Nation-Wide Alert System Launches to Prepare for Emergencies
At 2pm AEST on Monday 27 July, there will be an alert test on all mobile devices across Australia, before the emergency system goes live nationally from 1 October 2026. This includes most phones, and some smart watches and tablets.
Everyone with a compatible phone or other device in Australia can expect to receive the alert.
At 2pm on Monday 27th July devices will vibrate and play a siren-like warning sound for about 10 seconds.
An AusAlert message will appear on device screens. It will clearly say it is a test.
Exactly how it appears will depend on your device type and operating system.
If you have an older device or use an alternate operating system (e.g. GrapheneOS, LineageOS), you may get a test alert with the heading ‘Presidential Alert’ or ‘Extreme Threat Alert’. The content of the alert will be the same. This is because some older devices don’t follow Australian Standards and will display an American or international alert heading instead of the Australian ‘AusAlert’.
What the test Critical Alert looks like. This might vary depending on your device.
There are translated resources available in Arabic, Dari and Hazaragi, Karen, Khmer, and several other languages. These include video and text-based messaging to explain the AusAlert system and initial test.
“What if receiving this alert puts me at risk?”
AusAlert may increase risk for people experiencing violence, especially if they live with someone who uses violence. Alerts may expose hidden or secondary devices used as part of safety planning.
If it is not safe to receive AusAlerts on your devices, keep them turned off or in aeroplane mode until you need them.
Important: you can still receive AusAlerts if your phone is on ‘silent’ or ‘do not disturb’.
If you are concerned about your immediate safety, call 000. If you have concerns for your safety and would like further advice or support, you can call 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732). For Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander services, call 13YARN (13 92 76).
To access local support, visit Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety.