The Australian Government is introducing AusAlert, a new national warning system designed to deliver emergency information directly to compatible mobile devices during disasters and other significant emergencies. The system is scheduled to go live on 1 October 2026, but first it will undergo a nationwide test to ensure it is working correctly.
At 2:00pm AEST on Monday 27 July, a test alert will be sent to compatible mobile devices across Australia, including mobile phones, tablets and some smart watches.
The test alert will appear as a notification on your device and will be accompanied by a loud siren-like warning sound and vibration lasting approximately 10 seconds. The alert will sound even if your device is set to silent or do not disturb mode.
AusAlert is designed to provide timely information during emergencies such as bushfires, floods, cyclones, tsunamis, public health emergencies, security threats and biosecurity incidents. During a real emergency, alerts will provide information about the hazard, its location, its level of seriousness and any actions people should take to stay safe.
As this is only a test, no action is required if you receive the alert.
If you are driving when the test occurs, remain calm and do not interact with your device. Mobile phone laws continue to apply and the alert should only be viewed when it is safe and legal to do so.
Some devices may not receive the test alert. This may be because the device is not compatible or was not connected to a mobile network at the time of the test.
For residents who may find the alert distressing or disruptive, devices can be turned off or placed in aeroplane mode before the test and left off for at least one hour after the scheduled test time.
For more information about AusAlert and the national test, visit ausalert.gov.au.