UK Government to Conduct National Emergency Alert Test on 7 September — Important advice for vulnerable individuals

On Sunday 7 September 2025 at 3:00 PM, the UK Government will conduct a nationwide test of its Emergency Alerts system, sending a loud siren and vibration to mobile phones across the country, even if devices are set to silent. The test is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to improve national resilience and ensure the alert system functions effectively in real emergencies such as extreme weather, flooding, or other life-threatening situation.

The alert will last approximately 10 seconds and will be accompanied by a message on the screen stating that it is only a test. This is the second national test of the system, following its initial rollout in April 2023.

Important guidance for individuals with secret phones

The government has acknowledged that this alert could pose risks for individuals with secret mobile phones, particularly those experiencing domestic abuse. As the alert will override silent settings, it could inadvertently reveal the presence of a hidden device.

To stay safe, anyone with a secret phone is strongly advised to turn it off completely or disable alerts before 3:00 PM on 7 September. Instructions on how to opt out of emergency alerts can be found on gov.uk/alerts.

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