How to enter the symbol # (number) on the keyboard of the Xiaomi Redmi smartphone: Step-by-step instructions

The grille symbol (#), aka "number," "hashtag" or "sharp," is one of the most popular special characters on a smartphone, and it's used for hashtags on social media, passwords, setups. USSD-commands (*#06#) to check for IMEI) But many Redmi owners face a problem: on a standard keyboard. MIUI This symbol is either hidden on the second screen or not in the usual place, and this is especially true after the system updates, when the layout is reset to the factory settings.

In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to enter the # symbol on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones – from basic to little-known. You'll learn where to look for a grid in a standard keyboard, how to add it to quick access, which alternative keyboards are best to use, and even how to type # with voice dialing or gestures. MIUI, When the symbol disappears completely, we have a solution for this case.

Before you get to the instructions, check if you have a children’s layout (it hides special characters) or regional keyboard settings for a language where # is used less often (for example, Chinese).

If you're in a hurry, here's the quickest way: hold your finger on the 3 keyboard (where you're dialing your phone numbers). The pop-up will show the #. But that won't work on all Redmi models -- more details.

1. Standard method: where to search # on the MIUI keyboard

On most Xiaomi Redmi smartphones, including Note 12, Redmi 10, POCO X5) The # symbol is hidden on the second screen of the digital keyboard. Here's how to find it:

1. Open any application where you can enter text (such as Notes or Messages).

2.Tap the input field to make the keyboard appear.

3. Switch to the digital layout - to do this, click on the button?123 (or?#= version MIUI).

4. Press the button. =+ (or 1/2) In the lower left corner, this will open a second screen with additional characters.

5. The # character is usually located in the upper right corner of the second screen (near the %, *, +).

If you have a Redmi with the latest version MIUI 14/15, The layout may be slightly different. In some cases, # is moved to the first screen of the digital keyboard — look for it next to the number. 9.

• 🔍 For models with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Redmi) K60): The # symbol can only be displayed when the phone is horizontally oriented.
• 📱 On Xiaomi Pad tablets: the layout is wider, so # is on the first screen of the digital keyboard on the right.

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (especially custom) the # symbol can be replaced by ¥ (yen € (This is due to the regional keyboard settings. To fix, go to Settings. → Additionally. → Language and input → Virtual keyboard → Gboard/Keyboard Xiaomi → Languages and Add English (USA).

2. Alternative method: holding the key with a number

Many users are unaware that the Xiaomi keyboard (like the Gboard) has hidden characters that appear when you press the buttons long enough.

1. Open the keyboard in any application.

2. Switch to the digital layout (click?123).

3. Hold your finger on the number 3 (sometimes 4 depends on the model).

4. In a second, a pop-up window with the # symbol will appear - just move your finger on it and let go.

This method works on all versions. MIUI, The Redmi 9, Note 11 Pro and the new 2026 models are all included, and the main advantage is that you don't have to switch to the second character screen.

If the retention doesn’t work, check the keyboard settings:

1. Go to Settings → System and Device → Language and Entering → Virtual Keyboard.
2. Select your keyboard (such as the Xiaomi or Gboard keyboard).
3. Find Text Input or Additional and enable the option to Show Alternative Characters (or Pop-up Tips).

3.Use of voice input for # symbol

If you're too lazy to search for # manually, you can use voice dialing, which is particularly convenient for people who are not. USSD-commands or long passwords. Here's how it works:

1. Open the keyboard in any application.

2. Press the microphone button (usually to the right of the space).

3. Say clearly: "number sign" or "grating symbol."

4. The system recognizes the command and pastes # into the text field.

Voice input is supported in both the standard Xiaomi keyboard and Gboard.

• 🎤 It only works when connected to the Internet (access to speech recognition servers is required).
• 🗣️ Say the command without pause, otherwise the system may not recognize the symbol.
• 🔇 In noisy places it is better to use headphones with a microphone.

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi) A2 With lightweight firmware, voice input may not support special characters. In this case, use other methods from this article.

If voice input doesn't work, try an alternative command: "hashtag" (the system recognizes it as #), which works more stable for social networks.

4.Fast Access: How to Add # to the Main Keyboard Screen

If you often need a # character, you can fix it on the main keyboard screen, which will eliminate the need to switch to a digital layout.

1. Open any text field and call the keyboard.

2. Click on the settings gear (or... in the upper right corner).

3. Select Keyboard Settings → Layout and input.

4. Find the number series option and turn it on.

5.At the top of the keyboard will now appear a string with numbers where # will be available in one tap (click on the keyboard?#= switching).

For the Xiaomi keyboard, the path is a little different:

1. Go to Settings. → Additionally. → Language and input → Keyboard Xiaomi.
2. Choose layout and style → Additional symbols.
3. Activate the option to Show characters on the main screen.

After that, # will be available on the first screen of the keyboard in the special characters section (near the keyboard). $, €, %).

5. Alternative keyboards: which are better for #

If the standard Xiaomi keyboard is not satisfied, you can install a third-party.The best options for easy entry of the # character:

1. Gboard (Google)

• 🔹 # on the second screen of the digital keyboard (near the %).
• 🔹 Supports the retention of the 3 for quick access.
• 🔹 There is an option Number series (includes in the settings).

2. SwiftKey (Microsoft)

• 🔹 # It is located on the first screen of the digital keyboard (right of 0).
• 🔹 Supports gestures: swipe your finger from 3 up to enter #.
• 🔹 You can add # to the Quick Access Panel (configured in the layout) → Toolbar).

3. Fleksy

• 🔹 Unique feature: enter hash and the # character will appear in the hints.
• 🔹 Supports gestures for symbols (setting up in Gestures) → Symbols).

To install an alternative keyboard:

1. Download it from Google Play (such as Gboard).
2. Go to Settings → System and Device → Language and Entering → Virtual Keyboard.
3. Turn on the new keyboard and set it by default.

💡

If you often enter USSD-commands (e.g. *#06#), create a shortcut on the home screen: add the shortcut widget and select Phone → Now the team will always be at hand!

6. Problem Solving: If # is lost or not displayed

Sometimes the # character may disappear from the keyboard after the update. MIUI, You can reset your settings or install custom firmware:

Problem 1: # is missing from the second screen of the keyboard

• 🔧 Reset keyboard settings: go to Settings → Annexes → All applications → keyboard Xiaomi/Gboard → Warehouse → Clear the data.
• 🔄 Language Switching: Add English (US) Or the Russian layout - sometimes the symbol returns.
• 📱 Update MIUI: Check for updates in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

Problem 2: Keeping a Number Does Not Make a #

• ⚙️ Enable the option to Show alternative characters in the keyboard settings.
• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone – sometimes it restores the pop-up characters.

Problem 3: Voice input does not recognize the “number sign”

• 🎤 Check your Internet connection (recognition works through the cloud).
• 🗣️ Try alternative commands: “grating”, “hashtag”, “sharp».
• 🔊 Update Google App (responsible for speech recognition) in Play Market.

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.EU), the # symbol can be replaced by the # symbol. ¥ To fix, install the official global firmware via Fastboot or Recovery. 4PDA model-themed.

If none of these methods worked, try a temporary solution:

1. Copy the # character from this article (just highlight it and click Copy).
2. Insert it into the right fields through a long press. → Insert.

7. Special cases: # in USSD-commands

The # symbol is often required for USSD-commands (e.g. *#06# for verification) IMEI) Or you can enter Wi-Fi passwords:

For USSD-team:

• 📞 Call the command in the Phone app (not in messages!).
• 🔢 The # character is entered in the same way as in the text, but sometimes it can be replaced with * (asterisk) - check the command instructions.
• ⚡ If the command is not executed, try entering it in dial mode (without going to text input).

For Wi-Fi passwords:

• 🔒 If the password contains #, enter it at the end – some routers are sensitive to character order.
• 📶 On the Wi-Fi password screen, the keyboard can automatically switch to digital – look for # on the second screen.

If you’re setting up a Xiaomi smart device (such as Mi Home or Yeelight) and the system requires you to enter # in the password, but the keyboard doesn’t display it:

1. Copy the password with # from Notes and paste it into the input field.
2. Use Gboard – it works more stable with special characters in smart home applications.

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For USSD-The # command symbol is mandatory, without it, the command will not execute. If the keyboard does not display it, try entering the command via the engineering menu (type ##4636## and select Phone Information).

FAQ: Frequent Questions About the # Symbol on Xiaomi Redmi