The number sign (#) is one of the most popular symbols on a smartphone: it is needed for hashtags on social networks, entering passwords, setting up Wi-Fi, or even when calling hotlines. But many Android users face a problem: the hash key either disappears from the keyboard or hides in the depths of the menu. In this article we will look at all the ways to quickly install # on any Android device - from standard keyboards to alternative solutions for older models.

The problem is complicated by the fact that the location of the symbol depends on the version Android, manufacturer of the smartphone (Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel) and the keyboard used (Gboard, Samsung Keyboard, SwiftKey). We tested all the methods on current firmware and collected universal instructions that will work even if you do not have a button to switch to the numeric keypad.

1. Standard method: switching to the numeric keypad

In 90% of cases, the number sign is hidden behind the button to switch to the numeric row. Here's how to find it:

  1. Open any text entry field (for example, notes or a message in WhatsApp).
  2. Press the button ?123 or !#1 in the lower left corner of the keyboard. It switches to digital mode.
  3. The sign # usually located on the second page of symbols —click on the arrow 1/2 or 2/2 (depending on the keyboard).

If there is no switch button, check the keyboard settings: sometimes manufacturers (Huawei, Oppo) hide it behind a long press on .?123.

Press ?123 or !#1|Check the second page of symbols (1/2)|Long press on .?123 (for some brands)|Try swiping up on the "M" key (for Gboard)-->

⚠️ Attention: On some keyboards (for example, Samsung Keyboard until 2022), the sign # may be on the third page of symbols. If you do not see the arrow for scrolling, update the keyboard in Google Play.

2. Alternative input through long presses

Many people do not know that some keyboards support hidden symbols long presses. For example:

  • 🔢 On the keyboard Gboard: long press on 0 (zero) often opens a menu with # and other symbols.
  • 📱 On Samsung Keyboard: a long press on # in phone number dialing mode copies the character to the buffer.
  • 🖼️ On SwiftKey: swiping up on a key M can open a panel with #.

This method works even if the numeric keypad is disabled in the settings. Try holding down different keys - sometimes manufacturers hide symbols in unexpected places.

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If a long press does not work, check the touch sensitivity in the screen settings (Settings → System → Gestures → Sensitivity).

3. Setting up the keyboard for quick access to #

If you often need the number sign, you can add it to the quick access panel. Instructions for popular keyboards:

Keyboard Path to settings Action
Gboard Settings → Text Input → Gboard → Layout → Custom Input Add # to "Frequently Used Symbols"
Samsung Keyboard Settings → General Controls → Samsung Keyboard → Layouts and Types Enable the display of symbols on the main keyboard
SwiftKey Settings → Languages and input → SwiftKey → Layout Select the option with visible symbols

After changes, the sign # will be available directly on main keyboard without switching to digital mode.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (MIUI for Xiaomi, ColorOS for Oppo) the keyboard settings may be reset after updating the system.

Gboard (Google)|Samsung Keyboard|SwiftKey (Microsoft)|Other|Don't know-->

4. Using the clipboard for quick pasting

If you need the number sign constantly (for example, to work with hashtags), you can save it to the clipboard exchange:

  1. Find # in any way (for example, through the numeric keypad).
  2. Copy the symbol (hold your finger on it → "Copy").
  3. Paste it with a long press in any input field → "Paste".

For convenience, use clipboard managers, for example Clipboard Manager or the built-in function in Gboard (Settings → Clipboard).

How to save # in the buffer forever?

In Gboard go to Settings → Clipboard → Pinned items and add the number sign there. Now it will be available even after rebooting the phone.

5. characters

If standard methods do not work (for example, on older versions Android 7-8), install one of these applications:

  • 📱 Symbol Keyboard — adds a panel with rare characters, including #.
  • 🔤 Unicode Pad — allows you to insert any Unicode character by name.
  • 📝 Text Shortcuts — creates abbreviations (for example, enter ##, and the application will replace with #).

These applications are useful if you custom firmware or have a keyboard from a little-known manufacturer.

6. Solution for older versions of Android (up to 9.0)

On devices with Android 7-8 (for example, Samsung Galaxy S6, LG G4) the number sign may be missing due to outdated libraries. Here's what to do:

  1. Update your keyboard via Google Play (even if the system is old, Gboard often supports new versions).
  2. Install an alternative one keyboard (for example, AnySoftKeyboard with Unicode support).
  3. Use the character code: in some applications (for example, Termux) you can enter U+0023 to receive #.
⚠️ Attention: On Android 6.0 and below, some methods may not work due to system limitations. In this case, only updating the firmware to a newer version or using an external keyboard via OTG.
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On older Android devices, the problem with displaying characters is often solved by installing an alternative keyboard with Unicode support (for example, Hacker's Keyboard).

7. Problems with displaying # in specific applications

Sometimes the number sign is not displayed or is replaced by another character in certain applications (for example, in Instagram, VK or banking apps). Causes and solutions:

Problem Cause Solution
Instead # is inserted ∞ Encoding failure in the application Switch the keyboard language to English
# disappears after entering Filter symbols in social networks Insert a symbol via the clipboard
The keyboard “forgets” its location # Conflict with the memory optimizer Add the keyboard to exceptions auto-clean

If the problem occurs in only one application, try:

  • 🔄 Reinstall the application.
  • 📱 Clear cache (Settings → Applications → [name] → Memory → Clear cache).
  • 📋 Use another keyboard for this application only.

Frequently asked questions

Why is there no ?123 button on my keyboard?

This may be due to:

  • Using one-handed mode (check your keyboard settings).
  • Custom theme, which hides some of the buttons (return to the standard theme).
  • Manufacturer restrictions (for example, on some devices Huawei without Google services).

Solution: try swiping up the key Enter or Space — sometimes this opens the number pad.

How to put # in the Wi-Fi password if the keyboard does not switch?

In this case:

  1. Copy the character # from this text (hold your finger on it → "Copy").
  2. Paste into the password field with a long press → "Paste".
  3. If it doesn't work, use Google Lens to recognize a character from another screen.
Is it possible to reassign another key to #?

Yes, but this requires rights root or special applications like Key Mapper (requires ADB). Without root, it's easier to add a character to the clipboard or use an alternative keyboard with a custom layout.

Why did the # sign disappear after an Android update?

This is a typical problem when moving to new versions Android 12+where Google has changed the standards for displaying characters. Solutions:

  • Update Gboard to the latest version.
  • Reset your keyboard settings (Settings → System → Language and input → Virtual keyboard → Reset).
  • Install the beta version of the keyboard (available in Google Play on request "Gboard beta").
Is there voice input for the # symbol?

Yes, but it works unstable. Try saying:

  • "Number sign" (on Russian).
  • "Hash" or "Pound sign" (in English).
  • "Hash" (sometimes recognized).

If does not work - use manual input via the numeric keypad.