You try to enter a hashtag, password or service code on a Xiaomi smartphone, but can’t find a number sign (#) on the keyboard? This problem is familiar to many users — especially those who have recently switched from an iPhone or other Android devices. The fact is that the location of the # character (grating, hash, number sign) depends on the version of MIUI, the keyboard language and even the phone model.
In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to find and enter a number sign on Xiaomi – from the standard Gboard keyboard to the branded one. MIUI Keyboard. You'll also learn why a character can disappear when you change a language and how to bring it back. USSD-Whether you use Wi-Fi codes, passwords or social media, this guide will save you time!
1. Standard location of the # sign on the Xiaomi keyboard
On most Xiaomi smartphones with the MIUI Keyboard pre-installed, the number sign (#) is on the digital keyboard.
- Open any field to enter text (for example, in Messages or Notes).
- Tap the?123 (or!#1) icon to switch to the digital keyboard.
- Click on the #+ button (usually located in the lower right corner).
If you don’t see the # symbol on the first screen of the digital keyboard, try:
- 🔢 Flick the keyboard to the left – sometimes the sign is hidden on the second page of characters.
- 🔤 Keep your finger on the button #+ — A pop-up menu with additional characters may appear.
- 🌐 Switch to English layout (EN), as in some versions MIUI the sign is only available on.
On Xiaomi Redmi Note 10/11, POCO X3/X4 and flagships of the Mi 11/12 series, the location of the sign is usually the same. However, on budget models (for example, Redmi A1), the keyboard can be simplified - in this case, see the next section.
2.Where to look for # if it's not on the digital keyboard
If you don’t see the # character after switching to the digital keyboard, the problem may be related to:
- 📱 Version MIUI — into MIUI 12/13 Keyboard interface has changed.
- 🌍 Input language – in some languages (for example, Chinese) the sign is hidden.
- ⚙️ Keyboard settings – additional characters may be disabled.
Here's what to do:
- Switch to the English layout (EN). Often the # sign is only available on it.
- Hold the 0 button on the digital keyboard – this causes the # to appear on some models.
- Press and hold the button. (dot) – a menu with additional characters can open.
If nothing helps, try updating your keyboard through Settings → Apps → Application Management → Keyboard or installing an alternative (like Gboard).
💡
On some Xiaomi models (e.g. POCO F3), the # sign appears only after clicking on the Sym button (characters) in the lower right corner of the digital keyboard.
3. How to type # on the Gboard keyboard (Google)
If you use Gboard, the process is a little different. Here's a step-by-step guide:
- Open the field to enter and tap the icon?123 (digits).
- Click the =+ (or 1/2) button in the upper left corner, and this will open the second page of characters.
- The # sign will be in the top row (usually the second or third on the left).
If there is no symbol:
- 🔄 Update Gboard to Google Play.
- 🔧 Go to Gboard Settings → Layout → Set up the layout and add the # symbol manually.
- 🌐 Make sure that the English layout is selected (EN).
Gboard is more versatile than the standard MIUI Keyboard, so if you work with characters often, installing it can fix the problem once and for all.
4 Hidden Ways to Enter a # Sign on Xiaomi
If standard methods don’t work, try these alternatives:
| Method | How to use | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|
| Buffer copying | Copy the # sign from this article or another source and paste it in the desired field. | All models. |
| Voice input | Say “number sign” or “grating” in voice dialing mode (Microphone on keyboard). | MIUI 12+, Gboard |
| USSD-menu | To enter codes (e.g. *#06#) use the Phone app – there is a # sign always available. | All models. |
| Special symbols | Hold 0 or. on the keyboard – a menu with # may appear. | MIUI Keyboard |
On Xiaomi models with MIUI 14 and later, the # sign can be hidden under a long tap on the button 123 – try holding it for 2-3 seconds.
Why does the # sign disappear when you change your language?
5.Setting up the keyboard for quick access to #
In order not to search for the number sign every time, you can optimize the keyboard:
- 🔧 Add # to the main layout: Go to Settings → Additionally. → Language and input → Current keyboard. Select keyboard settings. → Layout and enter. Activate the option Number keys in the main mode (if you have one).
- 📱 Create a text template: In Gboard: Settings → Dictionary → Personal dictionary. Add an abbreviation (e.g. ##) and attach a sign to it #.
Use a keyboard from third-party developers
SwiftKey
Fleksy
Xiaomi Redmi and POCO with MIUI 13+ also have a floating keyboard feature – it can be called by swipe from the bottom edge of the screen and quickly enter # without switching layouts.
Update. MIUI last-minute|Check the input language (should be) EN)|Clear the keyboard cache in the application settings|Restart your phone if the symbol does not appear-->
6. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them
Users often face these problems when searching for a # sign:
⚠️ Attention: If you enter USSD-code (e.g. *#06# for verification) IMEI), Never use copying of the # character from third-party sources. Some applications may replace it with similar characters (for example, a full-width character), which will lead to code execution error.
Other common mistakes:
- 🔤 Confusion with layouts: the sign is searched for on the Russian keyboard, although it is only available in English.
- 📱 An outdated version MIUI: into MIUI 11 and below the keyboard interface is different – the symbol may be on another tab.
- ⚙️ Disabled additional characters: in the keyboard settings removed the checkbox Show special characters.