The number symbol (#, aka “grid”, “hash” or “number sign”) is one of the most popular special characters on a smartphone, but its search on the Xiaomi Redmi keyboard often turns into a quest. USSD-In this article, we will look at all the ways you can type # on Redmi smartphones, from standard to little-known, and explain why the symbol sometimes “hidden” or does not work.
Feature MIUI (Xiaomi firmware is that the location of special symbols may differ depending on the version of the system, the phone model (Redmi Note). 12, Redmi 10, POCO X5 etc.) and even from the keyboard used (standard Gboard, MIUI Keyboard or third-party applications. We tested the instructions on current versions. MIUI 14/15 We have created universal solutions that will work for 99% brand.
1. Standard way: where to look for # on Xiaomi keyboard
On most Xiaomi Redmi smartphones, the # symbol is hidden on the digital keyboard (the one that appears when dialing a call or in the code entry field).
- Open the phone application (pipe icon).
- Go to the "Keyboard" tab (where you dial the number).
- Press and hold the 0 button, and in 1-2 seconds the # character will appear.
This method works on all Redmi models, including the Redmi Note 11, Redmi A2 and POCO M5, as it is embedded in the system application Phone. However, in some versions of MIUI (for example, on the Redmi 9A with MIUI 12.5), the symbol can be displayed immediately next to the numbers - check the right side of the keyboard.
⚠️ Note: If a long press on 0 doesn’t work, make sure you don’t have a third-party keyboard (like SwiftKey or Chroom). MIUI Keyboard in the language settings.
2. Enter # in messages and messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, SMS)
In text fields (SMS, WhatsApp, Telegram), the # symbol is usually hidden on an additional keyboard bar.
- 📱 On the standard. MIUI Keyboard: Press the button "?123" (digits/characters), then «=» (The bar will be in the front row.
- 🔤 On Gboard: Go to the digital keyboard (?123), then click «\<» (left arrow - the # symbol appears on the top right.
- ⚡ On SwiftKey: Hold the 0 button on the digital keyboard (similar to calls).
If the symbol is not in the usual place, try to switch the keyboard language to English (EN) - sometimes in the Russian layout special characters are hidden.
- Touch the "Globe Earth" icon» (🌐) keyboard.
- Select "English (US)".
- Click "?123" and find #.
💡
Add the # character to Favorites on the keyboard: hold your finger on it and drag it to the top Quick Access panel (works on Gboard and MIUI Keyboard).
3. USSD-Codes and Hidden Commands: How to Enter * and # at the Same Time
In recruitment USSD-For example, *100# for balance checks, many users of Xiaomi Redmi have a problem: after entering *100, the # character does not want to be added. MIUI. Decisions:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| You can't enter # after | The keyboard switches to "call" mode | Type the code in “Notepad”, copy and paste in the dialing field |
| Code's not being sent. | Operator blocks USSD | Try adding; at the end (e.g. *100#;) |
| The # symbol is replaced by * | Keyboard failure | Restart your phone or reset your keyboard settings in Settings → System → Language and input |
For instant call USSD-No problem using this code hack:
- Create a new contact in the phone book.
- Enter the number field USSD-code (e.g. *100#).
- Keep in touch with the name Balance.
- Now just open the contact and click "Call" - the code will be sent automatically.
Make sure the code is in place without spaces | Check the operator region (some codes only work in your home region) | Disable VPN (can block USSD) | Try entering the code in safe mode (no conflicts with applications)
-->
4. Problems with #: Why it doesn't click or disappears
If the # character doesn’t appear or doesn’t work, the reasons may be:
- 🔧 Keyboard failure: Clear the app's cache MIUI Keyboard in Settings → Annexes → Application management.
- 📱 Update MIUI: After the system update, the location of the characters may change.
- 🛠️ Firmware damage: If the symbol disappears after firmware, reset the keyboard settings (Settings) → Additionally. → Resetting settings).
- 🚫 Operator Blocking: Some operators (e.g. Tele2) restrict input USSD-Try another one. SIM.
Redmi with MIUI 13+ has a bug: when you type fast, the # character can be replaced with +.
- Open Settings → Special features → Configure the keyboard.
- Turn off the option of “Symbols Auto-Replacement”.
- Reboot the phone.
⚠️ Note: On some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi 8), after resetting the keyboard is reset to the Chinese layout, where the # character is elsewhere!
5. Alternative ways to enter # (if the keyboard is not working)
If standard methods do not help, use one of these methods:
- 📋 Clipboard: Copy the # character from this article (select and click Copy), then paste it into the desired field.
- 🔄 Voice input: Enable voice dialing in Gboard (mic icon) and say "number sign" or "grating».
- 🖥️ ADB-Command (for advanced): Connect your phone to your PC and send a command: adb shell input text '#' (requires enabled Developer Mode»).
- 📲 Third-party keyboards: Install AnySoftKeyboard or Hacker’s Keyboard – they have the # symbol always in sight.
For Redmi with root rights, you can use the Tasker app to create a shortcut to enter # with one tap.
- Install Tasker and AutoInput plugin.
- Create a task with the action “Push Imitation” and specify the coordinates of the # character on the screen.
- Add the task widget to the main screen.
How to find the coordinates of the # symbol for Tasker?
6. Specifics for different Redmi models
The location of the # symbol may vary depending on the Xiaomi Redmi model, and we tested several popular devices:
| Model | MIUI version | Where to find # | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | 14.0.5 | Long press 0 on calls, "=" on MIUI Keyboard | The symbol is duplicated on an additional panel |
| Redmi 10 (2022) | 13.0.8 | Only a long push on 0. | Gboard requires switching to EN |
| POCO X5 Pro | 14.1.2 | "?123" → "\<" (top right) | Quick access via SMS 0 retention |
| Redmi 9A | 12.5.7 | Displayed immediately on the digital keyboard | After upgrading to MIUI 14, it may disappear |
On Redmi with Android One (like Mi A3), the # character is always in the standard place, top right on the digital keyboard. If you have one but the grille is missing, check:
- Are there any restrictions on “digital well-being”?
- Is the “Mode for Children” activated (blocks special characters).
- Is the function "Simplified keyboard" included in the settings of special features?
💡
On Redmi with MIUI 15, the # character can only appear in English - even if you type in Russian. Always check the input language!