UK Emergency Alerts Test

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April 18, 2023

On Sunday 7th September 2025, the UK government will be testing the Emergency Alert system. At 3pm, mobile phone users across the UK will receive a message on the home screen of their device. Phones will also play loud siren-like sounds and vibrate – this will last for around 10 seconds.

This test is to ensure these alerts can be sent with no technical issues, as a previous test in 2023 revealed issues like people receiving the alert early or some users not receiving any alert at all.

The text alert will read:

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 a real 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.

The test is part of the government’s Emergency Alert system which warns people in the U.K. if there’s a danger to life nearby. This could be extreme weather conditions or even a terror attack. Many other countries around the world have implemented the scheme, including France, America, and Japan.

The system will be used by emergency services, government departments, agencies and public bodies that deal with emergencies.

The emergency alert system works only on 4G and 5G mobile phones.

Older phones, phones connected to 2G and 3G networks will not receive the emergency message.

Source: gov.uk

Potential Safety Risks of Emergency Alerts

Domestic abuse charities warned previously that the system could potentially endanger victims by alerting abusers to hidden phones. However, the government stresses that emergency alerts should remain on but have published a guide for domestic abuse victims on how to opt out.

The government will run a public information campaign ahead of the test to notify the public that it will be happening. This campaign will target vulnerable groups, such as victims of domestic abuse. The campaign will also feature products in British Sign Language.

For anyone who is concerned about their safety, the Government have created a guide for opting out of emergency alerts.

If you know someone who has limited access to the media and the online world, consider letting them know in advance about the emergency alert test so they are prepared, and to minimise potential feelings of alarm or distress.