Nationwide AusAlert Test is coming

Published on 17 July 2026

The Australian Government is launching AusAlert, a new national warning system that can send emergency messages to compatible mobile devices during bushfires, floods, cyclones, tsunamis, security threats, public health emergencies and biosecurity incidents.

At 2pm on Monday 27 July, your mobile devices, such as mobile phones, tablets and smart watches, may receive a test alert.

The notification will vibrate and include a loud siren-like sound that lasts about 10 seconds.

If this 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 scheduled test time in your location, and leave them off for at least one hour.

As this is just a test, you don’t need to do anything, but in an actual disaster you should follow the alert instructions to keep yourself and others safe.

Learn more about the AusAlert system