05/09/2025
The UK government is testing the national Emergency Alerts system on Sunday 07 September 2025 at 3pm.
Public emergency alerts, which use the 4G and 5G mobile networks, enable urgent messages to be broadcast to a defined area when there is an imminent risk to life, such as wildfires or severe flooding. This weekend's test is taking place to ensure the system is "functioning correctly" when it's really needed.
Your mobile or tablet may do the following:
- Make a loud siren-like sound, even if it's set on silent,
- Read out the alert,
- Vibrate
The alerts are sent by mobile phone masts that broadcast them to compatible devices in the surrounding area, so millions of mobile devices connected to any of the UK's 4G or 5G networks will get the test alert.
Domestic abuse charities have warned that, because alerts will sound even if a phone is on silent, the test could alert an abuser to a concealed device. If you're concerned about this, you can opt out of emergency alerts in your phone or tablet's settings before the test at 3pm on Sunday 07 September.
To opt out on iPhone:
1. Go to your settings and select the ‘notifications’ menu.
2. Scroll to the bottom.
3. Turn off 'severe alerts' and 'extreme alerts'.
To opt out on Android:
1. Search your settings for 'emergency alerts'.
2. Turn off 'severe alerts' and 'extreme alerts'.
Following the steps above should prevent the test alert (and any future alerts) from being received.
More information is available at gov.uk/alerts
