The UK’s Emergency Alert system is set for a nationwide test this weekend, with millions of devices across the country expected to receive an alarm. The government aims to ensure the system is functioning correctly and can effectively notify the public in real emergencies.
This marks the second nationwide test since its initial trial in April 2023, having been deployed five times in emergency situations such as during Storm Darragh in December 2024. During the 2023 test, some mobile phones on the Three network failed to receive the alert, prompting the government to pledge to rectify the issue.
The upcoming alert is scheduled for 3pm on Sunday, September 7, featuring a siren and vibration lasting approximately ten seconds or until dismissed by the user. While individuals can opt out via their phone settings, it is generally recommended to keep the service active.
However, domestic abuse charities have advised victims with hidden phones to disable the alarm to prevent alerting abusers to the device.
The government has issued a warning to Britons, advising them not to read or respond to emergency alerts while driving. Instead, they should find a safe and legal place to stop before reading the message , reports the Manchester Evening News.
The alert is designed to be sent to all compatible devices, but there may be instances where some devices do not receive it.
Those with devices that are not connected to 4G or 5G networks, as well as those with older phones, may not receive the alert.
The Emergency Alert system operates by using phone masts to ping all compatible mobile phones within their range. It does not require the government to know your location or phone number, and no personal data is collected or stored by the system.
This means that anyone who is outside of the UK will not receive the alert; only those within range of a UK mobile phone mast will.
Emergency alerts function on all 4G and 5G phone networks in the UK. However, even if you are within range and have the alerts switched on, there are several reasons why your phone may not receive the alert.
These include if your device is:
- Switched off
- Connected to 2G or 3G (rather than 4G or 5G)
- A Wi-fi only device
- Not compatible
Phones that are compatible with Emergency Alerts include:
- iPhones running iOS 14.5 or later
- Android phones and tablets running Android 11 or later
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’.
Other mobiles that don’t operate on iOS or Android might also receive alerts. However, if your phone is in Airplane mode when the alert is sent, you may not receive it.