UK to Hold National Emergency Alert Test on 7 September 2025

The Government has announced a nationwide test of its Emergency Alerts system, scheduled to take place on Sunday 7 September 2025 at 3pm.

The alert will be sent to all compatible 4G and 5G mobile phones and tablets across the country, as part of the ongoing development and public awareness of the system.

This will be the second national test, following a successful initial trial in April 2023, and is part of a routine process to ensure that the system is working as intended in the event of a real emergency.

What You Can Expect

The alert will appear as a full-screen notification accompanied by a loud, siren-like sound and vibration. It will be clearly labelled as a test, and no action is required from the public.

For those with vision or hearing impairments, the alert will include both audio cues and vibration signals to ensure it’s accessible to as many users as possible.

Why the Test Is Happening

A government spokesperson said:

“Emergency Alerts are a vital tool for keeping the public safe during life-threatening situations such as severe flooding, wildfires or terrorist incidents. Regular testing ensures the system works properly if and when it’s needed.”

While the system is designed to alert the public in genuine emergencies, such as extreme weather or civil dangers, tests like this help improve reliability and public familiarity.

Can You Opt Out?

Yes, users who do not wish to receive Emergency Alerts — including test messages — can opt out via their device settings. However, the government strongly advises keeping alerts enabled, as they are designed to protect life and safety during critical incidents.

Full instructions on how to manage Emergency Alert settings are available on the UK Government’s official website.

Public Reaction

Public response to the first test in 2023 was largely positive, although some confusion was reported among those unaware of the trial. The government has since stepped up communication efforts to reduce surprise and encourage preparedness.

So if your phone starts blaring like a sci-fi siren on 7 September at 3pm, don’t panic — it’s only a test. But it’s also a timely reminder that when real danger strikes, sometimes a loud buzz could make all the difference.