UK Emergency Alert System Test

On Sunday 23rd April 2023 at 3pm, there will be a national test of the ‘UK Emergency Alert System’ that is used to warn you if there is a life-threatening emergency nearby.  

This alert is only a test, you do not need to take any action if you receive this alert.  

This test will work on all 4G and 5G devices; however, older ‘non-smart’ phones/devices will not be included.  

What to expect when you receive an emergency alert?  

Your mobile phone or tablet may: 

• Make a loud siren-like sound for approximately 10 seconds (even if your device is on silent) 
• Vibrate 
• Read an alert out 

In this instance, the alert will state: 

“This is a mobile network operator test of the UK Emergency Alerts service. You do not need to take any action. 

In an actual emergency, follow the instructions in the alert to keep yourself and others safe. 

Visit gov.uk/alerts for more information. 

This is a test. You do not need to take any action.” 

The message will stay on your screen until you acknowledge it, just like ‘low battery’ notification. 

Do you need to have your phone on you when receiving the test alert? 

No. This is only a test alert issued by the government and there is no immediate action required by the user. 

How might this emergency alert affect vulnerable individuals?

We understand that this alert may cause worry, shock or panic to vulnerable individuals who may have a compatible device. In order to protect them during this test, we have information below on how to minimise the risk of being overwhelmed by the noise, vibration and sudden nature of getting this alert.  

You will not receive alerts if your smartphone and/or tablet are: 

• Turned off or on aeroplane mode 
• Connected to 3G or 2G network 
• If the Device is Wi-Fi only 

How might this emergency alert affect those experiencing domestic abuse?

This alert may have an impact on those who may be experiencing domestic abuse and may have an emergency ‘secret phone’ hidden in their property, please remember to switch your device off or OPT-OUT of Emergency Alerts on this device on Sunday 23rd April 2023 at 15:00pm to avoid any discovery of your device, by following the guidance set out below.  

How to OPT-OUT of emergency alerts: 

You can also opt-out of emergency alerts by following the steps below. 

Apple/iPhone Devices: 

1. Go to settings – Notifications 
2. Scroll to the bottom of your notifications screen. You will see a section ‘Emergency Alerts’ 
3. Turn off ‘Extreme Alerts’ and ‘Severe Alerts’ 

Android Devices: 

1. Go to settings – Notifications 
2. Scroll to advanced settings and select ‘Wireless Emergency Alerts’ 
3. At the top of your screen, you will see ‘Allow Alerts’. If this option is turned on, click on the button to switch these off.