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How to turn off UK government's emergency alert as drill to be sent to phones today

The UK government will test its emergency alerts system later today (Sunday, September 7) with millions of Brits set to receive the message - here's everything you need to know

[Emergency alert]

The emergency alert will be sent to phones at 3pm today (stock image)(Image: PA)

The UK government is carrying out a test of its emergency alerts system later today.

Millions of Brits will receive the alert at 3pm on Sunday (September 7). It will cause phones to vibrate and play a siren sound for up to 10 seconds. Accompanying the noise will be a message that reads: "This is a test of Emergency Alerts, a UK government service that will warn you if theres a life-threatening emergency nearby.

"You do not need to take any action. In a real emergency, follow the instructions in the alert to keep yourself and others safe.

"Find simple and effective advice on how to prepare for emergencies at gov.uk/prepare, external."

The drill is being carried out to make sure the system works ahead of real emergencies. Pat McFadden, chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, said: "On Sunday September 7, we will hold a UK-wide test of the Emergency Alerts system to ensure it works when we need it most.

"It is a vital tool for keeping the nation safe when lives are on the line and every minute matters."

Who is affected and can I turn it off?

[Emergency alert]

Mobile users can opt out, but should consider opting back in again once the alert is over (stock image)(Image: Getty Images)

Anyone with a mobile phone on 4G and 5G networks will receive the message. However, individual mobile users can opt out.

Those with an iPhone can go to settings, search for "Emergency Alerts" and switch off Severe & Emergency Alerts.

Similarly, Android users can search "Emergency Alerts" in their settings and also turn off Severe & Emergency Alerts. However, you may want to consider switching it back on once the drill is done so you can be notified in case of a real emergency.

Those who have their phones switched off will also not receive the alert while their phone is powered down.

Do I need to do anything?

[Emergency alert]

Most people don't need to do anything (stock image)(Image: Julian Hamilton/Daily Mirror)

Most people won't need to do anything before the alert comes. However, those going to the theatre and cinema have been advised to turn their phones off completely, rather than switching them to silent mode, to avoid disrupting performances.

The AA also recommends drivers familiarise themselves with the sound their phone to ensure they are not startled when the notification comes. As always, motorists should not use their phone to interact with the message until they have stopped in a safe place and turned off the engine.

AA president Edmund King said: "We support the testing of the emergency alerts system, which is an important tool the government uses to keep people safe in a crisis.

"On the day, drivers should simply stay calm and focus on the road. As always, only check your phone when youre parked safely with the engine turned off."

"The loud siren-like sound that will be emitted by millions of phones is, of course, designed to get everyones attention but its important drivers stay focused while its going off for 10 seconds or so."

Domestic abuse charity Refuge has also expressed concerns for survivors who may have hidden devices.

Emma Pickering, who works for the charity, said: "We must be clear abuse is always a choice a perpetrator makes, and technology itself is not responsible. [...] However, in the hands of a perpetrator of abuse, technology becomes another tool to misuse and weaponise, often with devastating effects."

Has the government ever sent a real alert?

Five real alerts have been issued by the UK government. In January, people in Scotland and Northern Ireland were sent mobile alerts during Storm Eowyn, notifying them about severe weather.

Some 3.5million people in southwest England and Wales were sent a similar warning during Storm Darragh last December. In May of 2024, 15,000 Cumbria residents were sent an alert about flooding, while a similar warning was sent in Leicestershire in January of this year.

Moving away from weather warnings, 50,000 phones received an alert when a 500k World War 2 bomb was found at a Plymouth property in February of last year.

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