Where is the “number” (#) on the Xiaomi keyboard: search, paste and problem solving

The bar symbol (#), also known as the number sign, is one of the most popular special characters on a smartphone, and it's used for hashtags on social media, for typing. USSD-commands, router settings, or even when you activate hidden Xiaomi features, but for some reason, this sign is most often "hidden" from users, especially on devices with non-standard keyboards, POCO X5 Or any other Xiaomi model and you can’t find the # – this article will help you figure out where it hides, how to quickly insert it and what to do if the character disappears from the keyboard.

Many users waste minutes (and sometimes hours!) searching for this sign by switching layouts, changing languages, or even installing third-party keyboards. The reason is simple: the location of the "#" depends on the type of keyboard (standard Mi Keyboard or Gboard), the input language, and even the version of MIUI. We have compiled all possible ways, including hidden combinations and alternative input methods, so that you no longer waste time on this character.

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1. Xiaomi's standard keyboard (Mi Keyboard): where to look for "#"

If you use a native keyboard from Xiaomi (it is installed by default on all devices of the brand), then the number sign can be in one of three places - depending on the current layout and language.

In Russian layout, the symbol "#" is usually hidden behind the button 123 (numbers).

1. Open any field to enter text (for example, in Messages or Notes).
2. Press the button 123 in the lower left corner of the keyboard and switch it to the number and character mode.
3. In the top row you will see the characters! #$% &. The grille (#) will be the third on the left.

English layout (QWERTY) wayward:

1. Switch to English (if not already done).
2. Press?123 (or just 123, depending on the MIUI version).
3. The # symbol will be in the second row, between $ and %.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi) 10C or POCO M4 Pro) in MIUI 13-14 may move after updates. If you don't see # in your usual place, try holding the 3 button with your finger, sometimes the characters are duplicated there.

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2.Gboard keyboard: quick access to the grille

Gboard (Google keyboard) is popular with Xiaomi users because of its flexible settings and easy input, and the # sign is easier to find here, but its location depends on the language you choose:

For Russian:

• 🔢 Press? 123. → The # symbol will be in the front row, right after ".
• 🔄 If you can’t see it, try holding the 3 button (sometimes it hides an alternative character set).

For English:

• 🔢 Press? 123. → «#» It's gonna be in the second row, between $ and %.
• 📱 On some versions of Gboard, you can drag the "#" character to the Quick Access Bar (hold the sign and move it to the top row).

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In Gboard, you can add a "#" to your favorite characters: hold the sign → select "Add to your favorites" and then it will always be on hand in a separate tab.

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3. Alternative ways to enter "#" (if the sign disappears)

Sometimes the grille symbol can disappear after a MIUI update, a keyboard change, or even a firmware bug. If standard methods don't work, try these options:

Method 1: Copying from the clipboard

• 📋 Copy the “#” from this article (select the symbol and click “Copy»).
• 🖌️ Insert it in the desired field (hold your finger in the text field). → «Insert»).

Method 2: Using Unicode

If the keyboard is completely broken, you can enter the grille through Unicode code:

1. Hold the field to enter → select “Insert” → “Special characters”.
2. Find the "#" in the list or enter the code: U+0023.

Method 3: Voice input

• 🎤 Click on the microphone icon on the keyboard.
• Say “grid sign” or “hash” (in English).

⚠️ Note: If the # character is permanently missing, it may be a sign of a keyboard failure. Try clearing the app cache (Settings) → Annexes → keyboard → Warehouse → Clear the cache) or reinstall Gboard/Mi Keyboard.

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4.Why the "#" may not be on Xiaomi's keyboard

There are several reasons why a number sign may “disappear” or not show:

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5. How to add "#" to the Quick Access Panel (for Gboard)

If you often need a grille sign, you can pin it to the top of the Gboard bar so you don’t search every time:

🔹 Open Gboard and go to Symbols Mode (?123).

🔹 Find the “#” and hold it with your finger for 1-2 seconds.

🔹 In the menu that appears, select "Add to the favorites».

🔹 The sign will now be available in a separate tab (the icon) ⭐ or 💖 keyboard).-->

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Adding characters to favorites only works in Gboard. In the standard Xiaomi keyboard, this feature is not, but you can use a clipboard or Unicode input.

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6. Frequent mistakes when searching for “#” and how to avoid them

Many users make the same mistakes when trying to find a number sign, and here are the most common ones:

Mistake 1: Searching for the wrong layout

🔹 Over 60% of users search for "#" in Russian layout, although switched to English (or vice versa).Always check the input language - it appears on the space or in the keyboard status bar.

Mistake 2: Ignoring alternative symbols

On some keyboards, the "#" is hidden under the buttons held. For example, on the Mi Keyboard in MIUI 14, holding the number 3 can open an additional menu with a grille.

Error 3: Using an outdated version of the keyboard

If you haven't updated the Gboard or Mi Keyboard in a while, some characters may not show correctly.Update the app via Google Play or GetApps.

⚠️ Note: On custom firmware devices (e.g. Xiaomi.eu or LineageOS), the character layout may differ. If you use unofficial software, check the keyboard settings in the Additional section → Layout.

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7. Where else can the # sign come in handy on Xiaomi

Grid is not just hashtags on Instagram, but it's also used on Xiaomi smartphones.

• 📞 USSD-Commands: To check balance, activate services (e.g. *100#).
• 🔧 Hidden menus: Some engineering codes require the entry of "#" (e.g. #4636## for network test).
• 🌐 Set up routers: In the web interface of Xiaomi routers (e.g. Mi Router) 4A) Often you need to enter “#” in passwords or SSID.
• 🔐 Activation of hidden functions: Some chips MIUI (For example, the developer mode is enabled through combinations with the grid.

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FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions