Millions to receive emergency alert blast through phone this year as trial run results revealed

Phone users across the UK should expect a loud ping from their devices this year as the government looks to test its emergency alert system.

It isn't the first time the country is looking to test it out, having launched the system back in 2023 and using it to send Brits urgent weather warnings, or any other emergencies that may require urgent action.

In December 2024, the system was used to warn people in certain areas as Storm Darragh hit our shores.

Outside of tests, it was the largest use of the system up to that point, as the message contained details about the red warning and guidance on how to stay safe.

The message saw phones let out a loud siren-like sound for 10 seconds, even if they were on silent.

Millions of people were given an unwelcome shock when being sent the emergency test message for the first time (Getty Stock Image)

For the first time in 2025, it looks like wide-scale testing might be taking place, following growing global tensions and whispers of a third World War.

It was initially announced in January that a siren warning would be sent out at some point this year, in relation to a recommendation from the Covid inquiry that highlighted the importance of being prepared for another potential pandemic.

But now, it looks like we can expect a general test at some point in 2025, so it's worth getting ready to be given the shock of your life from your phones.

The 10-second siren sound gave a nasty surprise to Brits up and down the country last time around, and it wouldn't be new if people took to social media to complain again.

In 2023, when the first test message was sent out, it read: "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.”

An emergency alert was sent to phones for the first time in 2023 (Getty/Rob Pinney)

The announcement about this year's alert is once again to do with the importance of UK residents being prepared for any given emergency, especially in these politically volatile times.

As tensions between the US, Israel, and Iran have continued to rise, the British government have issued a chilling document warning residents to 'actively prepare' for potential warfare.

Warnings have also already been issued to Brits about preparing an emergency survival kit in case of a disaster.

While the date of this year's alert has not yet been announced, the government will aim to consistently test the system once every two years.

A Cabinet Office spokesperson said of the emergency alert system, via The Sun: “This system is not designed to cause panic, but to ensure people are aware of imminent threats and can act quickly.

"This test is part of building national resilience and saving lives in future crises.”