How to put the “#” sign on Xiaomi phone: step-by-step instructions for all models

Entering the grille symbol (#) on Xiaomi smartphones is often a challenge for users, especially those who have recently switched from iPhones or other brands. Unlike traditional button phones, where the # sign was placed on a separate key, modern touch keyboards hide it in the depth of the menu. USSD-commands, activate hidden functions, or even enter passwords in some services.

The problem is compounded by the fact that the location of the # sign depends on the MIUI firmware version, the phone model (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11, etc.) and even on the keyboard used - the standard Gboard or the branded Mi Keyboard. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to enter the symbol, including hidden combinations and alternative methods for devices with a broken touchscreen.

1. Standard way: where to look for the # sign on Xiaomi keyboard

On most Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 12-14 firmware, the grille symbol is hidden behind an additional digital keyboard menu.

1. Open any application that requires text input (such as Messages or Notes).
2. Tap the input field to make the keyboard appear.
3. Switch to the digital keyboard – to do this, click on the button 123 (or?123) in the lower left corner.
4. In the lower right corner of the digital keyboard, find the =/< (or simply =) button and hold it for 1-2 seconds.
5. A pop-up menu will appear with hidden characters, among which will be #.

If you have a Gboard keyboard installed (from Google), the path will be a little different:

• 🔢 Go to the digital keyboard (button?123).
• 🔍 In the top row, find the symbols @#$ And press them.
• 📱 The # sign will appear in the first row of hidden symbols.

Important! On some models (e.g. Redmi 9A or POCO M3), the # sign may be on the second character screen, so you have to scroll through the menu to the left after pressing =/<.

2. Alternative method: copying the # sign from the clipboard

If the keyboard is unstable or you can’t find the character, the quickest way is to copy it from this paragraph:

#

Instructions:

1. Select the # symbol above (hold your finger for 1-2 seconds).
2. In the menu that appears, select Copy.
3. Insert the sign in the desired field (hold your finger in the input field → Insert).

This method is especially useful if you don't have a touch screen on part of your keyboard or if you're using a device with a damaged display, and you can also save the character in Notes or Notepad in advance for quick access.

💡

Create a bookmark in the browser with this page – so you can always quickly copy the # sign, even if the keyboard stops responding.

3. Enter the # sign through USSD-commands (for service codes)

If you need to enter # for the set USSD-code (e.g. *100# for balance check) there are two options:

• 📞 Through the Phone app»:
• 🔄 Menu of Engineering (for older models):