, without which you can not enter a hashtag on social networks, confirm payment via SMS or activate a conditional access code. MIUI-Keyboard) this sign does not always lie on the surface β its location depends on the model of the smartphone, firmware version and even the selected input language.
Many users lose minutes (or even hours!) searching for # by switching layouts and rummaging through settings. The reason is simple: unlike iOS or a standard Android keyboard, where the grille is usually on a digital bar, MIUI He often hides it in obscure places, like some Redmi models. POCO The # sign appears only after holding the other key, and on Xiaomi 13/14 It is not at all on the main layout - you have to go to the "Symbols" modeΒ».
In this article, we will take a closer look at where to look for # on different versions of Xiaomi keyboards, including stock. MIUI Keyboard, Gboard, and third-party apps, and we'll also find out why sometimes a character goes missing and how to get it back without resetting your settings.
Why the # sign is hard to find on Xiaomi
Letβs start with the main reason for the confusion: MIUI It uses several types of keyboards, and each has a different # character, and even on a single smartphone, the layout can vary depending on the location of the keyboard:
- π± Device models β on the Redmi Note 12 and Xiaomi 13 Ultra keyboards are different.
- π Input language - in English layout # is usually visible immediately, and in Russian it has to be searched for.
- π Versions MIUI β into MIUI 14 Keyboard interface updated, and characters moved.
- βοΈ Keyboard settings β if you have disabled the digital bar, # can βhideΒ».
Xiaomi is also actively promoting its own keyboard. MIUI Keyboard, which is the default on all smartphones of the brand, where the # symbol is often hidden behind a long tap on the β123β key or behind the βSymbolsβ button, is inconvenient, but logical in terms of saving space on the screen. At the same time, on Gboard (keyboard from Google), the grille is usually available immediately after switching to the digital bar.
Another nuance: on some models (for example, POCO F5 or Redmi K60) The # sign may disappear after the update MIUI. This is due to a firmware bug, which is solved by resetting keyboard settings or reinstalling the application.
β οΈ Attention: If you are using MIUI Keyboard on Xiaomi 12T or later, after updating to MIUI 14.0.5+ # can be moved to "Additional characters" to return it to its place, update the keyboard via Settings β Annexes β Application management β MIUI Keyboard β Update.
Where to look for the β#β on the stock keyboard MIUI
stock keyboard MIUI Keyboard is the most "capricious" in terms of the location of special characters, it depends on the current layout (Russian / English) and the input mode (letters / numbers / symbols:
1. Russian layout (letters)
On the Russian keyboard, the # sign is missing from the main panel.
- Slip the button 123 (numbers) in the lower left corner.
- Then press the button. =+ (Symbols or Symbols β it is usually located at the bottom right.
- In the menu that opens, the # character will be in the first or second row.
On some models (e.g. Redmi) 10) instead =+ maybe a button 1/2 β Slip on it to see additional symbols.
English layout (letters)
In English, the process is simpler:
- Press?123 (transition to numbers).
- The # sign will be on the second page of the characters β swipe left on the panel or press 1/2.
If the character is not available, check if the option to Show all characters in the keyboard settings is disabled.
3. Digital panel (Mode "Phone")
When dialing a phone number (in the Phone or Contacts app), the keyboard automatically switches to numerical mode. Here # is usually:
- The number 0 is on the right (most models).
- Or on the second page of characters (if the keyboard is compressed).
If you donβt see # in this mode, try holding the * button (asterisk) β on some firmware this causes the grid to appear.
| Xiaomi model | Location # (Russian layout) | Location # (English layout) |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 11/12 | 123 β =+ β Page 1 | ?123 β Page 2 (swipe left) |
| Xiaomi 13/14 | 123 β Symbols β top-row | ?123 β straight away |
| POCO X5/F5 | 123 β hold * | ?123 β Page 1 |
| Redmi 10A/9A | 123 β 1/2 β bottom-row | ?123 β Page 2. |
β οΈ Note: Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite with MIUI 13.0.4 was a bug that caused the # to disappear when you changed the keyboard theme. Solution: return the standard theme to Settings β Additionally. β Keyboard themes.
How to find β#β on Gboard (Google Keyboard)
If you installed Gboard, finding the # character is easier, and the interface is more unified, and the grille is always in the same place, regardless of the Xiaomi model.
Instructions for Gboard:
- Open any field to enter text.
- Slip the button?123 (digits and symbols).
- The # sign will be on the first page - in the upper row on the right (next to the $ and %).
If there is no symbol, check:
- π Update Gboard to the latest version on Google Play.
- π Make sure that the English layout is selected (in Russian # may not be available).
- βοΈ In Gboard settings, enable the option to Show all characters (Settings) β Preferences β Layout).
The advantage of Gboard is that it can pin frequently used characters (including #) to the main panel.
- Press the # symbol on the digital keyboard.
- In the menu that appears, select Add to the Quick Access Panel.
Install the latest version from Google Play
Insert the English layout
Check the option "Show all symbols"
Add # to the Quick Access Panel-->
If you prefer Gboard but the # symbol doesnβt show anyway, try resetting your keyboard settings:
Settings β System β Language and input β Virtual keyboard β Gboard β Resetting settingsWhat to do if the # sign is missing
Sometimes the # symbol disappears after the update. MIUI, Change the topic or reset. Here are the most common reasons and ways to solve it:
1. Update MIUI reset the keyboard settings
After major updates (e.g., with the MIUI 13 on MIUI 14) the keyboard can return standard settings by hiding rarely used characters #:
- Open the Settings. β Additionally. β Language and input β MIUI Keyboard.
- Select the layout settings β Show all the symbols.
- Reboot your smartphone.
2. Change the theme of the keyboard
Some topics for MIUI Keyboard (especially minimalist) removes some of the characters from the main panel:
- Return the standard theme (keyboard settings) β Topics β Classical).
- Or manually add # to Settings. β User symbols.
3. Conflict with other keyboards
If you have multiple keyboards installed (e.g. Gboard) + MIUI Keyboard, they can conflict:
- Open Settings β System β Language and input.
- Turn off unnecessary keyboards, leaving only one.
- Reset the device.
How to add # to user symbols?
If none of the methods helped, try resetting the keyboard settings to factory:
Settings β Applications β Application Management β MIUI Keyboard β Storage β Clear dataβ οΈ Attention: After data cleaning MIUI Keyboard will remove all user words and settings.We recommend you back up in advance to Settings. β Xiaomi account β Backup.
Alternative ways to enter the symbol "#"
If you canβt find # on the keyboard, use alternative methods:
1. Copying from the clipboard
The fastest way is:
- Copy the # character from this article (just highlight and tap Copy).
- Insert it in the right field (hold your finger). β Insert).
You can also create a text template in MIUI Keyboard:
- Open the keyboard settings β Textual templates.
- Add a new template with # and short code (e.g. ##).
- Now, when you enter ##, you automatically substitute #.
2.Use of Unicode Code
The # symbol has a Unicode code. U+0023. To enter it manually:
- Install the Unicode Pad app from Google Play.
- Find the code 0023 and copy the symbol.
This method comes in handy if the keyboard is completely broken or you are using Xiaomi with custom firmware.
3. Voice input
If you have voice input enabled (in Gboard or MIUI Keyboard, you can just say it:
"Grid" or "number sign"
The smartphone recognizes the command and inserts #. To activate voice input:
- Slap the icon. π€ keyboard.
- Say a phrase.
π‘
Create a widget with the # symbol on the home screen: add a shortcut β Take notes and put a bar in there!
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When searching for the # symbol, users often make the same mistakes.
1. Confusing layouts
Many people forget that in Russian layout the # sign is often hidden behind the additional menus, whereas in English it can be visible. Always check the current input language (the icon in the lower right corner of the keyboard).
2. Do not update the keyboard
If you haven't updated in a long time MIUI Keyboard or Gboard, some characters may not display correctly. Updates often fix bugs with special characters displayed.
3.Using unofficial firmware
On custom firmware (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience) stock keyboard MIUI It can work with failures, in which case it is better to install Gboard or SwiftKey.
4. Disable the digital panel
In the keyboard settings, you have the option to Show the digital bar. If it's disabled, the # symbol may disappear.
Settings β System β Language and input β MIUI Keyboard β Layout β Show the digital panelπ‘
Before resetting your keyboard settings, try switching to English layout β often this solves the problem without losing data.