UK government emergency alert

[HCarterSmith]

I didn't get any alert today. I've got an S10 with OS 12 for Android. I've got the Emergency Alert Notification switched on in settings so i don't know why I and the rest of my family who also use Smarty, didn't get anything. I was disappointed I didn't recieve a message but also worried for if there is an actual Emergency, I won't know unless other people from other networks inform me.

[Mhisani]

Well let's look at some logical points shall we?

There is no way the gov can possibly have software patches for every type of device and OS  and frankly I'm worried that scammers are going to use scare tactics like this to get malware and so on to peoples devices. Please do NOT download everything. What they mean by MUST ACCEPT is because it's an EMERGENCY alert you must just respond to it on your device. As in dismiss. this isn't gov spying this is to stop you letting that beatboxing cat on tiktok pop up and you don't see the flood alert etc.

The emergency system is used a lot in the USA and iphones and android support those notifications natively. You might get a surprise if you go on holiday and there is a warning. And if you're there the same thing happens. Just acknowledge it which doesn't send or download anything.

Please do NOT download ANYTHING. This is ripe for fraud at the moment.

If your phone is from the dark ages then it simply won't get the alert.

[Chalkychap]

Yes @Mhisani, scammers could use this as an opportunity to trick people. As you say, there is no need to download anything. 

Most modern mobile handsets have been designed to receive an emergency alert via a cell broadcast, without needing to download or patch anything on the handset. I guess older handsets won't receive the alert.

These emergency alert messages are just mobile network cell broadcast messages, which are limited to maximum of 1395 characters. A cell broadcast is basically a special type of SMS message. 

[Mhisani]

I'm aware. Please read the original posters statement saying

" MUST accept the download"

In my post you can see I am making sure they do not download anything, also showing how this system is already used for example in the US. However I can see fraudsters sending out SMS's saying you must accept X download. It could happen and so I advised the user not to download any software since it is not needed.

Therefore I am not _too_ sure why you're asking me this?

[Chalkychap]

Sorry for any confusion here @Mhisani - hadn't intended to ask anything.
Just trying to reiterate your point about this emergency alert test being a scamming opportunity. 

As you've clearly stated - don't download anything. 

[WelshPaul]

You can turn them off on a iPhone. Go to Settings > Notifications and scroll down to the very bottom of the list.

[Chalkychap]

I guess there's always the online option for current information about flooding and high-winds. I believe the Met Office, and Environment Agency, have online alerts.

[TiaC]

Neither myself or my husband got one and we are on smarty. 

[LianneG_1808124]

All it is that u need to go to ur settings to turn ur emergency services alerts on thats all as me and my partner got them and we are on both different network s hope this helps 

[burnsbonzo]

I have an iPhone 6s Plus and did not receive the alert. I was on 4g at the time. Any idea why?

[LianneG_1808124]

Hi if u haven't got them switched on in ur settings then u wont receive any emergency service alerts that's all hope this helps 

[Chalkychap]

I guess the initial TEST didn't work as expected for all networks and handsets. 
Probably be another test in due course, once the relevant parties have figured out why the initial test didn't go according to plan.