23/07/2026
A national test of AusAlert is happening on Monday 27 July 2026 at around 2pm AEST.
The test will be sent to all compatible mobile devices in Australia. This includes most mobile phones, and some smart watches and tablets, but not Apple iPads. You can receive an AusAlert without your device having an active SIM card.
We’ve developed a range of tailored AusAlert materials for older Australians. These cover:
⚠️What to expect when an alert is sent.
📱 What an AusAlert looks and sounds like.
🦻 How AusAlert works with accessibility devices.
✅ What to do when you receive an AusAlert.
If your device receives the AusAlert national test, it will vibrate and make a loud siren-like sound for about 10 seconds before stopping. As the national test is a Critical Alert, this will happen even if your device is on ‘silent’ or ‘do not disturb’.
For some older Australians, receiving an AusAlert may feel distressing or confusing. If this is the case, turn your mobile devices off or switch them to ‘aeroplane mode’ before the scheduled test time in your location and leave them off for at least one hour.
AusAlert may also work with hearing aids and cochlear implants. This will depend on your device’s accessibility settings. If you’re worried about receiving the AusAlert sound directly through your hearing technology, we recommend unpairing the Bluetooth connection between your hearing device and your phone or tablet before the test time in your location and leaving it unpaired for at least one hour.
If your device has text-to-speech turned on, the alert may be read out to you.
If you receive the AusAlert national test, you don’t need to do anything, as it’s just a test. If you don’t receive the AusAlert national test, that’s fine too – AusAlert is just one way to receive emergency information. Emergency management agencies use a range of channels to provide warning information, including radio and television broadcasts, social media, emergency service apps and websites, and information shared by family, friends and carers.
To make sure you're AusAlert ready, always update the latest software version on your device when asked. Be sure to restart your device after updating.
