Today the UK carried out a nationwide test of the Emergency Alerts system. At 3:00 PM BST mobile phones and compatible tablets across the country were sent a test message accompanied by a loud siren-like sound and vibration. The exercise is designed to check the system that would warn the public in a real life-threatening emergency — for example an extreme weather event, major flooding, or other incident posing danger to life. (GOV.UK, Education Hub)

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What exactly happens during the test

When the alert is sent your compatible device will:

• Make a loud siren-style sound and vibrate (around 10 seconds).
• Display a full-screen message that makes clear this is only a test and that no action is required. (Education Hub)

Most modern smartphones connected to 4G or 5G will receive the alert. Phones that are switched off, on airplane mode, using only 2G/3G, or are incompatible with the system may not get it. The government says the test is national and location-based — only devices physically in the UK at the time should be targeted. (GOV.UK)

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Why this matters

Emergency Alert is intended as a fast, direct way for government and emergency services to warn people of imminent danger in a specific area. Running tests helps identify coverage gaps and technical issues so that, when a real emergency occurs, the system will reach as many people as possible. The system has now been used and tested since its national launch in 2023. (GOV.UK)

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Safety and practical guidance

If you’re driving

Do not interact with your phone while driving. The law around handheld phone use at the wheel still applies: holding and using a phone while driving can lead to a £200 fine and six penalty points. If the alert sounds while you are behind the wheel, the official guidance is to find a safe, legal place to stop before reading or interacting with your device — or listen to a live radio bulletin for updates. (GOV.UK, Sky News)

If you or someone you know is in a sensitive situation (for example concealed/hidden phones)

Domestic-abuse charities have warned that an unexpected loud alert on a concealed phone could put some people at risk by revealing that device’s existence. The government and front-line charities have therefore published advice for vulnerable people, and local services have described ways to minimise risk (for example, switching a hidden phone off or moving it out of the location if safe to do so). If this applies to you, take care and follow local charity guidance. (Marie Claire UK)

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Can I opt out?

Yes — you can disable lower-level test/severe alerts on most phones. Steps vary by device and manufacturer, but the general guidance is:

iPhone

1. Open Settings → Notifications.
2. Scroll to the bottom and toggle off Severe Alerts / Emergency Alerts.

Android

1. Open Settings and search for Emergency alerts (or look under Apps & notifications → Advanced).
2. Turn off Severe/Extreme alerts and, if present, Test alerts or Operator alerts.

For some Android phones you may also need to turn off “mobile broadcast testing mode” (instructions differ by make/model). The government provides device-specific guidance on opting out. Bear in mind that disabling alerts will also stop you receiving real emergency messages of the same type, so weigh the safety trade-off carefully. (GOV.UK)

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Quick checklist

• Expect a loud siren and vibration for about 10 seconds at 3:00 PM BST (test). (Education Hub)
• If you’re driving: do not pick up or use your phone; stop somewhere safe first. (GOV.UK)
• If you’re in a sensitive situation and have a hidden phone, follow guidance from specialist support services. (Marie Claire UK)
• To stop receiving tests or lower-level alerts, follow your phone’s emergency alerts settings — but remember you will also miss genuine alerts if you opt out. (GOV.UK)

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Final note

National tests can be disruptive — they’re meant to be. The trade-off is that they help ensure the system works when people’s lives might depend on it. If you missed the test or want more technical detail (which models of phones are compatible, how alerts are targeted, or local support contacts for vulnerable people), tell me which specific detail(s) you’d like and I’ll pull together clear, step-by-step information and links.