Emergency Alerts – how to manage your phone to stay safe if you are experiencing domestic abuse

On 23 April at 3pm there will be a national test of the Emergency Alerts service. The alerts will be used to let you know about emergency situations (like severe flooding) through your mobile phone. However, the alert will be accompanied by a loud sound even if your phone is on silent.

If you are experiencing domestic abuse and have a hidden phone, we advise you to opt out of receiving the alerts on your hidden device.

To opt out please follow Refuge’s video for guidance or follow the steps below. If you are concerned that somebody is monitoring the device you are using, please do follow the instructions on their ‘secure your tech’ guides or contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.

Make sure it is safe before you start the step-by-step guide

Remember that some actions you take to increase your security or privacy might alert an abuser, and they might escalate their abusive behaviour.

If you haven’t yet, read their safety information.

Steps to secure your iPhone

To opt out, search your settings for ‘emergency alerts’ and turn off Severe alerts and Emergency alerts.
If this does not work, contact your device manufacturer. Log out each time.
For further advice go to gov.uk/alerts/opt-out.
 
You can also watch the step-by-step guide on YouTube.

Steps to secure your Android

To opt out, search your settings for ‘emergency alerts’ and turn off Severe alerts and Emergency alerts.
On Huawei devices running EMUI 11 or older, search your settings for ‘emergency alerts’ and please turn off “Extreme threats”, “Severe threats” and “Show amber alerts”
If this does not work, contact your device manufacturer.
 
You can also watch the step-by-step guide on YouTube.