How to enter the number (#) on the keyboard Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

The bar symbol (#), a number sign, hashtag or simply "grid," is one of the most popular special characters on a smartphone, used for hashtags on social media, passwords, settings. USSD-However, many users are faced with the problem: where is this sign hidden on the keyboard? Especially the question is on devices with non-standard layouts or after changing the input language.

On most Xiaomi smartphones, the # symbol can be entered in several ways – it all depends on the keyboard used (native Mi Keyboard, Gboard from Google or third-party options), the phone model and even the firmware version. MIUI. In this article, we'll look at all the current techniques, including hidden chips that aren't written about in the official instructions, and you'll also learn why sometimes the grille disappears from the keyboard and how to return it in 10 seconds.

If you are in a hurry, go straight to the quickest way (Section 3). For those who want to get into the details, we have prepared a method comparison table and step-by-step screenshots.

Why is # hard to find on Xiaomi?

The problem with finding a # symbol on Xiaomi is due to several factors, and most of them are firmware features. MIUI:

1. Dynamic keyboard layout: Depending on the input language (Russian, English, Chinese), the location of special characters can vary. For example, in English layout # is usually on the digital key 3, and in Russian it is not there at all.

2. Lack of a unified standard: Keyboard manufacturers (including Xiaomi) decide where to place rarely used characters. In the Mi Keyboard, the grille is often hidden in the second layer of the digital keyboard, whereas in Gboard it can be on the main screen.

3. Updates MIUI. After major updates (for example, transition from MIUI 12 on MIUI 14) character layouts sometimes change, due to optimizing the interface for new trends (e.g., emphasis on voice input).

4. Regional settings: On smartphones sold in China or India, the keyboard layout may differ from the European version. For example, on Indian Redmis, the # symbol is often duplicated on the rupee key (₹).

⚠️ Note: If you recently reset your phone to factory settings or installed custom firmware, the keyboard could reset to the base version without additional characters, in which case you will have to manually add the desired layout in the settings.

Standard ways to enter # on different keyboards

Consider the main options that work on 90% of Xiaomi devices (from Redmi Note 10 to Xiaomi 14 Ultra).

1. via the digital keyboard (Mi Keyboard)

On Xiaomi’s native keyboard, the # symbol is usually hidden behind the number 3:

1. Open any field to enter text (for example, a message on WhatsApp).
2. Switch to English layout (if you have Russian).
3. Press the key?123 (pass to numbers).
4. Hold your finger on the number 3 – a pop-up with the # symbol will appear.

2. Through symbols (Gboard)

If you use Gboard (keyboard from Google):

1. Go to digital mode (button?123).
2. Press the button. =< (symbols) in lower left corner.
3. The bar will be in the first row on the right (near the %, *, +).

3. Through a long press on the space (hidden chip) MIUI)

Few people know, but in MIUI 13+ Quick access to frequently used symbols:

1. Hold your finger on the space. 1-2 seconds.
2. In the menu that appears, select the Symbols tab.
3. Scroll to the right - # will be in the first block.

⚡ The fastest way (always working)

If you need to enter # right now and don’t have time to deal with the settings, use the universal method:

Copying from the clipboard:

1. Copy the character from this article: # (just highlight it and click Copy).
2. Insert in the desired field (hold your finger in the input field). → «Insert»).

This method is guaranteed to work even if:

• 🔹 The keyboard dropped after the update.
• 🔹 You use a non-standard layout (for example, Chinese).
• 🔹 # "Disappeared" symbol after installing custom firmware.

This method is also suitable for entering other “problem” characters, such as §, ¶ or †, which are often required in legal documents or technical instructions.

💡

Create a bookmark in the browser with this page - so you will always have a set of rare characters at hand for quick insertion.

How to add # to the permanent keyboard panel

If you often need a grille symbol, you can pin it to the main keyboard bar.

For Mi Keyboard:

1. Open the Settings. → Additionally. → Language and input → Current Keyboard (Mi Keyboard).
2. Choose layout and style → Set up the keyboard.
3. Add symbols to the main panel.
4. Find the # in the list and drag it to the top bar (like next to @).

For Gboard:

1. Press the key) → Select Settings.
2. Go to the layout. → Set up the layout.
3. Click Add the character and select #.

After that, the grille will always be at hand - you do not need to switch to a digital keyboard.

Table: Where to look for # on different Xiaomi models

We tested the location of the # symbol on popular Xiaomi devices. MIUI 14/15 (2026 year):

If your model is not in the table, try the general methods in Section 2.

What to do if # disappeared from the keyboard

Sometimes the grille symbol disappears after the update or change of settings.

1. Reset the keyboard settings:

Settings → Applications → Application Management → Keyboard (Mi Keyboard/Gboard) → Storage → Clear the data

⚠️ Warning: This will delete all your custom words and auto-replace settings. pre-backup to Settings → Google → Backup (for Gboard).

2. Reset the keyboard:

• 🔧 For Gboard: Remove via Settings → Apps and install them again from Google Play.
• 🔧 For Mi Keyboard: Update the firmware through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

3. Check the regional settings:

If the phone is purchased abroad (for example, in China), the layout may not be complete.

1. Open Settings → Additional → Language and Input → Language.
2. Add English (USA) or Russian (Russia).
3. Reboot the phone.

Alternative ways to enter # (if nothing helps)

If standard methods don’t work, try these options:

1.Unicode input (for technical users):

In some applications (such as Termux or Notepad), you can enter # through its Unicode code:

Hold Alt+ enter 35 on the digital keyboard (on the physical keyboard via OTG)

On a touch keyboard, this won’t work, but the method is useful when connecting a Bluetooth keyboard.

2. Use voice input:

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

• 🎤 «Grid sign»
• 🎤 «hashtag»
• 🎤 «Number" (sometimes recognized as #)

Special annexes:

Install one of these apps from Google Play:

• 📱 Symbol Keyboard – keyboard with quick access to all characters.
• 📱 Unicode Pad – inserting any Unicode characters.
• 📱 CopyChars – a collection of rare characters for copying.

💡

If you often work with rare characters (such as programming or design), install a specialized keyboard.

FAQ: Frequent Questions About the # Symbol on Xiaomi