Millions of Australians will soon hear the same shrill alarm on their phones when the Federal Government introduces a nationwide alert system.
The AusAlert test will run at 2pm AEST, 1.30pm AEST and 12pm PST on Monday 27 July and is expected to roll out simultaneously to compatible phones, smartwatches and tablets.
Alerts will go out to all compatible phones in Australia on July 27th. Australian Government
The phones will vibrate and emit a loud siren-like sound that will last for about 10 seconds.
However, the government has warned anyone who may be suspended from work or in an unsafe situation to turn off their phones before testing begins.
It will take precedence over silent or Do Not Disturb mode on phones and other devices.
The only way to avoid taking the test is to turn off your mobile device or switch it to airplane mode.
“If receiving an AusAlert test message would disrupt you or make you or someone you know feel unsafe, turn off your mobile devices or put them on airplane mode before the scheduled testing time in your area and leave them turned off for at least one hour,” the federal government said.
An AusAlert message will appear on device screens, clearly identifying the alert as a test alert.
How the alert appears on screens will vary depending on the device and operating system.
“To ensure you are prepared for AusAlert, always update the latest software on your device when asked to do so,” the government added.
“Be sure to reboot your device after updating.”
Emergency Management Minister Christy McBain at a press conference on the AusAlert test. Alex Ellinghausen
AusAlert will deliver emergency messages to the Australian public when it goes live in October 2026.
The $132 million system is designed to replace the current standard SMS emergency alerts.
It will send alerts to phones in the event of a national disaster, major incident or threat to public safety.
In the event of a real disaster, AusAlert will tell you:
- Type of emergency
- Where is it located
- How serious is this?
- What to do
- The name of the emergency organization that sent the AusAlert message.
- Where to find more information about the emergency.