Emergency Alert Test Goes UK National

UK to Test National Emergency Alert System Again in September

The United Kingdom's government will conduct a second countrywide trial of its emergency notification service for mobile handsets on Sunday, 7 September 2025. The test is scheduled for approximately 3:00 PM BST. It forms part of a broader strategy to enhance national resilience and readiness for various crises.

During the trial, compatible smartphones will vibrate and emit a loud, siren-like sound for about ten seconds. A message will also appear on the screen to confirm that it is a test. This will occur regardless of a device's silent setting. The service is designed to rapidly disseminate crucial information during life-threatening situations, such as terrorist incidents or severe weather occurrences.

Learning from Past Flaws

The initial countrywide test in April 2023 was marred by technical difficulties. A significant number of users, particularly those on the Three mobile network, failed to receive any message at all. Conversely, some individuals received the notification earlier than the designated time, while others received it multiple times.

Following the trial, officials disclosed that the message failed to reach approximately seven percent of capable devices. The Cabinet Office acknowledged the problems and committed to a thorough review to address the issues before any subsequent test. Three UK later confirmed they had identified a technical fault and applied a fix to prevent future failures. This upcoming drill aims to validate these fixes and ensure the service's optimal performance.

How the Alert System Works

The emergency notification service functions by broadcasting a signal from mobile phone masts to all compatible devices within a designated area. It operates on all 4G and 5G networks across the UK. An important feature is that phones do not need a connection to mobile data or Wi-Fi to get the alerts.

However, the service has limitations. Handsets that are turned off or set to airplane mode will not get the transmission. Additionally, older phones compatible only with 2G or 3G networks, and Wi-Fi-only devices like some tablets, will not get the notification. Of the estimated 87 million mobile handsets in Britain, only modern smartphones are equipped to receive these warnings.

A Proven Tool in Regional Emergencies

Despite the issues with the first national trial, the emergency notification service has been effectively deployed on a regional basis five times. These real-world applications have demonstrated its significant value in protecting the public during imminent threats.

In January 2025, officials dispatched notifications to 4.5 million phones across Scotland and Northern Ireland amid Storm Éowyn, following a rare red weather warning indicating a threat to human life. Similarly, in December 2024, 3.5 million people in Wales and the South West of England received warnings about Storm Darragh, which tragically resulted in two fatalities. The service also saw use for flash floods in Leicestershire and Cumbria.

A Critical Asset in Plymouth

One of the most notable uses of the notification service occurred in Plymouth in February 2024. A 500kg unexploded Second World War bomb was discovered in a residential garden, prompting one of the largest peacetime evacuation operations within Britain.

The service issued a "Severe Alert" to residents' phones, providing clear instructions and a timeline for the evacuation as military experts prepared to transport the device. This marked the first use of the service in a non-test, life-threatening context. Tracey Lee, the chief executive for the Plymouth City Council, described the alert as a remarkably useful resource that delivered critical information at a crucial moment.

Ensuring Public Readiness and Awareness

A key objective of the September trial is to familiarise the public with the sound and appearance of the alerts. Pat McFadden, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, emphasised the importance of testing, comparing it to a household fire alarm that needs to be checked to ensure it works when needed. Regular trials are standard practice in other nations with similar systems, such as Japan and the US.

The government plans a comprehensive awareness effort before the drill to ensure people know it is happening. This communication strategy will include materials produced in British Sign Language and targeted outreach to vulnerable communities.

Addressing Concerns for Vulnerable People

Charities focused on domestic abuse have raised serious concerns regarding the notification service. They warned that the loud, overriding siren could inadvertently reveal a secret or hidden phone to an abuser, placing victims in greater danger. Organisations like Women's Aid highlighted that a concealed phone is often a survivor's only lifeline to support networks and emergency services.

In response, officials have insisted that while alerts should generally remain enabled for safety, they are providing clear guidance on disabling the feature. The upcoming public awareness campaign will specifically target survivors of domestic abuse to ensure they know how to disable the alerts on their devices if necessary.

How to Opt-Out of Emergency Alerts

The government has released instructions for individuals who need to disable the emergency warnings. For both iPhone and Android users, the process typically involves searching for "emergency alerts" in the device's settings. Users can then turn off the toggles for "Severe alerts" and "Extreme alerts."

On some Android devices, these may be labelled as "Extreme threats" and "Severe threats." For iPhones, the options are usually found at the bottom of the "Notifications" settings. Officials advise that if these steps do not work, individuals should contact their device manufacturer for assistance.

Image Credit - Gloucestershire Live

Political and Rural Perspectives

During a discussion in the House of Commons, several MPs questioned the service's reach and effectiveness. Sarah Olney, a Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament, remarked that the method could neglect millions of individuals, including those without a compatible phone, mobile signal, or battery life.

Leigh Ingham, the MP for Stafford, sought reassurance that the notification would successfully transmit to her constituents in rural areas, which often suffer from poorer mobile coverage. In response, Pat McFadden, a minister from the Cabinet Office, stated that 4G or 5G networks cover about ninety-five percent of the British population and that officials collaborate "ceaselessly" with telecommunication companies to improve this.

Investing in National Resilience

The emergency alert drill is a component of a much wider government strategy to bolster the UK's resilience. The new Resilience Action Plan includes significant investment in critical infrastructure and preparedness exercises.

Key measures include a £370 million investment to enhance telecoms resilience through research, development, and infrastructure improvements. Officials are also putting £4.2 billion into new flood defences and £1 billion for a network of National Biosecurity Centres to protect against future biological threats. Furthermore, Exercise Pegasus, the largest national pandemic simulation in UK history, is now in the planning stages.

International Comparisons

The UK's adoption of a public warning system aligns it with many other nations which have had such capabilities for years. The United States operates the Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) system, which warns of severe weather, missing children (AMBER Alerts), and other critical situations.

Japan's J-Alert system provides early warnings for earthquakes, tsunamis, and missile launches directly to handsets, television, and radio. These established systems demonstrate the vital role that mass notification technology plays in modern emergency management, a role the UK government aims to solidify with its own service.

Looking Ahead

The forthcoming drill on the seventh of September represents a critical step in refining the UK's ability to communicate with the public in times of crisis. By addressing the technical glitches of the past and actively engaging with public concerns, the government hopes to build trust and guarantee the service is a reliable and effective tool for saving lives.

The success of the regional alerts has already proven the service's potential. The national trial will provide another opportunity to ensure that when a genuine, countrywide danger arises, every possible citizen can be reached with the information they need to stay safe. Officials have affirmed their commitment to regular testing to maintain optimal functionality and public familiarity.