Australia · 27 July 2026

Every Australian phone will sound a loud alarm at 2pm AEST today

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Probably worth doing something about

This happens to every compatible mobile device in Australia today, including those on silent or Do Not Disturb. It is happening now, today, at 2pm AEST.

In a nutshell: The Australian Government is conducting the first nationwide test of AusAlert, its new cell-broadcast emergency warning system. At 2pm AEST (midday AWST) on Monday 27 July, compatible smartphones, tablets and smartwatches will vibrate and emit a loud siren-like sound for about 10 seconds — even if the device is on silent or Do Not Disturb. The system covers devices with and without an active SIM via 4G and 5G networks.

Spin Unspin

What they’re saying

Government has communicated the test clearly and broadly. Advocates for domestic violence survivors have flagged that the alert could endanger women hiding phones from abusive partners.

A genuinely underreported dimension: organisations working with DV survivors have asked the government to address scenarios where a hidden phone is detected by an abusive partner.

Confirmed by Services Australia, NEMA (National Emergency Management Agency), and Curtin University advisory. Details consistent across all official sources.

Nationwide AusAlert mobile phone test - 27 July 2026 - Services Australia

Prepare for the AusAlert national test on 27 July 2026 | NEMA

An alert will sound across the country on July 27. Advocates worry it will place some women at risk | SBS News

AusAlert set to alarm phones on July 27... what will happen? – Pickr

Do I care?

Turn your device off or switch to aeroplane mode before 2pm AEST. The alert will not reach you. Turn back on afterwards.

Let them know in advance so a hidden phone does not become a safety risk.

You don’t need to do anything; but if you know someone in a difficult home situation, it may be worth a quiet heads-up before 2pm.

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