UK Emergency Alert Test Set for Sunday Afternoon
This Sunday, 7 September at around 3pm, millions of UK phones will vibrate and blare a siren for up to 10 seconds. The alert? Just a drill. A message will pop up to confirm it’s a test designed to check the nation’s emergency warning system.
Minister Urges Calm During Nationwide Drill
Pat McFadden, Minister for Work and Pensions, reassured Brits ahead of the test. “I know Brits will keep their cool when phones across the UK sound the siren today at 3pm,” he said. “It’s only a test – like fire drills at school or work. We’re testing to make sure the system works perfectly when it really counts.”
Proven Life-Saver: Past Emergency Alerts
The Emergency Alerts system has a strong track record. It was used five times during real crises, including the massive Storm Éowyn in January, which warned 4.5 million people across England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Last year, the alert helped evacuate 10,000 residents in plymouth/" title="Plymouth" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Plymouth after an unexploded WWII bomb was found.
Who Gets the Alert? Device Compatibility Explained
Not all phones will get the alert. To receive it, devices must meet these specs:
- iPhones running iOS 14.5 or newer
- Android phones/tablets running Android 11 or later
- Other devices may get alerts if their software supports it
Phones that are off, on 2G/3G, Wi-Fi only, incompatible, or in airplane mode won’t get the alert.
Want to Skip the Siren? Here’s How to Opt Out
If you don’t want the test alert disturbing you, here’s how to shut it off.
Android Users
- Go to Settings
- Search for ‘emergency alerts’
- Disable ‘test alerts’, ‘exercise alerts’, ‘operator defined’, and ‘operator alerts’
iPhone Users
- Open Settings Notifications
- Turn off ‘Critical Alerts’
Other devices may vary—check your manufacturer or the government website for exact steps.
