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| UK Emergency Alerts national test — 7 Sept 2025 |
On Sunday, September 7, 2025, the UK government will run a nationwide test of its Emergency Alerts system. The alert will be sent at 3:00 p.m. across the UK.
Phones and compatible tablets will make a loud, siren-like sound and will vibrate for around ten seconds. A message will appear on screens saying the alert is a test. You will not need to act.
Only compatible 4G and 5G mobile phones and tablets are expected to receive the alert. Devices that are switched off or out of signal, or that have been opted out, will not receive it.
The Emergency Alerts system is run by the government and used only for warnings about life-threatening events. The system has been used before for serious incidents, including storms and flooding. The national test will check the system works nationwide.
The government says the test will help ensure the system can reach people in fast-moving emergencies. Partner organisations and local services will also take part in the exercise. The test follows an earlier national trial in April 2023.
Public bodies, including local councils, police forces, and emergency services, have posted notices about the test. They ask the public not to be alarmed if devices sound the alert. The message shown will make clear it is a trial.
The government is running an information campaign ahead of the test. Guidance will be available in British Sign Language and Easy Read formats. The campaign also includes advice targeted at groups who may be harmed if an alert is heard unexpectedly.
People who want to stop a device receiving the test can follow opt-out steps on the government site. The government page lists device-specific guidance for iPhone, Android, and other phones. The page also explains how to turn off “test alerts.”
Major phone makers and network operators have issued their own notices. Samsung UK posted an update reminding users about the test and how alerts will work. Network providers say the alert uses mobile broadcast technology and does not need Wi-Fi or mobile data.
Police and local resilience teams note some people might be at risk if a loud alert sounds unexpectedly. Those in vulnerable situations — for example, people fleeing domestic abuse — are advised to follow safe steps provided by charities and local services, and to consider opting out if needed. Local forces gave contacts and links to support services.
The Emergency Alerts system can be used for targeted local warnings as well as national messages. In recent years it has been used to warn people about storms and local incidents, and can be aimed at specific regions. The test will be national in scope but helps verify both national and local messaging functions.
The government says the alert will last only briefly. The audible siren and vibration aim to grab attention quickly. The test message will state clearly that it is not an actual emergency. Officials ask people to treat the test as part of public safety checks and to stay calm.
Those curious about technical details can find partner resources and a toolkit on the government’s preparedness pages. The toolkit for partner organisations gives suggested wording for local notices and guidance for services supporting vulnerable people.
The national test is timed to allow partners, public services, and households to check plans and responses. Organisations such as councils and emergency planners will run local briefings or checks in parallel. These activities aim to confirm the alert’s delivery and to spot any issues.
Where the alert cannot reach a device, emergency services will still rely on TV, radio, and other established channels. The system is a complement to existing channels, not a replacement. Local authorities will continue door-to-door and community-based contact in some crises.
The government notes that some older phones may not be compatible. Mobile device manufacturers and network operators have shared compatibility lists and advice in recent updates. Users who do not receive the test should rely on local news and official channels for real emergencies.
The Department for Education posted guidance aimed at schools and families. It asks schools to be aware of the test and to have plans for children who may be frightened by a sudden loud sound. The guidance includes adapted materials to help explain the test to pupils.
The government has published a short video in British Sign Language about the test. The video and other accessible materials are part of the public information drive. Organisations supporting vulnerable people say they welcome the extra outreach.
Officials say no action is required from the public during the test. If the alert test reveals gaps, the government says it will review the results and work with partners to improve reach and clarity. Any changes will be published on official pages.
For further details and device-specific opt-out instructions visit the government information pages on Emergency Alerts. The official site has step-by-step guides and accessibility tools.