Where Is the Emergency Alert on My Phone? Here's What You Need to Know Before the Big UK Test

The UK is gearing up for a nationwide emergency alert test as millions of phones across the UK will soon sound a 10-second siren as part of a scheduled exercise designed to ready the nation for potential threats.

This upcoming test follows the government's recent caution that the country needs to 'actively prepare' for facing a 'direct threat.'

This alert system is being introduced as the world closely monitors the Middle East, with concerns of a broader conflict growing after tensions between Iran and Israel escalated.

What's the Purpose of the UK Emergency Alert System?

The Emergency Alert System (EAS) is designed to warn the public about nearby dangers that could pose a threat to lives.

During its last test, the message displayed on phones stated: 'This is a test of Emergency Alerts, a new UK Government service that will warn you if there's a life-threatening emergency nearby.

In a real emergency, follow the instructions in the alert to keep yourself and others safe. Visit gov.uk/alerts for more information. This is a test. You do not need to take any action.'

When Can We Expect the Test?

Following this year's alert, the system is scheduled for testing every two years. The precise date for this upcoming test will be announced at a later time. With the nationwide test approaching, it's important to know how to ensure your device is configured to receive these critical warnings. Here's what Android and iPhone users need to know.

Ensuring Your Phone is Ready: Activating Emergency Alerts

How Android Users Can Activate Emergency Alerts

For those with an Android device running Android 11 or a later version, the ability to receive these crucial alerts is present, but it must be enabled.

To activate emergency alerts on Android phones:

• Open 'Settings'.
• Scroll down and navigate to 'Safety and Emergency'.
• Select 'Wireless Emergency Alerts'.
• Ensure all available alert options are activated.

The exact menu names may differ slightly on devices from manufacturers such as Samsung (running One UI), Xiaomi (with HyperOS), or OnePlus. Crucially, these alerts may still be received even if a device lacks an active SIM card or is currently roaming.

How iPhone Users Can Receive Government Test Alerts

Apple iPhones are also equipped to receive government emergency alerts, including those for planned mock drills and other critical situations.

To enable these alerts on your iPhone:

• Go to 'Settings'.
• Tap on 'Notifications'.
• Scroll down to locate the 'Government Alerts' section.
• Turn on the 'Test Alerts' toggle.

Other Important Details

The EAS operates without requiring access to your telephone number or any other personal data. This means your mobile subscription, residential or work location, or phone registration details are irrelevant to receiving alerts.

There is no cost associated with receiving these emergency alerts; you are not required to register, subscribe, or download any application. To ensure your phone can receive these critical warnings, it must be connected to a mobile telephone network (4G/5G) and be running the necessary updated software.

There is one important consideration, however: once an alert has been dismissed or previously viewed, it typically cannot be retrieved again from the Notification Centre. If you are looking for a past emergency alert, re-accessing it on your device might not be possible, as noted by an AARP report.