UK Government to Conduct Nationwide Emergency Alert Test
This weekend, millions of mobile phone and tablet users across the UK will receive a loud siren alert as part of a national test of the Government’s Emergency Alerts system.
The UK Government has announced that the next nationwide test of its Emergency Alerts system will take place at 3:00pm on Sunday 7 September 2025. The alert will be sent to all 4G- and 5G-compatible mobile phones and tablets, triggering a loud siren sound and causing devices to vibrate for around 10 seconds—even if the device is on silent. A message will also appear on screen, clearly stating that the alert is only a test.
The Emergency Alerts system was launched in April 2023 and is designed to rapidly warn the public of life-threatening situations such as severe weather events, fires, and public safety threats. It has already been used several times, including during Storm Darragh in December 2024, when alerts were sent to over three million people amid winds of up to 90 mph.
This upcoming test will be the second national test of the system. The Government states that regular testing is essential to ensure the system functions properly and to help the public understand what to expect in a real emergency.
“Emergency Alerts have the potential to save lives, allowing us to share essential information rapidly in emergency situations, including extreme storms,” said Pat McFadden, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. “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.”
A public information campaign has been running in the weeks leading up to the test, including materials aimed at vulnerable groups—such as victims of domestic abuse—and content in British Sign Language to ensure accessibility.
Real Alerts Issued Since Launch:
Since its launch, the system has been used to issue five real alerts, including:
• Storm Éowyn in January 2025, which triggered alerts for 4.5 million people in Scotland and Northern Ireland under a red weather warning.
• A warning during the discovery of an unexploded World War II bomb in Plymouth.
• Alerts for flash flooding in Cumbria and Leicestershire.
The system is based on similar alert mechanisms used in countries such as the United States and Japan.
Sunday’s test forms part of the Government’s broader strategy to strengthen national resilience, which includes:
• Over £4 billion in flood defence investment
• £1 billion allocated to National Biosecurity Centres
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What to Expect on Sunday (7 September):
• Time: 3:00pm
• Duration: Approximately 10 seconds
• Who Will Receive It: All mobile phones and tablets using 4G or 5G networks
• What It Will Look Like:
• A loud siren sound
• Phone vibration
• A message on the screen clearly stating it is a test
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Privacy & Safety
For those concerned about privacy or personal safety—particularly individuals in sensitive living situations such as victims of domestic abuse—alert settings can be managed on most devices. Further guidance is available on the official UK Government website.