On Sunday 23rd April 2023 at 3pm there will be a national test of the Emergency Alert Service. The alert will be clearly marked as a test and no further action will be required other than to switch the alert off once it is received. The alert will warn you if there is a danger to life nearby such as flooding or fires. For those living with domestic abuse there are concerns over potential risks to survivors who may be keeping a second phone hidden from an abuser. The alert is a loud siren like sound with a screen message and vibration.
Those with a second phone can opt out from receiving emergency alerts to avoid their device from being detected.
Emergency alerts will be sent to compatible mobile phones within an area of risk. Emergency alerts work on iphones running iOS 14.5 or later and android phones and tablets running android 11 or later. The alert may still be received on earlier versions of android. To check, search your device settings for 'emergency alerts'.
HOW TO OPT OUT
For iPhone
To opt out, search your settings for ‘emergency alerts’ and turn off ‘Severe alerts’ and ‘Emergency alerts.’ If this does not work, contact your device manufacturer.
For Android
To opt out, search your settings for ‘emergency alerts’ and turn off ‘Severe alerts’ and ‘Emergency alerts’. On some devices, search your settings for ‘emergency alerts’ and turn off ‘Extreme threats’, ‘Severe threats’ and ‘Show amber alerts’.
You can also find out more at gov.uk/alerts and on the Q&A document.