The UK Government carried out testing of the UK Emergency Alerts system across the UK in 2023 and again during the summer of 2025, according to Dorset Local Resilience Forum, which says the messages were clearly labelled as a test1. The most recent test was scheduled for 3pm on Sunday 7 September 2025, according to a government Easy Read leaflet on the system2.
Emergency Alerts are described in that leaflet as a service that warns people if there is a danger to life nearby2. All mobile phones and tablets that use 4G and 5G were due to receive the test alert, which was expected to last for about 10 seconds2. A device might make a loud sound even if it is set to silent, vibrate, or read out a message, and the screen was to show a message saying that this is a test2. The government states that it does not need a phone number or any other details to send an alert, and that a device does not need mobile data or WiFi to receive one2.
The wording issued with the test read:
"This is a test of Emergency Alerts, a new UK government service that will warn you if there's a life-threatening emergency nearby. In an actual emergency, follow the instructions in the alert to keep yourself and others safe. Visit gov.uk/alerts for more information. This is a test. You do not need to take any action."
The government leaflet gives the same points in simpler wording: "You do not need to do anything. This is a test to make sure the alerts work," and, for a real emergency, "follow the instructions in the alert to keep yourself and others safe"2. It also states that anyone driving when an alert arrives should carry on driving and not pick up the phone2.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tests carried out | Across the UK in 2023 and in summer 20251 |
| Most recent test | 3pm, Sunday 7 September 20252 |
| Devices receiving it | Mobile phones and tablets using 4G and 5G2 |
| Duration | About 10 seconds2 |
| Possible effects | Loud sound even if set to silent, vibration, message read out2 |
| Data or WiFi needed | No2 |
| Phone number or details needed by government | No2 |
Why it matters for households
The test reached phones and tablets on 4G and 5G networks wherever they were, without needing mobile data, WiFi or any registration2. The government says alerts will not be sent very often, and that in future they might be used to tell people about flooding, fires and bad weather2. Households that do not want to receive emergency alerts in future need to change their phone settings, the leaflet states, with instructions at gov.uk/alerts/opting-out2. The leaflet directs anyone wanting more information, or wanting to check that an alert is genuine, to gov.uk/alerts2. The Emergency Alerts guide explains how the phone warning system works, and what happens during an alert test covers test messages in detail. Households unsure whether their handset is compatible can check which phones receive emergency alerts, and how to tell a genuine alert sets out how to confirm a message is real. The government's testing of its warning arrangements sits within wider emergency exercises and the UK's approach to preparedness.
What happens next
No further test date has been reported. The government leaflet states that alerts may in future be used for flooding, fires and bad weather, and that they will not be sent very often2.
Sources (2)
- The UK Emergency Alerts System | News & Events | Dorset Local Resilience Forum, dorsetprepared.org.uk
- National Emergency Alerts A4 EasyRead English, assets.publishing.service.gov.uk
Emergency Alerts
Phones That Get Alerts
Emergency Alert Tests
Emergency Exercises
UK Emergency Preparedness Guide
Official Warnings and News
Spotting a Genuine Alert
When You Get an Alert
