National Emergency Alert Test
The UK government is testing the Emergency Alerts system on Sunday 7 September at 3pm.
The test will be sent to all compatible 4G and 5G mobile phones and tablets across the UK. You will hear a loud siren-like sound, vibration, and a message will appear on the screen confirming that this is a test. The sound and vibration will last for about 10 seconds. You will not need to take any further action.
Depending on your phone’s features, the alert will work with screen magnification and may read the message out for you having also overridden volume settings. The unique noise emitted by the phone should also be audible for those who use a hearing aid.
The Emergency Alerts system is an important tool for reaching the public in emergency situations. However, if you need to turn off these alerts (including the test), visit gov.uk/alerts/opting-out for step-by-step instructions.
About Emergency Alerts
Emergency Alerts will warn you via your mobile or tablet if there’s a life-threatening emergency nearby. Only the government and the emergency services are able to send them.
You’ll be able to check that an alert is genuine at gov.uk/alerts. Emergency Alerts will be just one of the ways the government communicates with the public about emergency situations. So if you don’t have a mobile phone, don’t worry – you’ll still be made aware through the media and local emergency services.
This information is also available as an Easy Read explainer, BSL video, and audio clip.
Audio content (20 sec), English
National Emergency Alert – BSL Video (English subtitles)