How to type the symbol “#” (number) on the keyboard Xiaomi: 5 working ways

Why you need a # symbol on your smartphone and where to look for it

The "number" (#) symbol is one of the most sought-after special characters on Xiaomi smartphones, but its location is not always obvious. USSD-query queries (e.g. *100# for balance check), Wi-Fi passwords, when you activate hidden functions through an engineering menu, or even social media hashtags, the paradox is that on a physical keyboard, the button is always at hand, and on a virtual keyboard, you have to search for it.

Complicating the problem is that Xiaomi uses several types of keyboards: standard MIUI Keyboard, Gboard (from Google), and third-party solutions like SwiftKey. In each case, the path to the # symbol may be different. Moreover, after the MIUI updates, the location of the buttons sometimes changes, which confuses even experienced users. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods, from basic to alternative, that will help to enter # even if the keyboard “gluts” or the button is missing.

Method 1: Standard input via MIUI Keyboard

If you use a standard keyboard from Xiaomi (it activates by default after resetting), the # symbol is hidden in the numerical tab. Here's how to find it:

1. Open any field to enter text (such as notes or a message).
2. Switch to the digital keyboard: tap the?123 button (or 12# on some versions of MIUI).
3. Find the # button: it is located in the bottom row on the right, next to * and 0.

If the # button is not visible, check:

• 🔄 Keyboard size: in MIUI You can zoom in on the keyboard -- maybe the button has gone over the edge of the screen.
• 📱 Screen orientation: horizontally, the layout changes and # can move to another row.
• 🔧 Keyboard settings: Go to Settings → Additionally. → Language and input → MIUI Keyboard → Make sure you choose the “Full” layout, not the “Simplified” layout».

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If you use it often USSD-Add the Quick Commands widget to Xiaomi’s home screen – it lets you type * and # without opening the keyboard.

Method 2: Enter via Gboard (Google keyboard)

Gboard is an alternative keyboard from Google that many Xiaomi users install instead of the standard one, and here the # symbol is hidden deeper, but it can be found in two ways:

Path 1: Through the Digital Keyboard

1. Slip on?123 to get to the numbers.
2. In the top row, click the =/< button (it opens additional characters).
3. In the first row of additional characters, you will see # next to $ and %.

Path 2: Through a long press

On some versions of Gboard, you can enter the # symbol by holding the 0 button on the digital keyboard with your finger, and a pop-up menu with alternative characters will appear.

Method 3: Copying a symbol from the clipboard

If the keyboard refuses to show # (for example, due to a failure or incorrect settings), you can use the workaround to copy the character from another source, this is true for devices with a damaged display or non-standard firmware.

Here's how to do it:

1. Open your browser and search for “number symbol”.
2. Copy # from search results (hold your finger on the symbol → Copy).
3. Put it in the right field (holding your finger → “Insert”).

Alternative sources for copying:

• 📄 Notes: Create a new note, type # through your PC keyboard (if synced), then copy to your smartphone.
• 💬 Messages: Ask a friend to send you a #-in symbol SMS messenger.
• 📋 Google Docs: Open any document with # and copy it.

Method 4: Use of engineering menu (for technical tasks)

If you need a # character to log into an engineering menu (for example, to test the network or reset the modem settings), you can do without the keyboard. USSD-commands and service codes in Xiaomi support input through the standard “Phone” application»:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Go to the keyboard tab (where the number is dialed).
3. Enter the combination, for example ##4636## for battery information.
4. The * and # characters are directly available here, and you don’t need to search for them in the optional menu.

Important: some service codes can reset network settings or reboot the modem. Don't enter unfamiliar combinations - this can lead to loss of mobile communication.

Method 5: Alternative keyboards and applications

If standard methods do not work (for example, due to a screen damage or software failure), you can install specialized applications:

• 🔤 AnySoftKeyboard: All characters, including #, can be accessed by long-pressing numbers.
• 📱 USSD Code Runner: A Quick Entering App USSD-commands without a keyboard (available on Google Play).

To install an alternative keyboard:

1. Download the app from Google Play (like SwiftKey).
2. Go to Settings → System → Language and input → Virtual keyboard.
3. Activate the new keyboard and set it by default.

What to do if the # symbol doesn’t appear or work

Sometimes the # button goes missing or doesn't respond to the presses.

• 🔄 Reset keyboard: go to the keyboard settings (Settings) → Language and input → [Your keyboard] → Resetting settings).
• 📱 Update MIUI: Check for updates in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🐛 Cache cleaning: for MIUI Keyboard or Gboard perform Settings → Annexes → Application management → [keyboard] → Clear the cache.

⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI If you've lost all the special characters, try switching to Gboard or rolling back to the previous firmware version via Recovery.

If none of these methods worked, the problem might be the system files, which can help:

• Reset settings to factory (Settings → About phone → Reset settings).
• Fastboot Flashback (only for power users!)

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Before resetting your settings, save data via Mi Cloud or local backup in Settings → About Phone → Backup.

FAQ: Frequent Questions About the # Symbol on Xiaomi