How to turn off the UK-Wide 2025 Emergency Alert

By Published On: August 22, 2025Categories: Uncategorized

On 3pm, Sunday 7th September, the UK Government will be testing the national Emergency Alerts system. This test will send a loud, 10-second alert to mobile phones across the country which will alert the user even if the phone is on silent.

The purpose of the system is to warn people about life-threatening emergencies such as extreme weather, fires, or public safety risks so they can take and stay safe.

However, domestic abuse charities have raised concerns that these alerts could potentially put people at risk who have a secret or secondary phone.

How to turn off the alert

Refuge have shared guidance on how you can off these alerts below:

For iPhone and Android

  1. Open ‘Settings’
  2. Tap ‘Notifications’
  3. Scroll to the bottom
  4. Turn off ‘Emergency Alerts’ and ‘Severe Alerts’

For Huawei

  1. Open ‘Settings’
  2. Search for ‘Emergency Alerts’
  3. Turn off ‘Extreme threats’, ‘Severe threats’, and ‘Show amber alerts’

You can turn these settings back on at any time if you want to receive alerts in the future.

If you’re experiencing domestic abuse

If you’re experiencing domestic abuse, we can support you no matter where you are in Norfolk. Our aim is to listen to you, to guide you and to be by your side. You only have to tell us your story once. Our service will support you, your needs, your journey – your freedom. You can contact us here.

If you feel you’re in immediate danger, call the Police on 999.