General News
27 July, 2026
AusAlert test: what mobile users need to know
On Monday, July 27, most mobile phone users – 97 per cent of the Australian population – will receive a test alert from the new AusAlert system, set to launch in October.
The national warning system uses the latest technology to send emergency messages to compatible mobile devices during local and national disasters, and there are several things people need to know, both for the test and when it gets switched on full-time.
Leaving aside the test on Monday, it’s important to know there are two levels of alert when the system begins, and the ability to manage them differs, assuming your phone has the capability to receive them – and it does not even need to have a SIM card installed.
Two types of alert
• Priority Alert – this is used when there is a high level of threat.
Your mobile device may vibrate and make a loud siren-like warning sound that lasts for about 10 seconds before stopping.
Your device won't vibrate or make the sound if it is on ‘silent’ or ‘do not disturb’.
You can opt out of receiving a Priority Alert in your mobile device settings (more information below).
• Critical Alert – this is the highest level of warning and has been designed for those receiving the message to act immediately.
Your mobile device will vibrate and make a loud siren-like warning sound for about 10 seconds before stopping.
Your device will vibrate and make the sound even if it is on ‘silent’ or ‘do not disturb’.
You can’t opt out of receiving Critical Alerts.
The only way to not receive a Critical Alert is to turn your mobile device off or switch it to ‘flight mode’.
The national test on Monday
The test of the Critical Alert function described above is scheduled for Monday, July 27 at 2pm AEST.
This means all capable phones that meet the following criteria will sound an alarm at that time, irrespective of any other settings on the phone, including ringer volume, mute or ‘do not disturb’.
• If your phone is turned on, flight mode is off, and you are within reception proximity to a mobile tower of any network, your phone will sound.
Mobile devices will vibrate and make a loud siren-like warning sound that will last for about 10 seconds.
All test messages will clearly state that this is a test only, and that no action is required.
The details
AusAlert has been designed to work via cell broadcast technology, which does not require a valid SIM card to function.
The system is similar to a radio receiver, where proximity to a transmitter is what makes it work, and alerts can be sent through specific mobile towers near the emergency.
It is strictly one-way – it cannot track your location, identify your device, or collect any personal information – it simply receives a broadcast, the same way a radio in range receives a signal.
Most modern smartphones – including those running iOS 17.4+ and Android 11+ with the relevant firmware – support cell broadcast.
The feature is typically enabled by default but can be checked off in the ‘Emergency Alerts’ or ‘Wireless Emergency Alerts’ section of your device settings (can be under ‘Notifications’) – noting this will only apply to Priority Alerts, not Critical Alerts or the test on Monday.
When a real alert is issued, the message will typically include the type of emergency, the affected area, the recommended action, and the issuing authority (eg. state emergency services or Bureau of Meteorology).
Similar systems are already in use across the world, including the USA, New Zealand, Canada, Israel, Chile and at least 18 members of the European Union – while others are, like Australia, in testing or rollout phases: India, Mexico and Finland among them.
In total, about 35-40 countries either have a similar system running, being implemented or upgraded.
Criticisms of AusAlert
The system is not without its critics, and even those who have pointed out it could potentially put people in more danger.
One concern raised is the number of black spots in rural areas, and the system also not encompassing landlines.
Although landline usage is diminishing –12 per cent of all Australians in 2025, down from 15 per cent in 2024 – the proportion of dependence is likely much higher in rural areas.
Some state emergency agencies have also expressed reservations and may continue to run their existing text alerts as they make their own assessments of how to move forward with AusAlert.
In response to the issue of people with concealed phones (such as being in domestic violence situations) being placed in danger, Federal emergency management minister Kristy McBain said people could turn them off or put them on ‘flight mode’ at least an hour ahead of Monday's test, and keep them in that state for at least 24 hours after.
There have also been concerns raised about the alarm with Bluetooth headphones (especially those in motorbike helmets) potentially being dangerous, or at least disturbing or unpleasant.
AusAlert said they tested the system in nine selected communities across Australia in June and took “several devices to each location to test different device models, operating systems and settings”.
“Our results and feedback from each community helped us troubleshoot issues and improve the AusAlert system,” they said.
With the overall launch costing $132 million, a steep increase from the original estimation of $10 million, the implementation will continue to be scrutinised.