How to Activate Emergency Alerts on Your Smartphone

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How to Activate Emergency Alerts on Your Smartphone



Emergency Alert

HIGHLIGHTS

India is set to test its first nationwide 5G-powered Cell Broadcast alert system.

These alerts are designed to circumvent SMS, function even in Do Not Disturb mode, and support multiple languages.

Emergency alerts can be enabled through settings on both Android and iOS devices.

On Wednesday, May 7, smartphone users across India can expect to receive loud emergency notifications as part of an extensive mock drill organized by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). While the MHA has yet to officially announce the implementation of these emergency alerts, it’s highly recommended that all users take a moment to enable these alerts through their device settings.

This upcoming drill aims to evaluate the readiness of 244 civil defense districts in relation to “new and complex threats” posed by the current geopolitical landscape. The initiative follows a series of high-level security discussions led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, particularly after the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, and the ongoing missile tests conducted by Pakistan, designated as “Exercise INDUS.”

What Kind of Alert System Will Be Used?

According to various reports, the May 7 drill may introduce India’s first comprehensive test of its 5G-powered Cell Broadcast emergency alert system. This innovative technology differs significantly from SMS and conventional mobile notifications. Developed in conjunction with the C-DOT (Centre for Development of Telematics), the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), this system promises to deliver congestion-proof alerts in several languages to millions of users almost instantly, even amid high network traffic.

The alerts are designed to reach all compatible devices within the targeted zones without the necessity of phone numbers, making them effective even when phones are set to Do Not Disturb mode. This technology functions seamlessly across both 4G and 5G networks.

Also read: DOT’s emergency alert test on Android phones in India causes confusion among users: Here’s what happened

How to Enable Emergency Alerts on Your Phone (Android and iOS)

For Android Devices (Android 11 and Later):

  • Open the Settings app.
  • Navigate to Safety & Emergency or use the search function for Wireless Emergency Alerts.
  • Select Wireless Emergency Alerts.
  • Ensure the following options are enabled:
    • Extreme threats
    • Severe threats
    • Public safety alerts
    • Activate Allow Alerts, Alert sound, and Override Do Not Disturb for optimal visibility.

Note: The names of the menu options may differ slightly depending on brands such as Samsung, Xiaomi, or OnePlus.

For iPhones (iOS 17 and Above):

  • Go to Settings > Notifications.
  • Scroll to the bottom to find Government Alerts.
  • Switch ON:
    • Emergency Alerts
    • Public Safety Alerts

Types of Emergency Alerts Users Will See on Smartphones

These emergency alerts will likely manifest as full-screen notifications accompanied by a loud siren-like sound, even if users are watching videos or have their phones set to silent mode. This feature ensures that critical information is delivered promptly and effectively, ensuring the public’s safety during emergencies.

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