Staying safe with AusAlert

Important AusAlert information

AusAlert may increase risk for people experiencing violence, especially if they live with someone who uses violence. Alerts may expose safety devices.

This page explains how to stay safe with AusAlert.

If it is not safe to receive AusAlerts on your devices, keep them turned off or in aeroplane mode until you need them.

Important: you can still receive AusAlerts if your phone is on ‘silent’ or ‘do not disturb’.

If you are concerned about your immediate safety, call 000. If you have concerns for your safety and would like further advice or support, you can call 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732). For Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander services, call 13YARN (13 92 76).

To access local support, visit Australia's National Research Organisation for Women's Safety.

About AusAlert

AusAlert sends emergency messages to most compatible mobile devices such as phones, tablets and smartwatches. Alerts can also be received on children’s safety watches and Apple CarPlay devices.

AusAlerts are sent to devices in a specific area for a limited time. Devices just outside the target area may also receive the alert.

AusAlert messages are designed to protect against impersonation and scams. AusAlert doesn't collect or store personal or financial information. It can't track or share your location history.

Alert types

There are two types of AusAlerts:

• Critical Alerts are used for the most serious emergencies. You can't turn them off. Your device will alert you even if it’s on ‘silent’ or ‘do not disturb’.
• Priority Alerts are used when there is an increased risk and conditions are changing. They can be turned off.

When you receive an AusAlert, your mobile device will:

• vibrate
• play a loud siren-like sound for about 10 seconds
• turn on the screen to show the message.

Learn more about the 2 alert types.

Stay safe during AusAlert testing

AusAlert will be tested across Australia in June and July 2026.

Community testing

Tests will take place in selected cities, ​​​towns​ and remote areas across Australia in June 2026.​

The community tests may be Critical Alerts. If you are concerned about receiving a Critical Alert, follow these steps:

If you will be in a test location, or within 15 kilometres of one, at the test time:

• one hour before the test: turn off your mobile device or put it in aeroplane mode
• during and after the test: keep your device off or in aeroplane mode for 24 hours.

Important: you may still receive a community test alert if your device is on ‘silent’ or ‘do not disturb’.

National test

A national test of AusAlert will happen on Monday 27 July 2026. During the test, all compatible mobile devices in Australia will receive an alert at the same time.

The national test will be a Critical Alert.

The alert may stay active for up to an hour.

If you are concerned about receiving a Critical Alert, follow these steps:

• one hour before the test: turn off your mobile device or put it in aeroplane mode 
• during and after the test: keep your device off or in aeroplane mode for 24 hours.

Important: you will still receive the AusAlert national test if your device is on ‘silent’ or ‘do not disturb’.