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Chronicle Live
Chronicle Live
National
Abigail Donoghue

Why didn't I get the emergency alert on my phone? People confused as not everyone received message

At 3pm on Sunday, phones across the UK rang out with a siren as part of a trial for new 'emergency alerts' from the Government.

When the message landed, a siren-like sound vibrated and the message read:

"This is a test of Emergency Alerts, a new UK government service that will warn you if there's a life-threatening emergency nearby.

"In a real emergency, follow the instructions in the alert to keep yourself and others safe. Visit gov.uk/alerts for more information. This is a test. You do not need to take any action."

The new system, which is similar to ones already in place in the US, Canada, The Netherlands and Japan, has been put into place by Government officials so they can contact residents in the case of a life-threatening emergency.

Read more: First £301 DWP cost of living payment will start to arrive within days

But not everyone actually received the trial alert - leaving many disappointed and confused.

Margie said on Twitter: "Didn’t even go off hahahaha what a scam." Aaron also didn't receive one, saying: "Well, I didn't get the emergency alert. What does that mean?"

Nikki added: "What a joke...i didn't get an #emergencyalert. Typical of this country - can't even get that right." And Erin added: "Am I the only one who didn't get a notification."

Marc also didn't receive the alert. He said: "Am I the only person who didn't receive this #emergencyalert? Just heard lots of my neighbours going off."

If you didn't receive the alert it could be due to the fact you were not attached to 4G or 5G, reports Yorkshire Live.

The alert relies on towers that go up to 4G or 5G, so if you were only connected at 3G at the time the test alert was sent, then your phone would not have been capable of receiving it.

Your phone could also have the emergency alert settings switched off. Despite being an automatic alert, it is possible to switch them on iPhones and Androids by going into settings, typing 'emergency alerts' into the navigation bar and switching the 'Extreme Alerts' button to on.

The network Three has also released a statement on Twitter confirming some customers didn't receive the alert.

The post said: "We're aware that a number of customers have not received the test alert. We're working closely with the government to understand why and ensure it doesn't happen when the system is in use."

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