Mobile phones will vibrate and make a loud siren sound for roughly ten seconds
The government has reminded people that an emergency alert is due to be sent to millions of phones across the country in September. Mobile phone and tablet users across the UK will hear their devices make a loud siren-like sound, something that would allow the UK government to warn of any potential danger to life nearby.
The system was first introduced in 2023 and has been used four times. Previous alerts were sent to mobile phones in January, with the message stating: “This is a test of Emergency Alerts, a new UK government service that will warn you if there’s a life-threatening emergency nearby.”
The latest one will take place on September 7 at around 3pm. It comes as the government publishes a Resilience Action Plan with new steps to secure the country and deliver the Plan for Change.
During the test, mobile phones will vibrate and make a loud siren sound for roughly ten seconds, even if they are set to silent. A message will also appear on phone screens, making it clear the alert is only a test. There are approximately 87 million mobile phones in the UK.
In a post uploaded by DWPGOVUK on Instagram, it states: “We are testing Emergency Alerts on mobile phones across the UK on Sunday 7 September at 3pm.” The caption read: “Your phone may sound and display a message. No action is needed.”
The alert follows a government commitment to test the system regularly to make sure it works optimally and familiarise the public with the alerts. This is in line with standard practice in other countries, such as Japan and the USA.
The largest ever use of the system saw approximately 4.5 million people in Scotland and Northern Ireland receive an alert during Storm Éowyn in January 2025, after a red weather warning was issued, meaning there was a risk to life.
Other activations have included when an unexploded World War II bomb was discovered in Plymouth, as well as during localised flash flooding in Cumbria and Leicestershire.
Pat McFadden, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, said last month: “Emergency Alerts have the potential to save lives, allowing us to share essential information rapidly in emergency situations including extreme storms. Just like the fire alarm in your house, it’s important we test the system so that we know it will work if we need it.
“This test is part of our action plan to build resilience across the whole country and secure the nation under the Plan for Change – from the £1 billion we’re investing in a new network of National Biosecurity Centres to the £4.2 billion we’re investing to build a new generation of flood defences to protect local communities.”
The sound or vibration will last for around 10 seconds. An alert will link to the GOV.UK website and include a phone number for further information. The alert is based on your location – not where you live or work. You do not need to turn on your location settings.
If an emergency alert is sent out, you should follow the instructions that the alert provides. This is to ensure your own safety. If you’re driving or riding when you receive an alert you should not read or respond. However, you’re advised to find somewhere safe and legal to stop before reading the message.
