Emergency Alert – Can I Opt Out?

17th April 2023

On Sunday 23rd April, the Government will be testing their new emergency alert service. This service will send an alert to all smartphone users, warning them if there’s a danger to life nearby. Mobile phone masts across the UK will broadcast an alert to every smartphone or tablet, even if they are not connected to mobile data or WiFi at the time.

What will happen?

Your device will make a loud sound, even if it is on silent. The alert also will broadcast a message on your phone or tablet screen, saying:

“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 an actual 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.”

If you have secret devices that you use to keep safe, you may want switch your device off, or put it on airplane mode.

You can also to opt out of receiving alerts, but the Government advises you to keep them switched on for your own safety. Opt out by:

• Search your settings for ’emergency alerts’
• Turn off ‘severe alerts’ and ‘extreme alerts’

If you still get alerts, contact your manufacturer for help.