Emergency Alerts capability
On Sunday, 23rd April 2023 all 4G and 5G compatible phones will receive a text message from the UK government’s emergency alert system. Information on this system and the planned test can be found at https://www.gov.uk/alerts.
A 10 second alarm with vibration will sound even on phones which have been silenced.
Victims of domestic abuse who have a concealed phone hidden from their abuser should consider whether to opt out from the emergency alerts on their concealed phone. Please note that simply silencing your phone will not stop the transmission or noise of these alerts.
To opt out of the scheme, the Domestic Abuse charity Refuge have produced a short video explaining how to do this on different handsets: https://youtube.com/watch?v=I2MBcHwmiy8&feature=share
Most of the time it is best to search for ‘emergency alerts’ in settings and turn off Severe alerts and Emergency alerts. If this does not work, contact your device manufacturer.
Further information can be found at https://www.gov.uk/alerts