How to turn off emergency alert that will blast through entire population's phones this weekend
If your phone suddenly starts blasting a loud siren this week, then fear not - the government is carrying out one of the largest ever national emergency alert drills.
The test will take place at around 3pm on Sunday, 7 September, with millions set to receive the daunting alert.
Although it's a crucial exercise to test that the alerts are working as they should, there are ways that Brits can edit their smartphone settings in order to avoid receiving the message.
Here's everything you need to know...
What is the emergency alert and when will it go off?
The emergency alarm is set to sound on Sunday, 7 September at around 3pm.
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The alarm has been tested previously, including in 2023 when the following message was sent out: "Severe Alert. 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.”
In December 2024, the system was used to warn people in certain areas as Storm Darragh hit our shores. The message saw phones let out a loud siren-like sound for 10 seconds, even if they were on silent.
Can you turn off the emergency alert?
You might not be aware, but there is a trick you can try in order to avoid receiving the alarm.
While only 4G and 5G devices will receive the alert, it can be turned off.
On an iPhone, simply open Settings, head to Notifications and select Emergency Alerts. Turn off 'Severe Alerts' and 'Extreme Alerts'.
Meanwhile, on an Android, head to Settings and turn off 'Emergency Alerts' and 'Severe & Emergency Alerts'.
Safety concerns with the emergency alert
Of course, keeping the alarm on to ensure that it's working is the best option, but for some, there are safety concerns with allowing it to sound. For example, domestic abuse charities have explained that the alerts could expose secret devices.
Emma Pickering, from Refuge, said: “During the initial roll-out of the Government’s emergency alert system, Refuge expressed concerns about how the alerts could indirectly impact survivors who have hidden devices by making their abuser aware of the device.
“We must be clear – abuse is always a choice a perpetrator makes, and technology itself is not responsible. When used correctly and as intended, technology can make vast improvements to our lives, and we know that having a hidden device that can be used to access support without fear of being tracked can offer a lifeline for many survivors.
“However, in the hands of a perpetrator of abuse, technology becomes another tool to misuse and weaponise, often with devastating effects.”
Sam Wilson, Director at Gadget GoGo, explained to the Daily Star that there's a really easy way to disable the alert, should you need to.
“Most people don’t realise you can switch these alerts off. The option is buried in your phone’s settings, but it only takes seconds to disable," he said. “Emergency alerts are designed to protect people in life-threatening situations, but it’s important that everyone understands how the system works.
Knowing about the opt-out means people can make the choice that’s right for them.
“For most, keeping them enabled makes sense. But for those who need to switch them off, it’s reassuring to know it only takes a few taps in the settings.”
Why is the government testing the emergency alert and when could it be used?
The alert is used during emergencies in the UK, with warnings also transmitted on TV and radio.
"Regular testing ensures the system continues to work correctly and reaches as many people as possible when it's needed most," the government explain.
Possible scenarios would include extreme weather events or terror attacks.
Topics: Politics, UK News, News, Phones, Technology
Lucy Devine