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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
James Holt

Why didn't I get the emergency alert today? Here are the reasons your phone didn't go off at 3pm

Phones across the country rang out with a siren as part of a trial for new 'emergency alerts' from the Government at 3pm on Sunday (April 23).

The system was introduced by government officials so they can contact residents in the case of a life-threatening emergency. It will be used in future to warn people about dangerous situations, such as floods or during terror attacks.

The test alert was set to be sent out nationwide on all mobile phones that are compatible with 4G and 5G. Phones let out a siren sound followed by the message.

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However, not everyone actually received the trial alert - leaving many disappointed and confused and with no choice but to turn to Twitter to ask why.

Here are some of the reasons your phone may not have received the alert on Sunday:

Mobile network connection

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 your phone not being connected 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.

Members using the Three network

Many mobile phone users who use the Three network reported they did not receive the alert at all on Sunday. After some confusion, the company issued a statement acknowledging that some users had reported their phones did not flash with the message.

Three confirmed they are now working with the Government to ensure it doesn't happen when the alert system is eventually introduced.

The post said: "We're aware that a number of customers have not received the test alert. We're working closely with the government to understand why and ensure it doesn't happen when the system is in use."

Alert settings

Your phone could also have the emergency alert settings switched off in its settings, meaning the alert will not have reached your device.

Despite being an automatic alert, it is possible to switch them on or off iPhones and Androids by going into settings, typing 'emergency alerts' into the navigation bar and switching the 'Extreme Alerts' button to on.

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