The UK government is set to carry out a national test of the Emergency Alerts system on Sunday, 7 September 2025, at 3 pm. This system sends urgent alerts to compatible 4G and 5G mobile phones and tablets across the UK to warn the public about life-threatening emergencies.
The alert will come with a loud siren-like sound and a vibration lasting about 10 seconds, even if the phone is in silent mode. People will see a message on their screen that explains the emergency and what steps to take. The sound and vibration are designed to grab attention quickly.
The Emergency Alerts system is designed to let people know about serious events like severe flooding, wildfires, extreme storms, or other immediate dangers. The alerts only come from the government or emergency services, and they include clear instructions and links for more information. The UK government stresses these alerts will be rare and only used when there is an immediate risk to life.
This system was first tested nationwide in April 2023 and officially in March 2023. Its first real use was in February 2024, when residents of Plymouth were warned about a live WWII bomb found in a garden. Since then, it has been used to warn millions about storms and floods in different parts of the UK.
The government emphasizes that Emergency Alerts do not track personal data or phone location. Alerts are sent based on the phone’s current location at the time of the emergency, not the address where the phone owner lives or works. If a person does not have a compatible phone, other methods will be used to warn them.
The alert will also support people with vision or hearing impairments by adding audio signals and vibrations. Alerts in Wales may also be sent in Welsh, alongside English. People can choose to opt out of receiving emergency alerts, but officials recommend keeping them on for safety reasons.
During the test, people will receive a message stating it is only a test, and no actions are needed. The test helps ensure the system works correctly in case of future emergencies. Some people may have experienced slight timing issues during previous tests, but improvements are ongoing to make the system more reliable.
The Emergency Alerts system is praised by emergency services and government officials for its ability to quickly warn people and save lives. It is similar to systems used successfully in other countries like the US, Canada, and Japan. The UK government continues to work with partners to improve the system and public safety.
In summary, the Emergency Alerts system is a vital UK government tool designed to send life-saving warnings directly to mobile devices during serious emergencies. The nationwide text test on 7 September 2025 will help keep the system ready to protect when needed.
