Public emergency alerts to be sent to all UK smartphones on 23rd April

Marvel1

I read doesn't work for my phone S7, seems a pointless system if doesn't work for all smart phones.

EssexExile

Marvel1 said:

I read doesn't work for my phone S7, seems a pointless system if doesn't work for all smart phones.

The internet says it should work on an S7.

Marvel1

EssexExile said:

Marvel1 said:

I read doesn't work for my phone S7, seems a pointless system if doesn't work for all smart phones.

The internet says it should work on an S7.

Maybe not the handset, but the Android version I have is 8, no option to update.

I have searched for Emergency alerts in the device settings and nothing.


https://www.gov.uk/alerts/how-alerts-work#compatible-devices

Compatible mobile phones and other devices

Make sure your device has all the latest software updates.

Emergency alerts work on:

• iPhones running iOS 14.5 or later
• Android phones and tablets running Android 11 or later

If you have an earlier version of Android, you may still be able to receive alerts. To check, search your device settings for ‘emergency alerts’.

DavePumpkin

Ignoring all the jokes and mis-information - my concerns are these -
1) The phone will give an unusual unexpected noise, AND for 10secs, AND regardless what volume you have it set (eg even if you had it set to silent). This will startle a lot of people including motorists. It also worries me they can override your 'settings', your wishes!
2) They said after it, you must click on a button, or swipe, to clear the screen - so if you don't, will this inhibit other actions on your phone after, like a subsequent incoming phone call or text??  As if it has locked up your phone.
3) I am suspicious - will your having to click or swipe to clear the screen, send a message to Big Brother that you are live and a valid number to call or track, accessible for other future needs they might like - just like clicking on 'UNsubscribe' on a scam email actually alerts them that "you're a live one" to send more scams to!
4) I DO feel sorry for those who have a secret phone to use in case of abuse. Now - assuming they know about this - they will have to shut down their phone to keep it quiet - removing their safety line - AND have to start it again - MINE always plays a LOUD start-up jingle I cannot alter, that would give themselves away.
5) PS I have an old Samsung (S5 or S6?) and cannot find any way to disable these alerts..  I will have my phone OFF to avoid all this!  

RumRat

I'm not sure how some people make it through the day. 🙄
 

GenieBoy

Turned it off. Just more Government control. If there really really was a real emergency the Gov wouldn't tell us plebs anyway. And I have no interest in mundane alerts about missing children and burning buildings like what other countries use the system for. 

spenderdave

Restricting it to 4/5G and Android 11 or above is surely limiting its use. The text alert during the pandemic ('stay at home') was sent to every single mobile in the country, even my antique 2G dumb phone got it. There are loads of 2G and 3G phones around and countless on less than Android 11 which is relatively recent.
(my recent 4G smartphone with Android 11 has it disabled).

GenieBoy

spenderdave said:

Restricting it to 4/5G and Android 11 or above is surely limiting its use. The text alert during the pandemic ('stay at home') was sent to every single mobile in the country, even my antique 2G dumb phone got it. There are loads of 2G and 3G phones around and countless on less than Android 11 which is relatively recent.
(my recent 4G smartphone with Android 11 has it disabled).

Most networks if not all are turning off their 3G networks in the near future.

I think the alert system is so you receive and action the communication straight away hence the loud sound. Texts can be left till later and not checked right away if phone on silent etc.

The Stay at home text was probably because the UK Gov didn't have this alert system set up yet, hence the test now... 

TheBanker

I think this could be a useful system, but I am sceptical that it will be in practice.

Firstly, it should be opt-in, not opt-out. Publicity would make people aware of the service and give them the choice.

Secondly, it should only be used for immediate, life threating emergencies. I fear it will actually be used for trivial things like a warning of snow in winter or warnings of flooding - people who live in flood risk areas can already sign up for alerts from the Environment agency. We don't actually have very many real emergencies in this country (by which I mean things like marauding terrorist attacks) so I fear the system will be used for minor issues just to demonstrate it is worth having.

In terms of missing people, I would not object to targeted alerts if the person is deemed to be very high risk and the Police think it's appropriate. In the olden days they'd make an announcement on the local radio, but that option doesn't really exist any more so a way of asking the public to help would be useful. But only for extreme cases and only if people have opted in. 

TheBanker

GenieBoy said:

spenderdave said:

Restricting it to 4/5G and Android 11 or above is surely limiting its use. The text alert during the pandemic ('stay at home') was sent to every single mobile in the country, even my antique 2G dumb phone got it. There are loads of 2G and 3G phones around and countless on less than Android 11 which is relatively recent.
(my recent 4G smartphone with Android 11 has it disabled).

Most networks if not all are turning off their 3G networks in the near future.

I think the alert system is so you receive and action the communication straight away hence the loud sound. Texts can be left till later and not checked right away if phone on silent etc.

The Stay at home text was probably because the UK Gov didn't have this alert system set up yet, hence the test now... 

It was completely unnecessary too. Who in the country only found out we were in lockdown as a result of that text message?!