A nationwide siren is coming to mobile phones across the UK next month, as the government conducts its first-ever test of a new emergency alert system.
The vast majority of mobile phones will emit a loud, siren-like sound and vibrate for up to ten seconds on Sunday, 23rd April, at 3pm. The test message will appear on screens with clear instructions, even if a device is on silent.
Who Will Receive The Emergency Alert?
The system is designed to warn the public about life-threatening events nearby, such as severe flooding, wildfires, or extreme weather. The upcoming test will be received by nearly every mobile phone in the country that is:
- Switched on and not in airplane mode.
- Connected to a 4G or 5G network.
- A device released since 2016 that can receive the alerts.
Who Is Exempt From The Test?
Certain groups will not receive the alert. This includes phones that are:
- Switched off or in airplane mode.
- Wi-Fi only devices, like tablets, that are not connected to a mobile network.
- Older 'non-smart' phones that are 3G or earlier.
Crucially, the government has also confirmed a specific exemption for a vulnerable group. In a move to protect those in hiding from domestic abuse, phones that have been hidden from an abuser will not receive the alert. Victims can disable the alerts in their device settings to prevent their hidden phone from being discovered.
How To Opt Out Of The Emergency Alerts
If you do not wish to receive any emergency alerts, including the test and future live warnings, you can opt out. To do this, search your device settings for 'emergency alerts' and turn off 'severe alerts' and 'extreme alerts'.
However, the government strongly advises against this, emphasising that the system is a vital tool to keep you safe in a genuine crisis.
The alert will use a technology already successfully deployed in other countries, including the US, Canada, and the Netherlands, where it has been used to issue urgent warnings and save lives.
