Emergency Alert Settings
How to Disable UK Government Emergency Alerts on iPhone and Android Devices After Wildfire Warning
The UK Government sent an emergency alert to millions of mobile phones last week, warning about the national risk of wildfires. The alert overrides silent mode and 'Do not disturb' settings — meaning phones rang and buzzed even when switched to quiet, according to Derby Telegraph.
The message sparked criticism from people who called it an inappropriate use of the emergency alert system. But the good news is that users can turn these alerts off at any time through their phone's settings, reports Bristol Post.
Why the Wildfire Alert Overrode Your Phone Settings
UK emergency alerts are built to cut through. They bypass silent mode and 'Do not disturb' settings by design, according to Devon Live. The idea is that people must hear urgent warnings even if their phone is on quiet. This alert told people about the risk of wildfires spreading across the UK during a period of dry, hot weather.
Not everyone was happy about it. Many people said using the emergency alert system for a general wildfire risk warning — rather than a direct local threat — was over the top. Critics argued the system should be saved for immediate, life-threatening dangers, not broad national risk warnings, according to Belfast Live.
How to Turn Off Emergency Alerts on Android
Android users can opt out in just a few steps. Go to your phone's 'Settings' app, then tap 'Notifications'. From there, search for 'Emergency broadcasts' or 'Wireless emergency alerts', according to Lincolnshire Live. The exact name depends on which Android phone you have and which version of the software it runs.
Once you find the menu, you can switch off the alerts with a single toggle. Some Android devices label the setting 'Emergency broadcast' instead. If you cannot find it by scrolling, use your phone's built-in search bar and type 'emergency', reports Get Surrey.
How to Turn Off Emergency Alerts on iPhone
iPhone users follow a different path. Open 'Settings', then tap 'Notifications'. Scroll all the way to the bottom of the screen. There you will find a section called 'Government Alerts', according to Bristol Post. You will see toggles for 'Extreme Alerts' and 'Severe Alerts'.
Tap the toggle next to the alert type you want to switch off. When it turns grey, that alert type is disabled. Be aware that turning these off means your phone will not ring for future government emergency messages — including ones warning of serious local dangers, notes Devon Live.
What the Emergency Alert System Is Actually For
The UK's emergency alert system launched in April 2023 with a nationwide test. It is designed to warn people about threats to life — such as flooding, fires near their location, or other urgent dangers. Alerts are sent to all phones in a specific area using mobile phone masts, not personal data, according to Belfast Live.
You do not need to register or download anything to receive them. Any modern phone connected to a UK mobile network will get the alerts automatically. The Government says the system saves lives by reaching people fast. But this latest wildfire alert has reignited debate about when and how it should be used, reports Derby Telegraph.
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