Australia's national emergency alert test on July 27 left many residents puzzled when their phones remained silent. The test, conducted by the government, aimed to assess the reliability of the AusAlert system, which is designed to warn citizens of natural disasters or security threats. However, a significant number of devices did not receive the alert sound, prompting questions about the system's effectiveness.
Why some phones missed the alert
According to the Australian Emergency Management Agency, several factors can prevent a phone from receiving the alert. The system relies on cell broadcast technology, which sends messages to all compatible devices within a specific area. Phones that are in airplane mode, have notifications silenced, or are connected to Wi-Fi calling may not trigger the alarm. Additionally, older devices or those with outdated software might not support the feature.
“The test is crucial for identifying gaps in coverage,” said a spokesperson for the agency. “We urge everyone to check their device settings to ensure they receive future alerts.”
How to ensure your phone is ready
To prepare for the next test, users should update their phone's operating system and ensure emergency alerts are enabled. On iPhones, go to Settings > Notifications > Emergency Alerts and toggle on “Emergency Alerts.” For Android devices, the path may vary, but typically it's under Settings > Safety & emergency > Emergency alerts. Disabling airplane mode and Do Not Disturb during tests is also recommended.
The test reached approximately 70% of mobile devices, according to preliminary data. The government plans to run additional tests in the coming months to improve coverage and public awareness.
