At around 3pm today (Sunday, September 7), mobile phones across the UK let out a blaring sound and were sent a test Emergency Alert message.
Brits left frightened after Emergency Alert test
There will be an Emergency Alerts test on Sunday 7 September on compatible mobile phones and tablets across the UK.
Watch to find out what will happen on Sunday 🚨 pic.twitter.com/OPzx5lzVFc
— GOV.UK (@GOVUK) September 5, 2025
The message read: “This is a test of Emergency Alerts, a UK government service that will warn you if there is a life-threatening emergency nearby.
“You do not need to take any action. In a real emergency, follow the instructions in the alert to keep yourself and others safe.”
Many took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to express how frightened the Emergency Alert message made them feel.
One person said: “Everyone in the UK just crapped themselves. Knew that emergency alert was coming and still got a shock. Mine came through at 3:01; some didn’t get it until 3:02.”
Another added: “I’m on a bus and forgot about the emergency alert despite being reminded me like three times, and it scared the shit out of me.”
A third said: “Just got the UK Government Emergency Alert. Forgot I was getting it. Walking around the place thinking what the hell’s that, and then thinking my phone had broken. Can step down now.”
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This user penned: “This is how their test of the emergency alert sounded just now. Someone I’m with threw her phone away.”
What happens if you cannot receive the Emergency Alert during a real crisis?
If you do not have a compatible device, you’ll still be informed about an emergency. The emergency services have other ways to warn you when there is a threat to life.
