The UK government is testing the Emergency Alerts system on:
📅 Sunday 7 September 2025 at 3pm.
Compatible mobile phones and tablets will receive an alert, make a loud siren-like sound and vibrate.
You will not need to take any action.
The Emergency Alerts system is used to warn if there’s a danger to life nearby, including extreme weather. Regular testing ensures the system is functioning correctly, should it need to be used in a life-threatening emergency.
What are Emergency Alerts? 🔊
Emergency Alerts is a UK Government system that provides warning and advice in a life-threatening emergency nearby.
In an emergency, mobile phone masts in the surrounding area will broadcast an alert. Every compatible mobile phone or tablet in range of a mast will receive the alert.
It may send alerts about anything from:
severe flooding
wildfires
extreme storms
In an emergency, your mobile phone or tablet will receive an alert with advice about how to stay safe.
Only the government and the emergency services are able to send alerts.
FAQs
How do they work, sound or look like? 🔍
How do they work, sound or look like? 🔍
In an emergency, every compatible mobile phone or tablet in range will receive a message with details of the incident and advice on how to stay safe.
Your mobile phone or device may:
make a loud siren-like sound, even if it’s set on silent
vibrate
read out the alert
The alert may contain a phone number or a link to the GOV.UK website for more info
The sound and vibration will last for about 10 seconds.
Your mobile phone or tablet does not have to be connected to mobile data or Wi-Fi to get alerts.
Emergency alerts are free. You do not need to sign up for them or download an app.
Is my mobile phone or device compatible? 📱
Is my mobile phone or device compatible? 📱
Emergency alerts work on:
iPhones running iOS 14.5 or later
Android phones and tablets running Android 11 or later
Other phones that do not run iOS or Android may also receive alerts.
If you have an earlier version of Android, you may still be able to receive alerts. To check, search your device settings for ‘emergency alerts’.
Make sure your device has all the latest software updates.
Reasons you won't get an alert 📴
Reasons you won't get an alert 📴
You’ll get alerts based on your current location, not where you live or work. If you’re not near an affected area, you won’t receive an alert.
You will not receive alerts if your device is:
turned off
connected to a 2G or 3G network
Wi-Fi only
not compatible
You may not receive alerts if your device is:
in aeroplane mode
Can I opt out of emergency alerts? 🔕
Can I opt out of emergency alerts? 🔕
Emergency alerts contain life-saving information and should be kept switched on for your own safety.
You can opt out of emergency alerts. For example, victims of domestic abuse with a concealed phone may find it appropriate to turn off alerts.
Find out how to opt out here: https://www.gov.uk/alerts/opting-out
How you opt out depends on your device, if you still get alerts after opting out, contact your device manufacturer for help.
How do I know if an alert is genuine? ✔
How do I know if an alert is genuine? ✔
If you want to verify a message, all issued alerts are listed on the GOV.UK website.
You can find out more about Emergency Alerts here