The AusAlert national test: Monday 27 July 2026
In October 2026, the Australian Government is launching AusAlert – a new national warning system that uses the latest technology to send emergency messages to compatible mobile devices.
What is AusAlert?
AusAlert is a fast and reliable way to help communities be informed and better prepared during local and national emergencies.
What is AusAlert for?
AusAlert gives the Australian Government and state and territory emergency services organisations the ability to send national or local alerts about disasters. These could be natural hazards such as bushfires, floods, cyclones and tsunamis, or events like public health emergencies, security threats or biosecurity incidents. It’s just one of the many ways we’re helping to keep Australians safer in times of disaster.
When will AusAlert be live?
AusAlert will be ready to use on 1 October 2026, but before it launches, the system needs to be tested across Australia. This is called the AusAlert national test.
What’s involved in the AusAlert national test?
On Monday 27 July 2026, an AusAlert test message will be sent to all compatible mobile devices in Australia. You may receive a test alert on your mobile phone, tablet or smart watch.
What time will the AusAlert national test be sent?
- 2:00 pm AEST Queensland, New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, Victoria, Tasmania
- 1:30 pm ACST Northern Territory, South Australia, Broken Hill (NSW)
- 12:00 pm AWST Western Australia
What will the AusAlert national test sound like?
The AusAlert test message is a Critical Alert. It will cause your mobile device to vibrate and will be delivered with a loud siren-like warning sound that lasts about 10 seconds. It will make this noise even if you’ve set your device to ‘silent’ or ‘do not disturb’ mode.
What will the AusAlert national test look like?
Depending on your device type and operating system, an AusAlert test message will look something like this:
Is an AusAlert a text message?
No, an AusAlert isn’t an SMS or text message – it’s an ‘alert’. It will appear as a notification on your mobile device’s screen and will show up during phone calls and app use, and on lock screens. You’ll need to close the notification once you’ve seen the message, otherwise it will remain on your screen.
Will my mobile be able to receive the AusAlert national test?
Mobile devices such as compatible mobile phones and some tablets and smart watches will receive the AusAlert national test.
AusAlerts are expected to work on iPhones 11 and up running iOS 26.4 or later, and
Android phones and tablets running Android 12 or later. Always install the latest software updates on your device when asked so you’re ready to receive AusAlerts.
What do I do if I receive the AusAlert national test?
As this is just a test, you don’t need to do anything. But in an actual disaster an AusAlert will let you know the type of emergency, where it’s located, how serious it is and how to respond. It will also tell you the name of the emergency organisation that has sent the AusAlert and where to find more information about the emergency.
You should always read and understand the AusAlert and follow the instructions to keep yourself and others safe.
What if I don’t receive the AusAlert national test?
This is fine – you don’t need to do anything. Your device might not be compatible, or maybe it wasn’t connected to a mobile tower at the time of the test. If you have information you’d like to pass to the AusAlert team, you can fill in the ‘I didn’t receive a test alert’ form on the AusAlert website at ausalert.gov.au/feedback
What if I don’t want to receive the AusAlert national test?
AusAlerts contain important information and should be turned on to help keep you safe.
The AusAlert national test is a Critical Alert, which you can’t opt out of. If receiving it 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 test time in your location and leave them off for at least one hour.
What if I receive the AusAlert national test while driving?
If you receive the AusAlert national test while driving or riding, stay calm and don’t touch your phone. Mobile phone laws remain active – don’t read or respond to the alert while moving. The test will make a siren-like sound for about 10 seconds. Only check the message when it is safe and legal to do so.
For more information, visit ausalert.gov.au
