The Australian Government is launching AusAlert in October. This is a new national warning system that can send emergency messages to compatible mobile devices. It's a fast and reliable way to help inform and prepare communities during local and national emergencies.
Before AusAlert is ready to use, it will be tested twice in Victoria:
- Geelong suburbs of Belmont and Highton on 18 June 2026 at 2pm
- Nationally on Monday 27 July 2026 at 2pm
What to expect
The AusAlert test will be sent to most mobile devices in the test area, such as phones, tablets and smartwatches, and Apple CarPlay devices.
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 a message.
It will look something like this:
Accessibility devices
If you have text-to-speech turned on, the alert will be read out to you. It will also work with hearing aids.
AusAlert is being tested to see if it works with other assistive technologies, including:
- bed shakers
- refreshable braille displays
- screen magnification tools.
If you do NOT want an AusAlert test on your device
- turn off your mobile device or put it in aeroplane mode
- keep your device off or in aeroplane mode for 24 hours.
More information
Visit for more details about AusAlert testing, including information for:
Reviewed 15 June 2026