The UK’s Emergency Alert system is set for a test run this weekend, with an alarm poised to reach millions of devices nationwide. This countrywide alert trial will allow the Government to ensure the system is functioning properly and that people are effectively notified in the event of a genuine emergency.
The system was previously tested on a national scale in April 2023 and has since been activated five times during emergencies such as Storm Darragh in December 2024, when gusty winds created hazardous conditions in certain regions.
During the 2023 alert system trial, some mobile phones on the Three network failed to receive the alert. Following the test, the Government pledged to rectify the issues so that everyone would receive the alert.
This time, the alert is scheduled to sound at 3pm on Sunday, September 7, with a siren and vibration lasting approximately ten seconds, or until the user silences the alert, according to the Manchester Evening News. Phone owners can opt out of receiving the alert by adjusting their phone settings, but the majority are advised to keep the service active for real emergencies.
However, there may be instances where people are recommended to disable it. Domestic abuse charities have encouraged victims to turn off the alarm if they possess a concealed phone, to prevent the alarm from revealing the device to abusers.
This includes Women’s Aid, which wrote in a recent Instagram post: “The UK’s new emergency alert system will send a loud siren, message, and vibration to every compatible phone, even on silent. Survivors of abuse with hidden phones could be put at risk if the device is discovered.”
Beyond this, the Government has also cautioned Brits against reading or responding to emergency alerts whilst driving. If you’re behind the wheel when an alert comes through, it’s advised to find a safe and legal place to stop before perusing the message.
The alert should be dispatched to all compatible devices, but there may be instances where some don’t receive the alarm. Those with devices not connected to 4G or 5G networks may not get the alert, and likewise, people with older phones may not receive the warning.
Who won’t receive the Emergency Alert?
The emergency alert system operates by utilising phone masts to ping all compatible mobile phones within their range. It doesn’t necessitate the Government knowing your location or phone number, and personal data isn’t collected or stored by the system.
This implies that anyone who is abroad will not receive the alert – only those within range of a mobile phone mast in the UK will. Emergency alerts function on all 4G and 5G phone networks in the UK. However, there are several reasons why your phone might not receive the alert even if you are within range and have the alerts activated.
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 are using an earlier version of Android, you may still be able to receive alerts. To verify, search your device settings for ’emergency alerts’. Phones that don’t operate on iOS or Android may also receive alerts. However, if your phone is in aeroplane mode at the time the alert is sent, you might not receive it.
