AusAlert is a new national warning system that uses the latest technology to send emergency messages to compatible mobile devices.
It will be ready to use in October 2026, but before it launches, the system needs to be tested.
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:
• 2:00pm AEST (QLD, NSW, ACT, VIC, TAS)
• 1:30pm ACST (SA, NT, Broken Hill NSW)
• 12:00pm 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, visit ausalert.gov.au