How to enter the number symbol (#) on the keyboard Xiaomi Redmi: all ways

The number symbol (#), aka “grating”, “hash” or “number sign”, is often required to enter passwords, hashtags in social networks or USSD-But many users are facing a problem: on a standard keyboard. MIUI This sign is hidden or not in the usual place. Unlike iPhone or other brands keyboards, where # is usually on the digital panel, on Redmi, its location depends on the firmware version, language and even the model of the smartphone.

In this article, we will discuss all the working ways to put a number on the Xiaomi Redmi keyboard, from switching the layout to installing alternative keyboards. MIUI) We will give you recommendations for specific models: Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/9A And others. If you tried to press # for USSD-code (e.g., code, *100#), But nothing happened, here you will find a solution.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI 14 for India/Global, the # symbol can be replaced with local symbols (e.g. rupee) ₹). In this case, you will need to change the keyboard language to English (USA) or Russian.

1. Where is the # symbol on the standard MIUI keyboard

On most Xiaomi Redmi smartphones, the number sign (#) is hidden on the digital keyboard to find it:

1. Open any field to type text (such as a WhatsApp message or notes).
2. Click on the?123 (or 12#) button to switch to the digital layout.
3. Hold your finger on the button with the number 3 – in most cases, a pop-up menu with the # character will appear.

If there is no pop-up menu, try:

• 🔢 Press and hold the button with the number 0 - on some firmware # is hidden there.
• 🌐 Switching the keyboard language to English (USA) often solves the problem.
• 🔄 Press the button. =< (in the lower right corner of the digital keyboard to open additional characters.

⚠️ Attention: Redmi with firmware for China (CN) The # symbol may not be present at all, in which case only the installation of an alternative keyboard (see section 3) will help).

2 How to enter # through USSD-Requests (if the keyboard is not working)

If you need to dial USSD-code (e.g. *100# for balance check), but the # character does not appear on the keyboard, use the workaround method:

1. Open the phone (calling) application.
2. Go to the keyboard tab (where the number is dialed).
3. Enter the combination (e.g. *100), then hold the button with the number 0 – the # sign should appear.
4. Click on the green phone to send a request.

If this method has not worked:

• 📱 Try entering the code through the Messages app (SMS) — Sometimes the symbols are displayed correctly.
• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone – it resets temporary keyboard errors.
• 🛠️ Update the firmware MIUI Up to the latest version (see section 5).

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On some Redmi Note 12 models, the # sign appears only after pressing the Sym button (characters) in the lower right corner of the digital keyboard.

3. Installation of an alternative keyboard (Gboard, SwiftKey)

If the standard MIUI keyboard doesn't show the #, the most reliable way is to install an alternative.

• 🔤 Gboard (Google) is the most stable keyboard with all-character support.
• ⌨️ SwiftKey (Microsoft) – flexible settings and text prediction.
• 📱 AnySoftKeyboard is open source, suitable for older Redmi models.

Instructions for installation of Gboard:

1. Download Gboard from Google Play.
2. Open Settings → System → Language and input → Current keyboard.
3. Select Gboard and turn it on.
4. Return to any input field, click on the keyboard icon in the notification bar and select Gboard.
5. On the digital layout (?123), the # sign will be prominently displayed.

⚠️ Note: On Redmi with limited Google services (models for China), Gboard may not be installed. APK-file from the official website or SwiftKey.

SHOWS official APK-file (not from third-party sites)|

Installation from unknown sources is allowed in the settings |

Backup of the current keyboard settings |

Checked free space (minimum 100 MB) |-->

4. Solving problems after the MIUI update

After updating the MIUI firmware (especially to versions 13.0+ or 14.0), users often complain about the loss of the # character.

If the problem persists, try resetting the keyboard settings:

1. Go to Settings → System → Language and input.
2. Select the current keyboard (such as the MIUI Keyboard).
3. Click Reset Settings or Reset by default.
4. Reboot your smartphone.

5. Features for specific Redmi models

The location of the # symbol may vary depending on the Xiaomi Redmi model, here are the current data for popular devices:

• 📱 Redmi Note 10/11/12: The # sign on the digital keyboard appears after holding 3 or pressing Sym.
• 📱 Redmi 9/9A/9C: firmware MIUI 12 symbol hidden under the button =<.
• 📱 Redmi 8/8A: You may need to switch to English layout, as there is no Russian.
• 📱 POCO X3/X4: They use the same keyboard as Redmi, but with additional themes.

For models with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Redmi) K50) Sometimes it helps to disable the “Always On Display” function, as it can conflict with the keyboard display.

On the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G with MIUI 14, the # default is hidden in the optional character menu (the?\< button in the lower right corner).

6. Additional ways to enter # (for power users)

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

• 🖥️ Copy from clipboard: copy the # character from this article (or any text) and paste it into the desired field.
• 📝 Unicode: Some applications (e.g. Keep Notes) can enter code U+0023 with the Alt key clamped (external keyboard required).
• 🤖 ADB-command (for advanced users only): connect your smartphone to your PC and execute: adb shell settings put secure default_input_method com.google.android.inputmethod.latin/.LatinIME This is forced to activate Gboard.

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB This can cause failures if you type the wrong command, recommended only for experienced users.

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The most reliable way is to install Gboard, which is guaranteed to display all characters, including #, on any MIUI firmware.

FAQ: Frequent Questions About the # Symbol on Xiaomi Redmi