AusAlert sends emergency messages to most compatible mobile devices such as phones, tablets and smartwatches. Alerts can also be received on children’s safety watches and Apple CarPlay devices.
There are two types of AusAlerts:
- Critical Alerts are used for the most serious emergencies. You can’t turn them off. Your device will alert you even if it’s on ‘silent’ or ‘do not disturb’.
- Priority Alerts are used when there is an increased risk and conditions are changing. They can be turned off.
When you receive an AusAlert, your mobile device will:
- vibrate
- play a loud siren-like sound for about 10 seconds
- turn on the screen to show the message.
A national test of AusAlert will happen on Monday 27 July 2026. During the test, all compatible mobile devices in Australia will receive an alert at the same time.
The national test will be a Critical Alert.
The alert may stay active for up to an hour.
If you are concerned about receiving a Critical Alert, follow these steps:
- one hour before the test: turn off your mobile device or put it in aeroplane mode
- during and after the test: keep your device off or in aeroplane mode for 24 hours.
Important: you will still receive the AusAlert national test if your device is on ‘silent’ or ‘do not disturb’.
[Ed: Vulnerable women are warned to turn off secret phones ahead of AusAlert trial.]
Thanks for telling us. 🙂