Australia Tests Nationwide Emergency Alert System, AusAlert

Millions of Australian smartphones will emit a loud, vibrating alert today as the nation conducts a crucial test of its new emergency warning system, AusAlert. The test is scheduled for Monday, July 27, 2026, at 2 PM AEST, marking a significant step towards the system's official launch in October.

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TEST of AusAlert, Australia's new emergency warning system. NO ACTION IS REQUIRED.

AusAlert is designed to provide simultaneous notifications to devices nationwide, ensuring that Australians receive timely information during critical events. The test alert will be sent across all time zones, with specific local times including 2 PM AEST for New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, and the ACT; 1:30 PM ACST for South Australia and the Northern Territory; and 12 PM AWST for Western Australia.

All mobile devices in Australia capable of receiving the alert are expected to participate. However, older devices, incompatible models, or those without a mobile signal might not receive the notification. The test message will clearly state it is a "TEST of AusAlert" and advise no action is required, though in a real emergency, users would be instructed on how to stay safe.

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In an actual emergency, follow the instructions in the alert to keep yourself and others safe.

Concerns have surfaced regarding the system's "critical alert" level, which overrides silent or "do not disturb" settings. This has raised particular worries for individuals in family and domestic violence situations. To mitigate risks, authorities advise turning off devices or putting them in airplane mode an hour before the test and keeping them off for up to 24 hours afterward.

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This message is authorised by the Australian Government.