"The government has said not all devices will receive the alert, including older phones and those not connected to 4G or 5G networks. The alert will not work on a phone that is switched off or in airplane mode. The 10-second duration has been designed to balance the need for comprehensive testing with reducing inconvenience to the public, according to the government."
"The UK's emergency alert system is designed to warn people if there is danger to life nearby, including outbreaks of extreme weather in specific areas. It has been deployed five times since the first test in April 2023, with the largest use in January this year when 4.5 million received an alert during Storm Eowyn. The first non-test use of the system was in Plymouth"
"The government has also published advice for opting out of the alerts, acknowledging that victims of domestic abuse with a concealed phone might want to block the test. However, switching your handset to silent will not prevent the alert. The alert will not sound if users have their phone switched off or if it is on airplane mode. However, if you turn your device back on shortly after the test, you might still receive the alert."
Millions of mobile phones across the UK will vibrate and emit a siren during a nationwide emergency alert test at 3pm on Sunday, accompanied by a screen message stating the 10-second alert is a test. About 87 million handsets exist in the UK, but older phones and devices not on 4G or 5G may not receive it. The alert will not sound on phones that are switched off or in airplane mode, though turning a device on shortly after may still trigger the message. The 10-second length aims to balance testing needs with minimizing disruption. The system warns of nearby dangers, including extreme weather, and guidance exists for opting out for vulnerable people.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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