Nationwide Emergency Alert System to Be Tested on UK Smartphones

The UK government has announced its second nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS), designed to ensure mobile users can receive life-saving notifications during critical events.

The test will take place on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at 3 p.m. BST, reaching approximately 87 million 4G and 5G mobile phones across the UK.

Phones will emit a 10‑second loud siren and vibration—even if on silent mode.

A message stating “This is a test…” will appear, clearly indicating it’s not a real emergency.

The alert is broadcast via cell broadcast technology, meaning it doesn’t require internet or data access and is unaffected by network congestion.

Who Will Receive It

• All active 4G and 5G smartphones running iOS 14.5+ or Android 11+ in coverage areas en.wikipedia.org+
• Phones that are powered off, on 2G/3G networks, Wi‑Fi only devices, or those with alerts disabled will not receive the test.

Why It Matters

• The system has already been used to warn millions during real emergencies like Storm Éowyn, Storm Darragh, floods, and the Plymouth bomb evacuation lbc.co.uk+
• Regular testing ensures the system works properly in a crisis and builds public familiarity, helping to save lives by enabling fast action ciobulletin.com15.

Public Guidance

• Drivers are advised not to interact with their phones during the alert. They should find a safe place to stop before reading the message en.wikipedia.org
• Vulnerable individuals, including domestic abuse survivors, will be shown how to opt out or silence the alert in advance

Wider Preparedness Context

• This test aligns with broader national resilience efforts that include pandemic exercises, flood defense investments, and biological security upgrades
• The UK’s move mirrors practices in other countries like Japan, Canada, and the U.S., which conduct similar emergency broadcast drills theguardian.com.

On September 7 at 3 p.m., expect a sudden loud alert from your phone lasting about 10 seconds. It’s a test of the Emergency Alert System to ensure nationwide access to life-saving information, even on silent devices. No action is required—just listen, learn, and prepare.