The Test Date and Time
Every mobile phone in the UK will sound an emergency alert on Sunday 7 September at 3pm. The government is running its second nationwide test. Around 87 million devices will be affected. The alert will last about 10 seconds. Phones will vibrate and ring, even on silent mode. A clear message will appear on screens. It will state that no action is required. Officials say the test will ensure the system works and the public gets familiar with it.
What the Alert Will Say
The message will read:
“This is a test of Emergency Alerts, a UK government service that will warn you if there’s a life-threatening emergency nearby. You do not need to take any action. In a real emergency, follow the instructions in the alert to keep yourself and others safe. Find advice at gov.uk/prepare. Visit gov.uk/alerts for more information or to view this message in Welsh.”
The Welsh translation will also be included. The system works on all 4G and 5G networks.
Concerns and Criticism
Not everyone supports the alerts. Charities warn about hidden risks. Refuge, a domestic abuse charity, says the alerts could expose secret phones. Survivors often keep these devices hidden from abusers. A sudden loud siren could put them at risk. Drivers are another concern. Police warn motorists not to look at their phones when the alert sounds. Theatres, cinemas, and event organisers have also asked audiences to switch devices off before the test.
The Government’s Response
Pat McFadden, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, defended the test. He compared it to a fire alarm drill. “This is part of our national defences,” he said. “It’s a vital tool for resilience and safety.” McFadden reminded the public they can opt out. On most phones, alerts can be disabled in the settings menu. Users can search for “emergency alerts” and switch off “severe” and “emergency” options. Another option is to switch phones off or put them in aeroplane mode before 3pm.
Real-Life Uses of the System
The system is not just for tests. It has already been used in genuine emergencies. In January 2025, 4.5 million people in Scotland and Northern Ireland received an alert during Storm Eowyn. The red weather warning meant there was a serious risk to life. The same month, an alert told residents of Proctor’s Pleasure caravan park to evacuate during severe flooding. In December 2024, 3.5 million people in Wales and southwest England were warned during Storm Darragh, which killed two people. In February 2024, Plymouth City Council used the system when moving an unexploded Second World War bomb. Residents were told to avoid parts of Keyham for several hours. Officials later said the alert tool was “invaluable” and allowed them to reach thousands instantly.
How the Technology Works
The alerts do not use SMS messages. Instead, they are broadcast from mobile phone masts. Anyone in the area of a mast receives the signal. That includes phones, tablets, and smartwatches with data plans. No phone numbers are collected. No location data is stored. You cannot reply to the alert or call back. The system works even if networks are congested, such as during sports events. Manuel Cornelisse, a public warning expert from the Netherlands, said the technology is proven worldwide. “It has strong reach and reliability,” he said.
Why It Matters
The government believes these alerts will save lives. They can warn about floods, storms, fires, and even security threats. The system is meant to give people time to act quickly. But the balance between safety and privacy remains under debate. Vulnerable people, drivers, and event organisers will need to take precautions. For most, the test on 7 September at 3pm will simply be a loud reminder.
Bottom Line
If you own a mobile phone in the UK, expect it to ring on Sunday afternoon. The alarm will be short, loud, and harmless. It is only a test. But the next one might not be.
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