This Sunday…
Public testing of the Emergency Alerts system
Upcoming national test on 7 September 2025
The government will be carrying out a national test of the UK Emergency Alerts system on 7 September 2025 at 3pm.
The test alert will be sent to all compatible 4G and 5G mobile phones and compatible tablets across the UK.
This follows the first successful national test in April 2023.
Information about the upcoming national test is available in British Sign Language (BSL) and Easy Read formats.
Why the test is taking place
Regular testing ensures the system is functioning correctly, should it be needed in an emergency.
The test is not intended to alert you to real danger and you will not need to take any further action.
What the test will look and sound like
An emergency alert looks and sounds very different to other types of messages you might receive on your phone. You’ll hear a loud, siren-like sound and your phone or tablet will vibrate.
If you have a vision or hearing impairment, audio and vibration attention signals will let you know you have received the test.
Opt out of the test
You can opt out of emergency alerts, including the national test, but you should keep them switched on for your own safety. Learn more about how to opt out of emergency alerts.
Emergency Alerts is a UK government system that provides warning and advice in a life threatening emergency.
The government will be running a national test of the Emergency Alerts system on Sunday 7 September 2025.
The government does not need to know your phone number or location to send you an alert.
Reasons you might get an alert
You may get alerts about any type of life threatening emergency, such as:
- wildfires
- severe flooding
- extreme storms
There are simple and effective steps you can take to be more prepared for an emergency in your area. Visit gov.uk/prepare for more information.
Emergency alerts will only be sent by:
- the emergency services
- government departments, agencies and public bodies that deal with emergencies
What happens when you get an emergency alert
Your mobile phone or tablet may:
- make a loud siren-like sound, even if it’s set on silent
- vibrate
- read out the alert
The sound and vibration will last for about 10 seconds.
An alert will include a phone number or a link to the GOV.UK website for more information.
You’ll get alerts based on your current location - not where you live or work. You do not need to turn on location services to receive alerts.
What you need to do
When you get an alert, stop what you’re doing and follow the instructions in the alert.
If you’re driving or riding when you get an alert
Do not read or respond to an emergency alert while driving or riding.
Find somewhere safe and legal to stop before reading the message. If there’s nowhere safe and legal to stop, and nobody else is in the vehicle to read the alert, you can listen to news on live radio to find out about the emergency.
It’s illegal to use a hand-held device while driving or riding.
If you cannot receive emergency alerts
If you do not have a compatible device, you’ll still be informed about an emergency. The emergency services have other ways to warn you when there is a threat to life.
Emergency Alerts will not replace local news, radio, television or social media.
If you’re deaf, hard of hearing, blind or partially sighted
If you have a vision or hearing impairment, audio and vibration attention signals will let you know you have an emergency alert if accessibility notifications have been enabled on your mobile phone or tablet.
Alert languages
Emergency alerts will be sent in English. In Wales, they may also be sent in Welsh.