Published on Tuesday, 7 July 2026 at 3:10:12 PM
In October 2026, The Australian Government is launching AusAlert – a new national warning system that sends emergency messages to compatible mobile devices.
It’s a fast and reliable way to help keep Australians informed so they can act quickly during local and national disasters. These could be natural hazards like bushfires, floods and cyclones, as well as security threats or public health emergencies.
It will be ready to use in October 2026, but before it launches, we need to test the system across Australia.
On Monday 27 July, your mobile devices, such as mobile phones, tablets and smart watches, may receive a test alert.
The test times across Australian time zones are:
• 2:00 pm AEST (QLD, NSW, ACT, VIC, TAS)
• 1:30 pm ACST (SA, NT, Broken Hill NSW)
• 12:00 pm AWST (WA)
The message 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.
To learn what an AusAlert sounds like, click HERE
To view a video about the upcoming test, click HERE
Stay safe during the national test
A national test of AusAlert will happen on Monday 27 July 2026. During the test, all compatible mobile devices in Australia will receive an alert at the same time.
The national test will be a Critical Alert.
The alert may stay active for up to an hour.
AusAlert may increase risk for people experiencing violence, especially if they live with someone who uses violence. Alerts may expose safety devices.
If it is not safe to receive AusAlerts on your devices, keep them turned off or in aeroplane mode until you need them.
If you are concerned about receiving a Critical Alert, follow these steps:
- one hour before the test: turn off your mobile device or put it in aeroplane mode
- during and after the test: keep your device off or in aeroplane mode for 24 hours.
Important: you will still receive the AusAlert national test if your device is on ‘silent’ or ‘do not disturb’.
For more information visit Home | ausalert
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