How government gets your number for UK emergency alert and why some won’t receive it

The government will send out an emergency alert to millions of people across the UK on Sunday, September 7 - but how exactly does it work and how did they get your number?

View 3 Images

Millions of Brits are set to receive an emergency alert on their mobile phones and tablets on Sunday, September 7.

In a trial run by the UK government for potential future emergencies, all mobile phones will buzz at 3pm to test the emergency alerts, which provide advice on how to stay safe if danger is nearby.

Alerts could be triggered by various life-threatening emergencies, including severe floods, wildfires, and extreme storms. Government departments, agencies, and public bodies dealing with emergencies and the emergency services will only ever send alerts.

But how does the government manage to send out these alerts? In fact, it doesn't need your phone number or location at all.

View 3 Images

During an emergency, local mobile phone masts will broadcast an alert, and every compatible device within range of a mast will receive the alert. Emergency alerts function on all 4G and 5G networks in the UK.

Your device doesn't need to be connected to mobile data or Wi-Fi to receive alerts. They're free, and you don't need to sign up or download an app to get them.

So, what should we expect?

All iPhone and Android devices will receive a test message along with a loud siren-like sound and vibration that lasts around 10 seconds.

The Government said: "Emergency Alerts is a UK government system that provides warning and advice in a life threatening emergency."

It added: "The government does not need to know your phone number or location to send you an alert.

"The message you receive will clearly state that this is a test and that no action is required on your part. The alert will come through even if your device is set to silent mode, which is an important feature of the system designed to ensure people receive warnings in genuine emergencies."

View 3 Images

Ahead of the alert, cybersecurity experts have warned that hackers are planning to exploit the test to trick people into surrendering their data.

Smartphone users are therefore being urged to verify that any emergency alerts they receive are from the official Government source, and to avoid clicking any links or surrendering any personal information in response.

Lisa Webb, scams expert at Which? cautioned: "Scammers will use any hook they can to try and steal money and personal information from victims, and unfortunately the government's upcoming nationwide test of its new Emergency Alerts system will be no exception.

"It's vital anyone who receives the official test alert is aware that no action is required. If you are asked to download an app or provide information, this is likely to be an unscrupulous fraudster trying to trick you and should be ignored at all costs."

She added that while the government will be sending out a link with more information on the emergency alert, it is probably wiser to look this up via the official government website rather than risk clicking a 'lookalike' link.