Here’s the time and date millions of UK mobile phones will sound emergency alert

Here is the time and date that millions of mobile phones across the UK will emit the government’s test emergency alert.

The time and date the emergency alert will take place has now been confirmed and will affect mobile phones across the UK. Mobiles will sound an emergency alarm and vibrate for up to 10 seconds, with a display message, during a nationwide test of a new public alert system. 

It is intended to be used to alert the public in life-threatening situations, including situations such as flooding and wildfires. The emergency alert test will sound on 4G and 5G mobile phones at 3pm on Sunday April 23rd.

However, domestic violence campaigners have warned the test could put many lives in danger as it could alert abusers to mobile phones that have been hidden away for protection.

Phone users will be prompted to acknowledge the alert by swiping or clicking the message before being able to continue using their device.

Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Oliver Dowden, said: “Getting this system operational with the national test means we have another tool in our toolkit to keep the public safe in life-threatening emergencies. It could be the sound that saves your life.”

People who do not wish to receive the alerts will be able to ‘opt out’ by switching off alerts in their device settings, but officials hope the life-saving potential of the messages means that users will keep them on. 

Domestic abuse charity, Refuge, has issued a video on their Twitter page to show people how to manage alerts on their phone. It tweeted: “Having a secret phone can be a lifeline for survivors so we’ve created a guide on managing alerts.”

The Government said it has been actively engaging with organisations working with vulnerable women and girls to ensure they are not adversely affected by the introduction of emergency alerts.

Officials stressed that it is easy to ‘opt out’ of the system if people need their phone to stay concealed, either by turning off the alerts or simply having the phone switched off during the test.

Assistant Chief Constable Owen Weatherill, from the National Police Chiefs’ Council, said: “Alongside partners, we will continue to listen carefully to public feedback and ensure the use of emergency alerts has a positive impact.”