Smartphone owners Samsung Galaxy often face the need to enter special characters in the dialing field. This is required not only for standard calls, but also for making complex calls, setting up call forwarding or entering access codes for banking services. The most problematic symbol for many users is the “nail” or “hash” sign (#), which in telephony has a specific name and function. USSD commands, settings for forwarding or entering access codes for banking services. The most problematic symbol for many users is the “nail” or “hash” sign (#), which in telephony has a specific name and function.
The dialing interface on devices running Android may vary depending on the shell version One UI and device model. Sometimes the desired symbol is hidden behind an additional menu, and in other cases its appearance depends on how long you press another key. Understanding the logic of the digital panel Phone will allow you to avoid mistakes when entering critical combinations.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the possible ways to enter a license plate on smartphones Samsung. We will look at standard methods, features of working with international codes, and also touch on security issues when using symbols as part of commands. You will learn why the sign may not be displayed and how to correct this situation.
Standard input method via the dial pad
The most obvious and common way to find the number sign is by carefully examining the main keyboard of the Phone application. On most modern models Samsung Galaxy, such as the A, S and Mseries, the digital panel has a standard layout. In the lower right corner, next to the call button, there is usually an additional key with an asterisk and a hash.
If you do not see the symbol right away, try pressing the button * (asterisk). In some firmware versions, the keyboard dynamically changes its appearance: after clicking on one special character, a second one appears next to it or replaces it. This is done to save space on the screen, especially on compact models.
To quickly access the desired character, just perform one short press. There's no need to hold your finger down, as a long press will often activate other functions, such as entering a pause or standby. The system Android reacts to taps instantly, displaying the entered character in the dialing line.
If you often use complex USSD codes, save them to contacts with a mark in the name - this will eliminate the need to enter characters manually each time.
Please note that on some customized versions of the shell from telecom operators The button layout can be changed. In this case, look for an icon in the form of three dots or an arrow, which reveals an additional panel with symbols. The sign you need is guaranteed to be there #.
Use of additional symbols and pauses
When setting up automatic calls or accessing the voice menus of banks, you often need not just a number sign, but a combination with pauses. Smartphones Samsung provide advanced capabilities for generating such sequences directly in the dialing interface. This allows you to automate the process of dialing to an operator.
To add a special pause, you need to click on the button with three dots ⋮ or the “Add pause” icon, which is usually located at the top of the screen or under the numeric keypad. In the drop-down menu, you will find two main options: “Pause” (comma) and “Wait” (semicolon). These characters are critical for navigating through automated assistants.
- 📞 Pause (,) — adds a fixed delay of 2 seconds before entering the next digits.
- ⏳ Waiting (;). create a string like — waits for confirmation from the user (pressing the call button) before sending the next part of the code.
- 🔢 Number sign (#) - used as a separator or terminating character for a command.
- ⭐ Asterisk (*) - often used to enter a menu or select an option.
By combining these characters you can create a string like *100*12345#, which will be automatically typed and sent after connection. This is especially convenient for checking the balance or activating services that require entering a PIN code after the beep.
☑️ Checking that the code is entered correctly
It is important to remember that different mobile operators use different syntaxes for their commands. Somewhere a hard termination with a number sign is required, and somewhere the system itself understands the end of the input. Experimentally or through the operator's help, you can find out the exact format of the required command.
Entering international codes and prefixes
When making international calls or entering specific service codes, a plus sign (+) may be required, which is often confused with the number sign due to their close location in the telephony logic. On smartphones Samsung the plus sign is obtained not through the numeric keypad, but through a long press on the key 0.
This function is built into the standard GSM and works on all devices Android. Holding a zero for a long time replaces it with an international prefix. This eliminates the need for the user to know the digital international access code (for example, 810 or 00), which varies in different countries.
If you need to enter the number sign after the international code, simply release the zero after the plus appears and press the key # on the main panel. The sequence of actions should be smooth: hold zero, see plus, release, tap the grate. An error in the sequence may result in incorrect dialing.
⚠️ Attention: When entering international codes, make sure that you have funds in your account or have the appropriate service activated, as such calls may be charged at a higher rate instantly after pressing the call button.
Some users try to find a plus in the menu of additional symbols, but this is a waste of money time. Hardware reference to zero works more reliably and faster. In rare cases, if a long press does not work, check the keyboard settings in the section Settings → General settings → Language and input.
Solving problems with symbol display
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the number sign simply does not appear on the screen or the keyboard behaves inappropriately. This could be caused by a software glitch in the Phone app or a conflict with third-party themes. The system One UI is sensitive to changes in system fonts.
The first step in diagnosis is to clear the dialer application cache. To do this, go to Settings → Applications → Phone → Storage and click the “Clear cache” button. This action is safe and will not delete your contacts or call history, but will reset temporary interface files.
If the problem persists, check if you have a third-party theme installed that changes the appearance of the watch face. Some visual modifications may hide certain buttons or make them inactive. Returning to the standard theme Samsung often solves the problem of disappearing characters.
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No button # | Hidden in additional. menu | Click on * or three dots |
| Button cannot be pressed | Touchscreen/software failure | Reboot or clear cache |
| Enter another symbol | Incorrect layout | Check input language |
| Sign disappears immediately | Network/operator error | Try elsewhere |
In extreme cases, when software methods do not help, you may need to reset the network settings. This will return all communication parameters to factory defaults. Path to this option: Settings → General settings → Reset → Reset network settings. After this, the phone will reboot.
Input features in different applications
The behavior of the number sign may differ depending on where exactly you enter it. In the standard “Phone” application from Samsung the operating logic is the same, but in messengers like WhatsApp, Viber or Telegram, as well as in contact entry fields, the rules may change. This is due to different text input handlers.
In instant messengers for calls over the Internet, a number sign is often needed to indicate an extension number or internal code of a corporate network. Here it is entered through the app's standard numeric keypad, which is called up when you start typing. The interface is usually intuitive and duplicates the system one.
When saving a contact to the address book, the number sign (#) is a valid character. You can save the number in +79991234567#123format if your phone system supports automatic dialing of an extension number after the main connection. This is very convenient for office phones.
Technical details of character processing
The # character in the SIP and GSM protocol is interpreted as an end-of-line signal or a mode switching command. In some older PBXs, it could be ignored if it was not configured as a separator.
However, you should be careful when copying numbers from the Internet. Sometimes, instead of the standard number sign, the text uses a similar character from another Unicode set (for example, a musical sharp). The phone may not recognize it as a command. It is better to always retype such characters manually.
Security and hidden service codes
The number sign is a key element in the service USSD codes and engineering menus. Combinations like #0# or *#06# allow you to access screen diagnostics, IMEI check or battery information. Incorrect use of such codes can lead to a reset.
Never enter commands found in unverified sources, especially if they contain multiple numbers and asterisks in a row. Some codes are intended for service centers and can block certain phone functions or erase data without warning.
⚠️ Attention: Entering format codes
##...#(double hash) on some Samsung models may initiate a full factory reset of the device