Where is the number sign (#) on the Xiaomi keyboard: detailed instructions with pictures

You are trying to enter a password from Wi-Fi, type USSD-Or do you just need a grille symbol (#) — but it doesn't seem to be on your Xiaomi keyboard? MIUI, Where the standard layout often hides characters that are rarely used, unlike iPhones or computer keyboards, where # is usually in the obvious place, on Android devices, its location depends on the firmware version, the phone model and even the keyboard selected.

In this article, we will not only show you where to look for a number sign on the Xiaomi keyboard, but also reveal all possible ways to enter it, from standard to alternative. You will learn how to add # to quick access, what gestures will simplify the set, and what to do if the character disappears after the MIUI update. And for owners of older models (for example, Redmi 4X or Mi A1), we have prepared separate instructions – the location of the buttons there may be different!

1. Standard location of the # character on the Xiaomi keyboard

On most Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4, Mi 11/12), the # sign is on the keyboard with numbers.

1. Open any field to enter text (for example, in Messages or Notes).
2. Switch to the digital keyboard – to do this, click on the button?123 (or 12# on some models).
3. In the lower right corner you will see a button with the symbol # (sometimes it is combined with *).

Important: Some MIUI firmware (especially on Xiaomi EU or custom builds) may have different layouts. If you can't see #, try holding the * button -- sometimes the symbol is hidden there.

The screenshot below shows the typical location for MIUI 13/14:

2. Where to search # on different versions of MIUI (table)

The location of the # character may vary depending on the firmware version. Below is a comparison table for popular versions of MIUI:

If your model is not listed in the table, try updating the firmware – newer versions of MIUI often optimize character layout. To check the firmware version, go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.

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On POCO smartphones with POCO Launcher firmware, the # sign can be on a separate Symbols tab – swipe left on the digital keyboard.

3. Alternative ways to enter the symbol #

If the standard method doesn’t work, use one of these methods:

• 🔄 Long pressing of the star (): On many keyboards MIUI # is hidden behind the long tap on the button.. Hold it for 1-2 seconds until the pop-up menu appears.
• 📱 Switch to English layout: Sometimes the symbol is only available in the EN-Switch the keyboard language (button with a globe or EN/RU).
• 🔍 Search in characters: Press the button =/< (or \<) on a digital keyboard – there may be hidden # among other special characters.
• ⚙️ Adding to Quick Access: In Keyboard Settings MIUI You can fix the characters you use most, and that's what I'll find in the next section.

For Android One devices (such as the Mi A3), the only reliable way is to install Gboard or another third-party keyboard, where # is always available on the digital bar.

4. How to add # to Quick Access on MIUI keyboard

If you often need a # character, you can pin it on the main keyboard panel:

1. Open any input field and call the keyboard.
2. Press the button. ⚙️ (gear) in the top menu of the keyboard to open the settings.
3. Select the keyboard settings → Layout and input.
4. Find the Quick Access to Characters section or Additional buttons.
5. Add # to the list of frequently used characters.

After that, the number sign will be available directly on the main keyboard (usually as a separate button or through a swipe over the space).

Make sure you have the latest version of the MIUI keyboard installed.

Check that the input language is switched to English (EN)

Close all background apps that may block settings

Restart your phone if the changes don’t apply

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Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi 8A or Mi 9 Lite) may not have a quick access option, in which case only installing a third-party keyboard will help.

5. Enter # through USSD-commands and engineering menu

If you need a # character to type USSD-codes (e.g. *100# to check balance), but the keyboard does not display it, there are workarounds:

• 📞 Use the "Phone" app: In a standard dialer MIUI The # sign is always available in the bottom row next to * and 0.
• 🔧 Engineering menu: To access hidden settings (e.g., to test the network), type ##4636### – here # is entered automatically.
• 📋 Copy from buffer: Type # in any text editor (such as Notes), copy it, and then paste it into the field USSD-code.

Important: Some USSD-commands (for example, to unlock the network or reset settings) can lead to irreversible changes!

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On Xiaomi smartphones with two SIM-map USSD-The codes may not work if the wrong SIM is active. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.

6. Display # Problems and Their Solutions

If the # character is missing or not displayed, the reasons may be as follows:

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi smartphones with custom firmware (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience) have a standard keyboard MIUI In this case, install Gboard or SwiftKey from Google Play.

If none of these methods helped, try resetting the keyboard settings:

Settings → System and device → Additional → Language and input → MIUI Keyboard → Resetting settings

7. Specifics for older Xiaomi models

On devices older than 2018 (e.g. Redmi 4X, Mi 5, Mi Max 2), the keyboard interface is very different.

• 📱 MIUI 8–9: The # symbol is hidden by long pressing 0 (zero) on the digital keyboard.
• 🔢 Android 6-7: Some versions require switching to Android QWERTY-press the Alt (or 123) and hold it *.
• ⚙️ No update: If your model does not support new versions MIUI, Install Gboard – there is # always in sight.

For Redmi. 3S/4/4A Other budget models of the period may require manual installation. APK Keyboards (for example, download Gboard from apkmirror.com if Google Play is not supported).

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On the Redmi Note 3 Pro and Mi 4, the # character sometimes appears only after switching to English (USA) in the system settings.

Frequent Questions (FAQ)