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From 1 November 2026, AusAlert will be used in the ACT as Australia’s new national emergency warning system.
AusAlert helps emergency services send important safety information to people who may be affected by an emergency or disaster.
The system uses cell-broadcast technology to send warning notifications directly to compatible mobile devices in a defined geographic area.
You do not need to register, download an app or provide your phone number to receive an alert.
If you are in or near an affected area, you may receive an AusAlert, which will tell you:
The system uses cell-broadcast technology to send warning notifications directly to compatible mobile devices in a defined geographic area.
You do not need to register, download an app or provide your phone number to receive an alert.
If you are in or near an affected area, you may receive an AusAlert, which will tell you:
- what the emergency is
- where it is happening
- how serious the situation is
- what action you need to take
- who issued the warning
- where to find more information.
What is different about AusAlert?
AusAlert is replacing the existing Emergency Alert system as the primary way emergency warnings are sent to mobile devices.
The existing Emergency Alert system delivers warnings by SMS to mobile phones and recorded voice messages to landlines. If you receive an Emergency Alert by text message, it will come from 0444 444 444.
AusAlert uses newer cell-broadcast technology to send notifications directly to compatible devices connected to 4G and 5G mobile networks. Unlike a text message, an AusAlert appears as a notification on your device.
The technology offers several advantages:
- alerts can be sent to millions of devices almost instantly
- alerts can still be delivered when mobile networks are congested
- devices do not need a working SIM card to receive an alert
- people entering an affected area while an alert is active can still receive warnings
- no personal information, phone numbers or location data are collected or stored.
Cell-broadcast technology is considered international best practice and is already used in more than 30 countries around the world.
When will AusAlert be used?
AusAlert may be used when people in a specific area need urgent safety information about serious emergencies.
This can include:
- bushfires
- floods
- severe storms and cyclones
- tsunamis
- public safety and security incidents
- biosecurity incidents
- major health emergencies.
You do not need to live in the affected area to receive an alert. You may receive one if you are visiting, travelling through or entering the area while the alert is active. Some devices just outside the warning area may also receive alerts because mobile network coverage does not follow exact geographic boundaries.
- where it is happening
- how serious the situation is
- what action you need to take
- who issued the warning
- where to find more information.
What is different about AusAlert?
AusAlert is replacing the existing Emergency Alert system as the primary way emergency warnings are sent to mobile devices.
The existing Emergency Alert system delivers warnings by SMS to mobile phones and recorded voice messages to landlines. If you receive an Emergency Alert by text message, it will come from 0444 444 444.
AusAlert uses newer cell-broadcast technology to send notifications directly to compatible devices connected to 4G and 5G mobile networks. Unlike a text message, an AusAlert appears as a notification on your device.
The technology offers several advantages:
- alerts can be sent to millions of devices almost instantly
- alerts can still be delivered when mobile networks are congested
- devices do not need a working SIM card to receive an alert
- people entering an affected area while an alert is active can still receive warnings
- no personal information, phone numbers or location data are collected or stored.
Cell-broadcast technology is considered international best practice and is already used in more than 30 countries around the world.
When will AusAlert be used?
AusAlert may be used when people in a specific area need urgent safety information about serious emergencies.
This can include:
- bushfires
- floods
- severe storms and cyclones
- tsunamis
- public safety and security incidents
- biosecurity incidents
- major health emergencies.
You do not need to live in the affected area to receive an alert. You may receive one if you are visiting, travelling through or entering the area while the alert is active. Some devices just outside the warning area may also receive alerts because mobile network coverage does not follow exact geographic boundaries.
The two types of AusAlerts
Critical Alert
A Critical Alert is the highest level of warning. It means you may be in immediate danger and need to act straight away.
On compatible devices, a Critical Alert will trigger a loud siren-like warning sound and vibration for about 10 seconds, even if your phone is on silent or set to Do Not Disturb. Critical Alerts cannot be turned off.
Priority Alert
A Priority Alert is used when there is a high level of threat and conditions are changing.
These alerts help keep communities informed as an emergency develops and generally mean you should "watch and act". A compatible device may vibrate and sound an alert, but Priority Alerts will not override silent or Do Not Disturb settings. Users can choose to turn Priority Alerts off through their device settings.
Is your device compatible?
AusAlerts are expected to work on:
- iPhone 11 and newer models running iOS 26.4 or later
- Apple Watch SE2, SE3, Series 6 and newer running watchOS 26.4 or later
- Android devices running Android 12 or later.
Some older Android devices and phones that do not use iOS or Android may also be able to receive alerts. Devices do not need a working SIM card to receive an AusAlert.
Apple iPads will not receive AusAlerts.
How to make sure you are AusAlert ready
The best way to prepare your device is to keep its software up to date.
When prompted:
1. Install the latest software updates.
Some older Android devices and phones that do not use iOS or Android may also be able to receive alerts. Devices do not need a working SIM card to receive an AusAlert.
Apple iPads will not receive AusAlerts.
How to make sure you are AusAlert ready
The best way to prepare your device is to keep its software up to date.
When prompted:
1. Install the latest software updates.
2. Restart your device after updating.
3. Check that emergency alerts are enabled in your settings.
Taking a few minutes to update your device today could make an important difference during an emergency.
What if I accidentally dismiss an alert?
Taking a few minutes to update your device today could make an important difference during an emergency.
What if I accidentally dismiss an alert?
Depending on your device, you may be able to access an AusAlert after it has been dismissed.
Android devices
To view previous alerts:
1. Open Settings
2. Select Safety and Emergency
3. Select Wireless Emergency Alerts
4. Tap Emergency Alert History
Android devices
To view previous alerts:
1. Open Settings
2. Select Safety and Emergency
3. Select Wireless Emergency Alerts
4. Tap Emergency Alert History
Apple iPhone devices
If you dismiss or interact with an AusAlert, it moves to your Notification Centre.
If you then remove the alert from your Notification Centre, it cannot be recovered on the device. The easiest way to check current or past alerts is through the AusAlert website.
Don't wait for an alert before taking action
AusAlert is an important source of emergency information, but it should not be your only source.
Stay aware of conditions around you, monitor official warnings and follow the advice of emergency services. During emergencies, continue to check the ACT Emergency Services Agency website and official ACT emergency services social media channels for the latest information.
For more information about AusAlert, including device compatibility, alert types and frequently asked questions, visit the AusAlert website and the ACT Emergency Services Agency website.
Stay aware of conditions around you, monitor official warnings and follow the advice of emergency services. During emergencies, continue to check the ACT Emergency Services Agency website and official ACT emergency services social media channels for the latest information.
For more information about AusAlert, including device compatibility, alert types and frequently asked questions, visit the AusAlert website and the ACT Emergency Services Agency website.
