Australians are being urged to prepare for a loud emergency notification when the federal government conducts a nationwide test of its new AusAlert warning system on Monday, July 27, 2026.
Compatible phones, smartwatches and some tablets will vibrate, wake their screens and play a siren-like sound for about 10 seconds. The message will clearly state that it is a test, and recipients will not need to take any action.
The exercise will assess how AusAlert performs across different devices, networks and locations before its national launch on October 1. It also creates an important risk for domestic violence survivors who keep concealed “safe phones.”
What time is the AusAlert test?
The Critical Alert will be transmitted at the same moment nationwide, resulting in these local times:
- 2pm AEST: Queensland, NSW, ACT, Victoria and Tasmania
- 1:30pm ACST: South Australia, Northern Territory and Broken Hill
- 12pm AWST: Western Australia
- 11am CXT: Christmas Island
The notification may appear over the lock screen or an open application. Because it is a Critical Alert, it cannot be disabled through ordinary notification settings and should sound even if the device is on silent or do not disturb.
Warning for people with hidden phones
The alarm could expose a concealed phone used by someone experiencing domestic or family violence. Muting the device or lowering its volume will not prevent a Critical Alert from sounding.
People who could be placed at risk should switch hidden devices off or put them in aeroplane mode before the test. Dedicated government safety guidance recommends doing this one hour before the scheduled time and keeping the device off or in aeroplane mode for 24 hours because the test alert may remain available for later delivery.
Anyone in immediate danger should call Triple Zero on 000. Confidential support is available through 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 and 13YARN on 13 92 76.
Which devices are compatible?
The test will not necessarily reach every phone. A device must be compatible and connected to an active 4G or 5G mobile tower.
AusAlert is expected to work on iPhone 11 and newer models running iOS 26.4 or later, Android devices running Android 12 or later, and Apple Watch SE 2, SE 3 and Series 6 or newer running watchOS 26.4 or later.
Some older Android phones, tablets, smartwatches and alternative operating systems may still receive the alert, but their behaviour can vary. Apple iPads are not compatible. Users should install available software updates and restart their devices before July 27.
Is an app, SIM card or mobile data required?
No registration or app download is needed. A compatible device may receive AusAlert without an active SIM card, prepaid credit or mobile data.
The system is carrier-neutral, meaning a device may receive a warning through an available tower operated by another telecommunications provider. Visitors using international roaming may also receive alerts while in Australia.
Does AusAlert track your location?
AusAlert uses cell-broadcast technology rather than individual phone numbers. Selected towers transmit one notification to compatible devices within or near the affected area.
The government says the system does not collect or store a recipient’s identity, phone number or precise location. Genuine alerts will never request passwords, payments or banking details. Official test and safety instructions are available through the Australian Government’s AusAlert guidance.
Why might a phone not receive the alert?
A device may miss the test because it is outdated, incompatible, switched off, in aeroplane mode or outside 4G or 5G coverage. Tower maintenance, power failures and software differences may also affect delivery.
Two nearby phones may behave differently because they use different networks, towers or software versions. Some older or modified devices may show “Presidential Alert” or “Extreme Threat Alert,” although the message should still identify itself as an AusAlert test.
How is cell broadcast different from SMS?
SMS warnings are processed for individual telephone numbers. Cell broadcast sends one message through towers covering a defined area, allowing large numbers of devices to receive it rapidly with less risk of delays during ordinary network congestion.
The technology is also used internationally, including during a recent New Zealand emergency mobile alert test.
However, AusAlert still depends on working towers, power and communications links. Damaged infrastructure or coverage gaps could stop warnings reaching some people, as illustrated when a phone outage affected Queensland communities in a cyclone warning zone.
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What will AusAlert be used for?
From October 1, authorised Australian Government and state and territory agencies will be able to issue alerts about bushfires, floods, cyclones, earthquakes, tsunamis, severe weather, security threats, biosecurity incidents and public-health emergencies.
A real alert may explain the danger, location, severity, required action, issuing authority and where to find updates. Messages will be written in English, although information about the system is available in multiple languages and Auslan.
AusAlert will eventually replace Australia’s SMS-based Emergency Alert system, but residents should not rely on it alone. Local radio, official emergency apps, government websites and community warnings remain essential, especially in regional areas or during network outages.
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