UK Government Allows Opt-Out from Emergency Phone Alerts—But Advises Public to Stay Subscribed

Brits can choose to switch off emergency alerts on their phones as the Government prepares to roll out a nationwide test; however, they are advised not to do so for safety reasons.

Emergency phone alerts are used to warn the public of nearby danger. Situations in which Brits may receive an alert include major incidents such as fires, flash floods or extreme weather.

Since 2023, the Government has also been sending out occasional 'operator' tests, which broadcast emergency alerts to millions of phones across the UK.

'These operator tests are not alerting you of real danger. These alerts will always have "operator" in the title and will confirm that no action is needed,' the Government said.

Every mobile phone in the UK is expected to receive a test alert later this year, although the exact date has not yet been confirmed. Brits can opt to switch off notifications for these alerts, but the Government advises against this.

What To Do If You Receive an Emergency Alert

Unless the alert clearly states it is a test, Brits should take the message seriously and follow its instructions.

Alerts may cause phones to emit a siren-like noise for around 10 seconds and vibrate, even if they are on silent. Some phones may also read the alert aloud.

Emergency alerts are location-based, meaning they are sent based on where a person is physically located, rather than where they live or work.

'When you get an alert, stop what you're doing and follow the instructions in the alert,' the Government advises.

If driving, Brits should pull over safely before reading the alert or ask someone else in the vehicle to read it for them. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing or blind, alerts will be accompanied by audio and vibration cues.

The alerts are intended to inform the public about surrounding dangers and offer guidance on how to stay safe. Only emergency services and authorised government departments, agencies or public bodies involved in managing emergencies can issue these alerts.

Importantly, Brits do not need to share their phone number or location to receive the alerts.

Next Emergency Alert Test Scheduled for 2025

The last UK-wide test of the emergency alert system was held in April 2023. Officials have confirmed that such tests will occur every two years, meaning the next one is expected sometime in 2025.

'This is to assess improvements that have been made to the Emergency Alerts service,' the Government noted on its website.

'You may get this alert if you have a phone that has operator test alerts turned on,' it added.

Since the 2023 test, emergency alerts have been issued for five separate events, including several red weather warnings for wind and severe flooding.

One notable instance occurred when Plymouth City Council issued an emergency alert in February 2024, after a World War II bomb was discovered in Keyham. The alert advised residents of the planned detonation and evacuation as the bomb was transported to the Torpoint Ferry slipway.

How To Opt Out of Emergency Alerts

Brits can turn off emergency alerts in their phone settings.

iPhone and Android users can do this by opening Settings and searching for 'emergency alerts'. Once there, they can toggle off options such as 'severe alerts' and 'extreme alerts'. Steps may differ for those using other devices.

If alerts continue even after being switched off, users should contact their device manufacturer for further assistance.

Nevertheless, the Government continues to advise the public to keep emergency notifications enabled.

'You can opt out of emergency alerts, but you should keep them switched on for your own safety,' the Government website states.

With the aim of emergency alerts being to protect the public by informing them of nearby dangers and how to respond, experts say it would be unwise for Brits to opt out of receiving them.