Thousands of Brits have been left baffled as their phones failed to sound and receive the Government's new emergency alert trial on Sunday.
While many people reported their phone sounding the alert at around 3pm today (April 23), many others were confused when their mobile remained silent. The new system, which is similar to ones already in place in the US, Canada, The Netherlands and Japan, has been put into place by government officials so they can contact residents in the case of a life-threatening emergency.
Phones are supposed to let out a siren like sound, vibrate and show a message that reads: "For weeks UK residents have been warned about the alarm that was set to go off on every phone. In a real emergency, follow the instructions in the alert to keep yourself and others safe. Visit gov.uk/alerts for more information. This is a test. You do not need to take any action."
Read more: How to turn off emergency alert on iPhone, Android and other phones
But it would appear that not everyone actually received the trial alert - leaving many disappointed and confused and with no choice but to turn to Twitter to find out why. Margie said: "Didn’t even go off hahahaha what a scam." Aaron also didn't receive one, saying: "Well, I didn't get the emergency alert. What does that mean?"
Nikki added: "What a joke...i didn't get an #emergencyalert. Typical of this country - can't even get that right." And Erin added: "Am I the only one who didn't get a notification."
Marc also didn't receive the alert. He said: "Am I the only person who didn't receive this #emergencyalert? Just heard lots of my neighbours going off."
And while we don't have the full answers for why people didn't get the alert with the rest of the country, it could all be down to you not being attached to 4G or 5G.
The alert relies on towers that go up to 4G or 5G, so if you were only connected at 3G at the time the test alert was sent, then your phone would not have been capable of receiving it.
Your phone could also have the emergency alert settings switched off. Despite being an automatic alert, it is possible to switch them on iPhones and Androids by going into settings, typing 'emergency alerts' into the navigation bar and switching the 'Extreme Alerts' button to on.
Others suggested it was down to the network provider and that those on 3 did not get the alert. @George_OSP said: "@ThreeUK didn’t get an emergency alert. I was on Wi-Fi and mobile and have it turned on? Guess everyone on three just dies in an emergency?"
Other people noted that the alert came a minute earlier than planned. With Mbr saying: "Expected it but didn't expect it"
Saffrox added: "3pm #EmergencyAlert at 2:59pm. They just can't do anything right." And Richie chimed in: They f****d us by sending it at 14:59"
Jess agreed saying: "Swear the emergency alert was due to be at 3pm not 2:59pm, someone got trigger happy on the button nearly s**t my pants."
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