Publish date: 1 September 2025
Government has announced that mobile phones in the UK will be sent a test Emergency Alert at around 3pm on Sunday, 7 September 2025. The system’s used to warn if there’s a danger to life nearby, including extreme weather. During the test, mobile phones will vibrate and make a loud siren sound for roughly ten seconds, even if they are set to silent. You can read the full government announcement here.
Advice for victims of domestic abuse
If you are affected by domestic abuse and have a concealed mobile phone from your abuser, you may not wish the sound of the alert to draw attention to your phone.
How you opt out depends on your device.
Full instructions telling you how to opt out are available here.
Support for you
If domestic abuse is happening to you, it's important to tell someone and remember you're not alone.
If you do not feel safe or believe there is an immediate threat, call 999.
Other ways to get support:
- Women can call The Freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge on 0808 2000 247 for free at any time, day or night. The staff will offer confidential, non-judgemental information and support
- Talk to a doctor, health visitor or midwife
- Men can call Respect Men's Advice Line on 0808 8010 327 (Monday to Friday 10am to 8pm), or visit the webchat at Men's Advice Line (Wednesday 10am to 11:30am and 2pm to 4pm) for non-judgemental information and support.
- LGBT+: if you identify as LGBT+ you can call Galop on 0800 999 5428 for emotional and practical support
- Forced marriage and honour crimes: anyone can call Karma Nirvana on 0800 5999 247 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm) for forced marriage and honour crimes. You can also call 020 7008 0151 to speak to the GOV.UK Forced Marriage Unit
