How to dial the pound sign (#) on an Android phone: all methods for different keyboards

The hash sign (#) is one of the most popular symbols on a smartphone, but finding it often turns into a quest. Whether you need to send a USSD request, enter a hashtag on social networks or activate a service code - you can’t do without # here. At the same time, on different Android keyboards (Gboard, Samsung Keyboard, Xiaomi Keyboard), the location of the symbol may differ radically. In this article, we will look at all possible typing methods # —from standard to hidden functions.

Many users encounter a problem when the pound sign suddenly “disappears” from the keyboard after a system update or firmware change. Others simply do not know that on some models (for example, Samsung Galaxy A54 or Xiaomi Redmi Note 12) you need to hold down a certain key to access the symbol. We tested all methods on current versions of Android 13–15 and collected working solutions even for non-standard situations.

If you often use USSD codes to check your balance or manage your tariff, the lack of quick access to # can be annoying. Fortunately, most problems can be solved in 10 seconds - just know where to look. And for those who prefer alternative methods, we have prepared instructions for typing a character through the clipboard, special applications and even voice input.

1. Standard method: where to look for # on the Android keyboard

On most smartphones, the hash sign is hidden behind numeric keypad. To find it, follow these steps:

1. Open any application that requires text input (for example, Messages or Notes).

2. Switch the keyboard to digital mode —to do this, press the button ?123 or Sym (depending on the model).

3. A panel with numbers and symbols will appear on the screen. The sign 90% of cases sign # is located:

• 📱 Next to the number 0 (on Gboard and most stock keyboards).
• 🔢 On a separate tab Sym (on some versions Samsung Keyboard).
• 🔣 In the top row of the numeric keypad (on Huawei and Honor).

If the symbol is not in a visible place, try hold number key 3 —on some firmwares # appears in the drop-down menu.

Open the application to enter text|Switch to the numeric keypad (?123/Sym)|Find # next to 0 or on the Sym tab|If not present, hold down the 3 key-->

On Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and other flagships with One UI 5.0+ the pound sign can be hidden behind a long tap on the button 12# (in the lower left corner of the numeric keypad). This is done to save space, but often confuses new users.

⚠️ Attention: On some custom ones. firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience), the arrangement of symbols may differ. If you do not find #, check the keyboard settings in the section Languages and input.

2. Alternative methods of typing # without a numeric keypad

If the standard method did not work or the keyboard is buggy, use one of these options:

Method 1: Copying from the clipboard

The fastest method for those who frequently use #:

1. Copy the symbol from this article: # (just select and click “Copy”)
2. Paste it into the desired field (hold your finger in the input location → “Paste”).

Method 2: Voice input

Voice assistants (Google Assistant, Bixby) recognize the command “hash sign” or “hashtag”. Just say:

"Write a hash sign"

The disadvantage of the method is that an Internet connection is required. voice processing.

Method 3: Special characters in the keyboard settings

On Gboard i Samsung Keyboard there is a hidden panel with all the symbols:

1. Open the keyboard and click on the icon ≡ (three dots or gear).
2. Select Special characters or Advanced.
3. Find # in the list and click on it.

How to add # to favorite symbols on Gboard

Open Gboard → Settings → Dictionary → Personal symbols → Add # to favorites Now it will be displayed on the main panel.

3. Dial # via USSD codes and service menus

If you need to enter # for a USSD request (for example, *100# to check your balance), but the keyboard does not display the symbol, try these methods:

Method 1: Using the “Phone” application

In the standard application Phone (not in instant messengers!) the sign # is always available:

1. Open the application Phone.
2. Go to the tab Keyboard (where you dial the number).
3. # will be in the lower right corner next to c *.

Method 2: Manual entry through the engineering menu

On some devices (for example, Xiaomi or Realme) you can enter the USSD code through the engineering menu:

##4636##

After this, the service menu will open, where you can manually dial any code with #.

⚠️ Attention: Not all USSD codes work on virtual SIM (eSIM) or in roaming. If after dialing *100# nothing happens, check your connection to the operator's network.

Model phone	Location # on the keyboard	Alternative method
Samsung Galaxy S24	Numeric keypad → hold 12#	Phone application → dialing tab
Xiaomi Redmi Note 13	Numeric keyboard → next to 0	Voice input (“pound sign”)
Google Pixel 8	?123 → =+ → #	Copy from clipboard
Huawei P60 Pro	Numeric keyboard → top row	Application "Service codes"

4. Display problems #: why the symbol disappears

Sometimes the hash sign suddenly disappears from the keyboard. Let's look at the main reasons and solutions:

Cause 1: Resetting the keyboard

After the update. Android or reset to factory settings, the layout may be lost. To return #:

1. Go to Settings → System → Language and input.
2. Select your keyboard (for example, Gboard).
3. Click Reset settings or Restore default.

Cause 2: Conflict with the theme

Some keyboard themes (especially dark ones) can hide the characters. Try:

• 🎨 Return the standard theme in the keyboard settings.
• 🔍 Increase the size of the characters in the Display section.

Reason 3: Bug in the custom one firmware

On unofficial firmware (for example, LineageOS or Resurrection Remix), the keyboard may not work correctly. Solutions:

• 🔄 Install an alternative keyboard (for example, SwiftKey or Fleksy).
• 📥 Update the firmware to the latest version.

5 How to dial # on tablets and. devices with a large screen

On tablets (Samsung Galaxy Tab, Xiaomi Pad) and smartphones with large screens (for example, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5), the arrangement of symbols may differ due to the adaptive layout. Here's what to do:

On tablets:

• 🖥️ Switch to compact mode keyboard (icon with two arrows in the upper right corner).
• 🔢 Press ?123 → # will be in the upper right corner.

On folding smartphones (foldable):

• 📱 When unfolded, use extended keyboard — # will appear on the digital panel.
• 🔄 When folded, go to the “Phone” application to dial USSD.

On Samsung DeX (desktop mode) the pound sign is typed in the same way as on a PC - through the key Shift + 3 on the connected physical keyboard.

6. Special cases: # in games, terminal and ADB

In some applications (for example, in Termux or games with chat) standard dialing methods # do not work. Here are solutions for non-standard situations:

In the terminal (Termux, ADB):

To enter # in the command line, use:

• 🖥️ Physical keyboard (if connected via Bluetooth/OTG).
• 📋 Copying a character from another source.
• 🔤 Command echo '#' to insert.

In games (Minecraft, Roblox, GTA RP):

In game chats you often need to type hashtags for teams. If the keyboard does not display #:

1. Try hold number key 3 —in some games this causes the symbol to appear.
2. Use external keyboard (for example, Razer Kishi).
3. Write the command in Notepad, copy and paste into the game.

In ADB commands:

When working with Android Debug Bridge the sign # is entered as usual, but if it is not displayed in the Windows/macOS terminal, check:

• 🔠 Keyboard layout (must be English).
• 🖱️ Access rights (sometimes you need to run as an administrator).

7. data-i="216">If the text instructions seem complicated, watch the video with a step-by-step demonstration:

If the text instructions seem complicated, watch the video for a step-by-step demonstration:

🎥 Video: “Where to find # on Android - 3 easy ways”

(Insert a link to the YouTube video here if allowed by the platform rules.)

Also useful materials:

• 📖 Official Google help on Gboard (character settings).
• 🔧 Discussion on XDA Developers (solving problems with custom firmware).

For owners Samsung we recommend installing the official application Samsung Members, where in the section Tips there are instructions for working with the keyboard One UI.

⚠️ Attention: Keyboard settings may vary depending on the regional firmware. For example, on Samsung Galaxybought in Europe, the sign # may be in a different place than on models for Russia. If none of the methods work, check the device region in Settings → General → Date and time → Region.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about typing # on Android

🔹 Why is there no # sign on the keyboard on my Xiaomi?

On Xiaomi with firmware MIUI the symbol can be hidden behind long tap on the number 3 or in the section Special characters (icon ≡ on the keyboard). Also check if a third-party theme is installed that hides some characters. Try resetting the keyboard settings in Settings → Advanced → Language and input.

🔹 Is it possible to reassign a key for quick access to #?

Yes, on Gboard it's done like this:

1. Open Gboard Settings.
2. Go to Dictionary → Personal Characters.
3. Add # to Favorites - now it will be displayed on the main panel.

On Samsung Keyboard a similar function is called Favorite characters.

🔹 How to dial # in Recovery Mode or Fastboot?

In modes Recovery or Fastboot Android keyboard is not used. To enter commands from # connect the device to the PC and use ADB or a physical keyboard via an OTG adapter. For example, to enter a command fastboot oem unlock# type it in the terminal. computer.

🔹 Why does nothing happen when you dial *100#?

This may be due to:

• 📵 Lack of network (check the signal indicator).
• 🔄 Blocking of USSD codes by the operator (relevant for some tariffs).
• 📱 Incorrect dialing (make sure you use * and #and not other characters).

Try to restart the phone or insert the SIM card into another device to check.

🔹 Are there applications for quick access to #?

Yes, Google Play there are utilities like Symbol Keyboard or Quick Symbolsthat add a panel with frequently used characters (including #) in any application. You can also create widget on the main screen with quick insertion of a symbol through the app MacroDroid.