Emergency alert test UK latest — Government message FAILS to sound on some phones in nationwide test – here’s why
MILLIONS across the UK have received the first-ever nationwide test of the government's new emergency alert system.
UK residents got an alert message flash up on their 4G and 5G phone screens and an alarm was sounded at 3pm yesterday.
It was just a test run, so there's nothing to worry about - the system is intended to be used to warn citizens of life-threatening situations such as flooding, wildfires, terror attacks or nuclear threats.
Those that did not hear a siren may have emergency alerts switched off in their settings.
Three network users also failed to receive the national siren and the company released a statement explaining they would be "working closely with the government to understand why and ensure it doesn't happen when the system is in use".
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The alarm shocked some Brits
Brits today received a terrifying security text siren – and everyone is saying the same thing.
The jolting alarm shocked some Brits, with one noting: “The emergency alert system just scared the f*** out of me.”
A second added: “That alert was a bit loud.”
While another joked: “It was so dalek like.”
What did the alert say?
The message read: ” Severe Alert. 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 a real emergency, follow the instructions in
the alert to keep yourself and others safe.‘Visit for more information.
This is a test. You do not need to take
any action.”
The emergency alert does NOT access your personal data
When used for real emergencies, the alert will be used to warn people of serious life threatening situations in a specific area – for example, a local flood.
There has been some questions about how the Government knows how to contact people in the right place.
Well, the alert is sent out to relevant cell towers in the area affected which will then broadcast it to phones within its reach.
Therefore, the Government doesn’t need to know your exact location or phone number to send the alert.
Can I opt out of the Emergency Alerts service?
There are a few ways to turn off the Emergency Alerts.
There is no legal requirement to receive the alerts, meaning it’s up to you whether or not you receive them.
The UK Government has said that they have worked with domestic abuse charities to ensure vulnerable people are not adversely affected by the alert.
The Three mobile network has released a statement following alert
The Three mobile network has admitted that some of its users did not receive the alert.
In a statement, a Three spokesperson said: "We are aware that a number of customers have not received the test alert.
"We are working closely with the government to understand why and ensure it doesn’t happen when the system is in use."
Can I turn off Emergency Alerts on my phone?
You can turn off emergency alerts on your phone at any time.
On iPhone, go to settings, then notifications, with switches at the bottom where you can turn off extreme and severe alerts.
On an Android phone, the toggle for emergency alerts is under settings, then notifications, then wireless emergency alerts.
Fears over emergency alert hack
Britain's new emergency alert system can be hacked by rogue protestors with less than £1,000 of equipment.
It is feared hackers could use simple technology to send fake alerts within a kilometre radius – potentially sparking panic at crowded stadiums, city centres or on packed trains.
Bad actors exploiting the system could learn how to send fake alerts to thousands of people using a YouTube tutorial, the Telegraph reported.
A supposed security flaw in the system – which is already used in America and Canada – allows hackers to send manufactured alerts to nearby phones.
The alerts would show up as genuine, and could falsely warn of terrorist attacks and natural disasters.
Pictured: Emergency alert goes out across the UK
Some people didn't recieve an alert
A number of people have rushed to social media to say they didn't receive the emergency alert notification.
One wrote: ''Well I didn't get the #emergencyalert.''
A second said: ''I DIDN'T GET THE EMERGENCY TEST ALERT????''
‘We must use every tool at our disposal to keep people safe’
Chief Fire Officer Alex Woodman said: “We must use every tool at our disposal to keep people safe, and we need everyone to play their part, and the new Emergency Alerts system is one way we can do this.
“For 10 seconds, the national test may be inconvenient for some, but it’s important, because the next time you hear it, your life, and the life-saving actions of our emergency services, could depend on it.”
Why didn’t I get the emergency alert?
Many Brits did not receive an emergency alert at 3pm.
The alert was only delivered to phones with 4G and 5G.
Some were left “concerned” however when they didn’t even receive the chilling siren.
One said: “I did not receive the emergency alert text when the rest of my family did. A bit concerning.”
Those that did not hear a siren may have emergency alerts switched off in their settings.
The Three network has also confirmed they are working with the government to understand why their users did not receive the alert.
The alarm shocked some Brits
Brits today received a terrifying security text siren – and everyone is saying the same thing.
The jolting alarm shocked some Brits, with one noting: “The emergency alert system just scared the f*** out of me.”
A second added: “That alert was a bit loud.”
While another joked: “It was so dalek like.”
What did the alert say?
The message read: ” Severe Alert. 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 a real emergency, follow the instructions in
the alert to keep yourself and others safe.‘Visit for more information.
This is a test. You do not need to take
any action.”
The emergency alert does NOT access your personal data
When used for real emergencies, the alert will be used to warn people of serious life threatening situations in a specific area – for example, a local flood.
There has been some questions about how the Government knows how to contact people in the right place.
Well, the alert is sent out to relevant cell towers in the area affected which will then broadcast it to phones within its reach.
Therefore, the Government doesn’t need to know your exact location or phone number to send the alert.
Can I opt out of the Emergency Alerts service?
There are a few ways to turn off the Emergency Alerts.
There is no legal requirement to receive the alerts, meaning it’s up to you whether or not you receive them.
The UK Government has said that they have worked with domestic abuse charities to ensure vulnerable people are not adversely affected by the alert.
Can I turn off Emergency Alerts on my phone?
You can turn off emergency alerts on your phone at any time.
On iPhone, go to settings, then notifications, with switches at the bottom where you can turn off extreme and severe alerts.
On an Android phone, the toggle for emergency alerts is under settings, then notifications, then wireless emergency alerts.
Fears over emergency alert hack
Britain's new emergency alert system can be hacked by rogue protestors with less than £1,000 of equipment.
It is feared hackers could use simple technology to send fake alerts within a kilometre radius – potentially sparking panic at crowded stadiums, city centres or on packed trains.
Bad actors exploiting the system could learn how to send fake alerts to thousands of people using a YouTube tutorial, the Telegraph reported.
A supposed security flaw in the system – which is already used in America and Canada – allows hackers to send manufactured alerts to nearby phones.
The alerts would show up as genuine, and could falsely warn of terrorist attacks and natural disasters.
The Three mobile network has released a statement following alert
The Three mobile network has admitted that some of its users did not receive the alert.
In a statement, a Three spokesperson said: "We are aware that a number of customers have not received the test alert.
"We are working closely with the government to understand why and ensure it doesn’t happen when the system is in use."
Those on Three network claim they didn't get the alert
There have been reports that many Three network users failed to receive the national siren.
One person said: "Well, that was an anti-climax, did not work on the Three network in South Derbyshire."
Another added: "Didn’t work for anyone in my family and we’re all on ThreeNetwork and One on IDmobile."
Many receive alert at different times
Brits reported receiving the alert at different times, while some said theirs was narrated.
One person wrote on Twitter: "Confusingly my wife’s alert went off a min before mine - same phone, same network, in the same room."
The Government say the system will make it easier for the public to be notified of major incidents like terror attacks and severe weather.
Pictured: Emergency alert goes out across the UK
The LED board shows the message about the emergency alert text sent by the UK Government prior to the Emirates FA Cup Semi Final match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Manchester United at Wembley.Credit: Getty Images - Getty 
Spectators check their phones as the Uk Government Emergency Alert is tested during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match between Saracens and London Irish at the StoneX Stadium.Credit: Getty Images - Getty 
Credit: Getty Images - Getty 
Tourists outside Windsor Castle stop at 3pm to see the Emergency alert.Credit: Doug Seeburg 
Competitors cross the finish line as the UK-wide emergency alert system is tested during the TCS London Marathon.Credit: PA Why didn't i get the emergency alert?
Many Brits did not receive an emergency alert at 3pm.
The alert was only delivered to phones with 4G and 5G.
Some were left "concerned" however when they didn't even receive the chilling siren.
One said: "I did not receive the emergency alert text when the rest of my family did. A bit concerning."
Those that did not hear a siren may have emergency alerts switched off in their settings.
Though there are already reports that many Three network users failed to receive the national siren.