AusAlert national test – Monday 27 July

On Monday 27 July at 2:00 pm, an AusAlert test message will be sent to all compatible mobile devices across Australia. You may receive a test alert on your mobile phone, tablet or smartwatch.

Although AusAlert will not be operational until October 2026, the system needs to be tested across Australia before its launch.

What will the AusAlert national test sound like?

The AusAlert test message is a Critical Alert. It will cause your mobile device to vibrate and will be delivered with a loud siren-like warning sound that lasts about 10 seconds. It will make this noise even if you’ve set your device to ‘silent’ or ‘do not disturb’ mode.

What do I do if I receive the AusAlert national test?

As this is just a test, you don’t need to do anything. But in an actual disaster an AusAlert will let you know the type of emergency, where it’s located, how serious it is and how to respond. It will also tell you the name of the emergency organisation that has sent the AusAlert and where to find more information about the emergency. You should always read and understand the AusAlert and follow the instructions to keep yourself and others safe.

What if I don’t want to receive the AusAlert national test?

AusAlerts contain important information and should be turned on to help keep you safe. The AusAlert national test is a Critical Alert, which you can’t opt out of. If receiving it could disrupt you or cause you or a loved one to feel unsafe, please turn off your mobile devices or switch them to aeroplane mode before the test time in your location and leave them off for at least one hour.

What if I don’t receive the AusAlert national test?

This is fine – you don’t need to do anything. Your device might not be compatible, or maybe it wasn’t connected to a mobile tower at the time of the test.

For more information, visit the AusAlert national test website