General News
27 July, 2026
AusAlert testing today
TESTING of Australia’s new emergency alert system will take place later today and residents are being urged not to panic.
This afternoon around 2pm, a test ‘Critical Alert’ will be sent to all compatible mobile devices in Australia as part of the AusAlert national test.
Compatible devices include most smart phones, smart watches and tablets.
AusAlert uses cell-broadcast technology through active 4G and 5G mobile networks.
The test is needed to make sure it works as intended before it launches in October 2026.
Phone owners are urged to make sure their device is AusAlert ready by updating it with the latest software version before the national test.
When people receive the test message on Monday, it will clearly state it is a test.
Mobile devices will vibrate and make a loud siren-like warning sound that lasts about 10 seconds.
Device screens will wake up to show the message.
Phone users can’t opt out of receiving Critical Alerts.
Your device will vibrate and make the sound even if it is on ‘silent’ or ‘do not disturb’.
If receiving the AusAlert national test will disrupt you or cause you or someone you know to feel unsafe, turn your mobile devices off or switch them to ‘aeroplane mode’ before the scheduled test time in your location and leave them off for at least one hour.
During testing, people may have different experiences depending on their device, mobile network, settings and exact location at the time of the alert.
Some people may receive the alert immediately, some may receive it later, and some may not receive it at all.
The purpose of testing is to confirm the system is working as intended, and improve public information before AusAlert is used in real emergencies.
After the test, residents can provide feedback online.