Government confirms emergency alert test to sound on phones nationwide this September
- Love Ballymena
- Jul 8
- 4 min read
The UK Government will carry out its second nationwide Emergency Alert test on Sunday 7th September 2025 at around 3pm, sending a loud siren sound and message to mobile phones across the country in a major test of the system designed to warn the public if there is an imminent danger to life.
The alert will coincide with the 85th anniversary of the start of the Blitz, which began on Sept 7 1940.
The test will affect millions of mobile devices, including both Android and Apple handsets connected to 4G or 5G networks, and is part of the government’s broader Resilience Action Plan to strengthen the UK’s preparedness for emergencies — from extreme weather to biological incidents.
What will happen during the test?
At approximately 15:00 BST, mobile devices across the UK will:
Emit a loud, siren-like sound for about ten seconds
Vibrate, even if on silent mode
Display a pop-up message on screen, making it clear the alert is a test
This is the second national test of the Emergency Alerts system, following its first full-scale activation in April 2023. The system has since been deployed five times, including:
Storm Éowyn (January 2025), when over 4.5 million people in Scotland and Northern Ireland received alerts under a red weather warning
Storm Darragh (December 2024), where 3.5 million people across Wales and the South West were alerted — a storm that sadly claimed two lives
Alerts during flash flooding in Cumbria and Leicestershire
A warning issued in Plymouth when an unexploded WWII bomb was discovered
Why is the test important?
Emergency Alerts are a vital tool that enable authorities to warn the public swiftly in the event of:
Extreme weather
Flooding
Fires
Terrorist incidents
Industrial accidents
Public safety threats
Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden stressed the importance of testing the system regularly:
“Emergency Alerts have the potential to save lives, allowing us to share essential information rapidly in emergency situations including extreme storms. Just like the fire alarm in your house, it’s important we test the system so that we know it will work if we need it.
“This test is part of our action plan to build resilience across the whole country and secure the nation under the Plan for Change — from the £1 billion we’re investing in a new network of National Biosecurity Centres to the £4.2 billion we’re investing to build a new generation of flood defences to protect local communities.”
Part of a national resilience push
The Emergency Alert test comes as the government publishes a new Resilience Action Plan, which outlines a range of strategic investments and initiatives designed to improve national emergency readiness. Key announcements include:
Raising awareness of GOV.UK/PREPARE, which offers guidance on how individuals and families can prepare for emergencies
A £370 million investment by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology to strengthen UK telecoms infrastructure
A new data-sharing Memorandum of Understanding between the National Situation Centre and devolved governments to ensure timely access to crisis response data
£1.3 billion investment in the creation of National Biosecurity Centres, enhancing the UK’s ability to respond to biological threats
An update to the 2023 Biological Security Strategy, including:
£15 million in new funding for biosecurity capability across government
A Pandemic Preparedness and Response Research Framework
£1 million investment in biological detection technology via Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) projects in partnership with universities and tech firms
Later this year, the UK will also run its largest-ever pandemic exercise, Exercise Pegasus, involving hundreds of officials and health experts. Preparations are already underway, with a preliminary simulation – Exercise Alkarab – having taken place in May 2025.
Protecting vulnerable groups during the test
Ahead of the test, the government will run a nationwide public information campaign, including communications targeted at vulnerable communities, such as:
• Victims of Domestic Abuse
For those with a concealed phone, receiving a sudden loud alert could pose a risk. The government is working closely with domestic abuse charities to share clear guidance on how to turn off emergency alerts in advance of the test.
Instructions can be found here:
Victims who have opted out but still receive alerts should contact their device manufacturer for further support.
• People with Disabilities
The system is designed to be accessible:
Audio and vibration signals will alert users who are blind or visually impaired
Alerts can work with screen readers and accessibility tools
Test messages will be promoted with British Sign Language (BSL) versions for Deaf users
The government is liaising with disability advocacy groups to ensure accessibility and support are available before, during and after the test.
Emergency Alerts: Your Questions Answered
• When is the next Emergency Alert test?
The test will take place at 3pm on Sunday 7th September 2025.
• Who will receive it?
Any phone connected to a 4G or 5G network in the UK that is switched on and not set to airplane mode will receive the alert.
Phones connected only to 2G or 3G, Wi-Fi-only devices, or phones that are switched off will not receive the message.
• How many mobile phones are in the UK?
There are approximately 87 million mobile devices across the country.
• Will it affect my data or privacy?
No. The system does not collect your name, phone number, location, or any personal data. The government and emergency services do not need your phone number to send you an alert.
• What should I do if I’m driving?
Do not interact with your phone. It is illegal to use a hand-held device while driving. Wait until you are parked safely and legally before checking the alert.
• Where can I see past alerts?
All previous alerts and messages can be found at:
Stay informed, stay prepared
For more information on how you can prepare for emergencies — including making a household emergency plan, assembling basic supplies, and staying informed during crises — visit:
