Information current as of 09/08/2026.
You may not be getting emergency alerts because the relevant alert category is turned off, your phone or carrier does not support that alert system, or your device lacks a supported SIM/eSIM or network connection. Check your phone’s built-in alert settings first, then confirm service, software support, and carrier compatibility. Do not disable emergency or government alerts as a troubleshooting step.
Check the alert settings on your phone
On an iPhone, open Settings > Notifications and scroll to Government Alerts. Turn on the available categories you want to receive. On Android, open Settings > Notifications and look for Wireless emergency alerts; supported devices may let you manage alert types, sound, vibration, and past alerts. Menu names and available options can vary by device, operating-system version, region, and provider.
Confirm that you are checking the right alert system
“Emergency alerts” can refer to different systems, including government or carrier broadcasts, platform-delivered safety features, earthquake alerts, or app notifications. These systems do not have identical availability or requirements in every country or region, so a setting for one system may not control another.
Check SIM, carrier, coverage, and device support
Some government-alert functions require an active SIM or eSIM connected to a supported network provider. Carrier-broadcast systems also depend on compatible devices and participating wireless providers; the U.S. Wireless Emergency Alerts example should not be treated as a rule for every country. Lack of service, unfavorable network conditions, or an unavailable local alert service can affect delivery.
Check software and connectivity limitations
Update the phone’s software when an update is available and confirm that the device has network service rather than airplane mode or no cellular connection. Some Android safety and emergency features are limited to Android 9 or later, so an older operating system may not support every feature. Alert availability can also depend on the specific region and network.
Do not turn off emergency alerts to troubleshoot
Start by checking alert categories and delivery prerequisites, not by disabling emergency or government alerts. Some regions do not allow certain government alerts to be turned off, and optional test-alert controls are separate from live emergency categories where available. If the settings and connectivity appear correct but alerts are still missing, contact your carrier or the relevant local emergency-alert authority.