AusAlert test will blast emergency warning siren over most phones in Australia on Monday. Here’s what to know

Australia is set to conduct its first nationwide test of a new emergency warning system, with most mobile phones expected to sound an alert at 2pm AEST on Monday, 27 July.

According to a monitored public feed from *The Guardian World*, the test will use a system called AusAlert and is designed to send a warning message to virtually every phone in the country. The alert is expected to appear as a pop-up notification accompanied by a siren-like sound that cannot be silenced through normal settings, including “do not disturb” or silent mode.

The test will also reach some smartwatches and tablets, the feed said. Officials are using the exercise to check how the national warning system performs before it is needed in a real emergency.

The alert has drawn attention not only because of its scale, but also because of practical concerns for people who use “safe phones” in domestic violence situations. Domestic violence advocates have advised people in those circumstances to consider how they will turn off alert sounds on devices that must remain hidden or secure.

The system’s nationwide reach means the test will be difficult to miss. While emergency alerts are often localized, this drill is intended to cover most devices across Australia at the same time, giving the public a direct example of how the warning system will function in the event of a serious threat.

For people who may be caught off guard, the expected siren sound is part of the design. The feed indicates the alarm will not be disabled by standard phone settings, which may be useful in emergencies but could also be unsettling for those who do not realize the test is scheduled.

The alert is set for Monday afternoon, and the scale of the exercise suggests authorities want to make the public familiar with the tone and format of the system ahead of any future use. Based on the monitored public feed, this test appears aimed at ensuring the warning system can reach as many devices as possible, quickly and consistently.

Source: The Guardian World - https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/jul/22/ausalert-test-sound-national-alert-emergency-warning-system-date