Second UK-wide test of Emergency Alerts system is coming soon

The system, designed to warn the UK public about dangers to life using mobile device notifications, will be tested in the UK on 7 September 2025.

The UK government will be carrying out a nationwide test of its Emergency Alerts system on Sunday 7 September 2025 at 3pm.  

The Emergency Alerts system is used to warn if there’s a danger to life, such as from extreme weather. Since the first national test of the system in April 2023, five alerts have been sent, including during major storms when lives were at risk.

As part of the test, compatible mobile phones and tablets will make a loud siren-like sound and vibrate, even if your device is on silent. In an actual emergency, your mobile phone or tablet you will receive the alert, as well as instructions on what you should do to keep yourself safe.

You can learn more about the UK government’s Emergency Alert system at gov.uk/alerts

What to remember:

• The Emergency Alert system is available across 4G and 5G compatible phones and tablets, working on:
• iPhones running iOS 14.5 or later
• Android phones and tablets running Android 11 or later. However, if you have an earlier version of Android, you may still be able to receive alerts. To check, search your settings for ‘emergency alerts’.

• As the system broadcasts alerts from 4G and 5G masts directly to compatible devices in a defined area, you will get alerts based on your current location – not where you live or work.
• The alert is free, and you don’t have to do anything to receive it.

• It’s completely secure and no personal information, such as telephone number, identity or location, is used in sending the alert. No one will collect or share data about you, your device or your location either.
• They will only ever be sent by the Emergency Services or the Government.
• You will not get alerts if your device is turned off or in aeroplane mode.
• You can opt out of some emergency alerts at any time, but this does mean you will not hear about potential emergencies.