The license plate sign, commonly known as a “hash” or sharp, is an integral part of the interface of any modern smartphone. Users are faced with the need to enter it every day: when typing USSD commands to check their balance, entering voice menus of banking services, or creating hashtags on social networks. Despite its apparent simplicity, the location of this symbol on the touch keyboard Android is not always obvious to beginners, especially if the device manufacturer decided to change the standard layout.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the possible ways to activate and enter the symbol # on different versions of the operating system. We will look at standard methods for switching layouts, setting up third-party input applications, as well as specific scenarios when this sign is hidden in the depths of the menu. Understanding the logic of the virtual keyboard will help you save time and avoid errors when entering important service codes.
It is worth noting that the dialing interface may differ significantly depending on the shell installed by the manufacturer of your gadget. Whether it's pure Android One, branded One UI from Samsung or MIUI from Xiaomi, the basic principles remain similar, but the visual design of the buttons may vary. Below are universal solutions suitable for the vast majority of devices on the market.
Standard dialing keyboard
The most obvious and common way to find the desired character is to use the built-in Phone application. When you open the standard dial pad, you'll see the numbers 0 through 9, but the number sign is often hidden behind an additional menu or located in the bottom row. In the classic Google layout, it is located to the right of zero or under the call button, but in some custom firmware its place is taken by a button for deleting or switching to contacts.
If you do not see the hash mark on the main screen, pay attention to the button for switching input modes. It is usually indicated by a symbol 123 or an icon with letters and numbers. Pressing this key switches the keyboard to the mode for entering special characters and numbers, where the sign # becomes available for tapping. This is standard behavior for most stock launchers and dialer apps.
Sometimes an additional action is required to access the full character set. Try pressing and holding the star button * or the layout switching button itself. On some phone models, a long press brings up a pop-up menu with alternative symbols, among which the number sign we need is always present. This is especially true for older versions Android, where screen space was limited.
⚠️ Attention: Not all USSD commands work over the Internet. Make sure your SIM card has an active cellular signal, otherwise entering the number sign will not send a request to the operator.
To quickly access frequently used characters, many manufacturers are implementing a “smart prediction” feature. If you regularly use certain combinations, the keyboard may automatically suggest a number sign in the hint bar above the number row. This saves time and eliminates the need to manually switch input modes each time when working with service codes.
Gboard keyboard settings and third-party solutions
Users who prefer customization, they often install third-party applications for text input, such as Gboard from Google or SwiftKey. In these applications, the logic for accessing special characters may differ from the system one. T Gboard the number sign is usually available on the numeric keypad, but it can also be assigned to the main letter layout through the settings. To do this, you need to go to the keyboard settings and select the “Settings” or “Preferences” section.
In the settings menu, find the item responsible for displaying the number row. Activating the “Show row with numbers” option will display numbers and special characters, including #, directly above the letters. This eliminates the need to switch between letter and number input modes. This configuration is extremely convenient for those who often work with hashtags on social networks or enter complex passwords.
If the standard layout does not suit you, you can create your own. In the advanced keyboard settings, a layout editor is available, where you can move any character to a place convenient for you. For example, you can put a number sign next to the spacebar or in the corner of the screen for quick access with your thumb. This requires some initial setup, but greatly improves the ergonomics of using the device in the long run.
In Gboard, you can enable a separate row with numbers and symbols, so you don't have to constantly switch between input modes. This will speed up typing USSD codes.
Do not forget that third-party keyboards require permission to access the entered data. During the first installation, the system Android will ask for confirmation to use the new input method. This is a standard security procedure designed to protect your personal data from potentially malicious software. Always download text input applications only from the official store Google Play.
Long press and hidden characters
One of the most effective, but little-known techniques in the mobile ecosystem is the use of a long tap (long press). Many buttons on the virtual keyboard contain hidden alternate characters that are not visible when pressed normally. To call them, you need to press the main key and hold your finger for 1-2 seconds without lifting it from the screen.
Most often, the number sign is hidden under the pound key in numeric mode or under the plus button +. When you hold, a pop-up window appears with a fan of symbols, from which you need to drag your finger to the desired option. This method is universal and works on almost all versions Android, regardless of the installed manufacturer's shell. It is especially useful if the main button has accidentally been removed from the visible part of the interface.
You can similarly access other special characters, such as paragraph §, cent ¢ or various types of quotation marks. The system Android was originally designed to make the most of limited screen space by hiding rarely used characters behind the main keys. Mastering this technique turns text input into a faster and more intuitive process.
| Main button | Action | Hidden symbol | Where it is used |
|---|---|---|---|
0 |
Long press | + |
International number format |
1 |
Long press | 1, ! |
Voicemail, accents |
# / abc |
Long press | #, № |
Hashtags, document numbers |
@ |
Long press | #, ~ |
Email, URL |
It is worth considering that the screen sensitivity and the response time of a long press can be adjusted in the system settings. If you have difficulty accessing the flyout menu, check Accessibility or your keyboard settings. There may be a “Long Press Delay” option, changing which will make calling hidden characters more comfortable for your typing speed.
Use in USSD commands and service codes
The number sign plays a critical role in the telecommunications industry, being part of the syntax USSD commands. These codes allow users to interact with mobile operator servers in real time without requiring an Internet connection. A typical example of such a command is a balance check, which often looks like *100# or *111*00#. Without correctly entering the number sign at the end, such a request simply will not be sent.
When entering service codes, it is important to follow the sequence of characters. An error in even one character can lead to a call to a non-existent number or an error in processing the request on the operator’s side. Unlike regular text, there is no auto-correction or hints, so care when typing each character, especially the asterisk and hash, is a prerequisite for successful completion of the operation.
Some operators use complex multi-level menus, accessed through combinations of several digits of the number. For example, a command to connect a service may look like *111*234#. In such cases, the number sign acts as a separator or termination of the command line, signaling to the system that the input is completed and the request is ready for processing.
☑️ Checking the USSD command
⚠️ Attention: Be careful when entering codes found on the Internet. Some combinations with a number sign can initiate paid subscriptions or reset the phone settings without additional confirmation.
In modern smartphones, the history of USSD requests is often stored in the call log or in a special section of the “Phone” application. This allows you to quickly repeat the last command entered without typing it again. If you often use certain operator services, find this log and pin the necessary commands in quick access so as not to waste time re-entering characters.
Specifics of different smartphone manufacturers
Different Android device manufacturers have different approaches to organizing the dialing interface. For smartphone owners Samsung the number sign is usually located in a prominent place in the bottom row of the numeric keypad, next to the delete button. At the same time, on devices Xiaomi with a shell MIUI it can be hidden behind the symbol switch button +=, which sometimes causes confusion among users who have switched from other brands.
On smartphones Huawei and Honor with a shell EMUI or MagicOS the logic is similar to stock Android, but the visual design of the buttons can be more minimalistic. Sometimes manufacturers remove extra characters from the main typing screen to make the interface cleaner, believing that ordinary users rarely use special characters. In such cases, the only thing that can save you is switching to the tab with numbers and symbols.
If you are the owner of a budget device with a greatly reduced version of Android, the interface can be simplified as much as possible. In rare cases, the number sign may not appear on the dial screen at all, being only available in the full computer layout. To solve this problem, it is recommended to install a full-fledged keyboard from the application store, which is guaranteed to have the entire set of necessary characters.
What to do if the sign is nowhere to be found?
If you have tried all the options and there is no number sign, try switching the input language to English. In some rare localizations, the Russian layout may not contain technical symbols in the phone dialing mode.
It is also worth mentioning foldable smartphones and devices with large screens. On such gadgets, manufacturers often use a split keyboard or floating panels. The location of special characters in such modes may be non-standard, so it is worth spending a couple of minutes studying the interface of your particular model in different screen orientation modes.
Display problems and solutions
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the license plate sign is simply not displayed on the screen, despite all attempts to find it. This may be due to a software glitch in the Phone application or conflicting system settings. The first step in diagnosing such a problem should be to clear the dialer application cache through the device settings menu.
To do this, go to Settings → Applications → Phone → Storage and click the "Clear Cache" button. This action will not delete your contacts or call history, but it will reset temporary files that may have caused the interface display error. In most cases, this returns the keyboard to its original appearance with all the necessary characters.
If clearing the cache did not help, the problem may lie in updating the system or a specific application. Check the app store for available updates for your operating system and keyboard. Developers regularly release patches that fix such visual bugs. Also try rebooting the device - this is a universal solution for many temporary glitches Android.
⚠️ Attention: Interfaces and settings may change with software updates. If the described menu paths do not match your device, use the settings search by entering the name of the desired item.
As a last resort, if the built-in keyboard does not work correctly, you can always install an alternative solution. App stores offer dozens of open-source keyboard options that work reliably and give you full control over your layout. This ensures that you can always enter any character you need, regardless of the vagaries of the system software.
Resetting the Phone application cache is the safest and most effective way to return missing characters to the keyboard without losing data.
Why is the number sign not being pressed when entering a password?
In input fields passwords, some applications may block the entry of special characters for security reasons or due to format restrictions. Make sure you are in text input mode and not just numbers. If the problem persists, try copying the number sign from another source and pasting it into the password field.
Is it possible to change the size of the number sign button?
In standard Android settings, resizing individual buttons is not possible. However, using third-party keyboards that support themes and layouts, you can choose a layout with larger buttons or adjust the height of the keyboard as a whole, which indirectly increases the pressing area.
Is the number sign used in international calls?
No, for international calls the plus sign is used +which is usually hidden under button 0 long press. The number sign # in international telephony is used primarily for navigation in voice menus after connecting with a subscriber.
How to enter a number sign if the screen is broken?
If the sensor does not respond to presses in a certain area, try turning the screen to landscape mode - the keyboard layout will change, and the button may move into the working area. You can also connect a USB keyboard via an OTG adapter, where the number sign is on a standard key.
Is there a difference between # and No. on Android?
Yes, these are different characters with different codes in the Unicode table. The sign # (hash) is used in telephony and hashtags, and № (number) is used in text to indicate serial numbers. On the phone keyboard, only the first option is usually available; the second must be looked for in the extended character layout.