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Friday, September 18, 2026 | Digital Edition | Crossword & Sudoku

Phones to sound in national alert test

Authorities say the alert is only a test and no action is required. The trial will help assess how different devices receive and display alerts ahead of AusAlert’s official launch on October 1. Photo: ACT ESA Facebook Page

Most mobile phones across Australia will sound a test emergency alert at 2pm AEST on Monday as part of the rollout of the new national warning system, AusAlert.

The test notification will override silent settings on compatible phones, smartwatches and tablets, with devices vibrating and playing a siren-like warning sound for about 10 seconds.

Authorities say the alert is only a test and no action is required. The trial will help assess how different devices receive and display alerts ahead of AusAlert’s official launch on October 1.

People who do not wish to receive the test can turn off their device or switch it to aeroplane mode before 2pm and leave it off for at least an hour.

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