Australians are being urged to prepare ahead of the country's first nationwide AusAlerts test today, with domestic violence advocates warning the alert could put people who rely on secret or emergency phones at risk.
During the test, every compatible mobile phone, smartwatch and tablet that is switched on will vibrate and emit a loud warning sound — even if it's set to silent. For people living in unsafe situations, that could unintentionally reveal a hidden device.
The nationwide test will take place on July 27 ahead of the Australian Government's official rollout of AusAlerts in October. Below, we explain how the system works, what to expect from the test, and what people using a safe phone should know beforehand.
The first AusAlerts test is on July 27
A nation wide test to make sure all is running well for the new system will occur on Monday 27 July 2026. Below, are the exact times for each state:
- Australian Capital Territory - 2:00 pm
- New South Wales - 2:00 pm
- Queensland - 2:00 pm
- Tasmania - 2:00 pm
- Victoria - 2:00 pm
- Northern Territory - 1:30 pm
- South Australia - 1:30 pm
- Western Australia - 12:00 pm
What can I expect from the AusAlerts test?
You can expect your device to vibrate and play a siren warning sound for around 10 seconds. At the same time a message that looks like a text message will appear on your screen, clearly stating it is a test. According to the Australian Government the AusAlerts message will look something like the below, and if you want to hear what sound exactly will play, you can also find it here, on the Australian Government website.
Safe phones will also be implicated, so it's important to get the word out
Any phone that is switched on, even if it is set to silent, will emit a loud alert during the test. For people living in domestically unsafe situations who keep a secret or emergency phone, this could unintentionally reveal their location.
If you know someone in this situation, the only way to avoid receiving the alert is by turning their device off or switching it to aeroplane mode before the test. The Australian Government has confirmed that devices in aeroplane mode or powered off will not receive the alert.
If further support is needed, help is available. Anyone experiencing domestic or family violence can contact:
1800RESPECT
- Counselling services for survivors of, or people at risk of, family and domestic violence and/or sexual assault.
- Call: 1800 737 732
Relationships Australia
- Help those experiencing violence or abuse in their relationships.
- Call: 1300 364 277
inTouch
- A support service for family violence in migrant and refugee communities.
- Call: 1800 755 988
13YARN
- An Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders crisis support line, available 24/7.
- Call: 13 92 76
What can I do before the AusAlerts test?
To make sure the test works effectively, there are a number of things to know. If you have an older device, the Government has stated you might not receive the alert. However, in order to receive the alert, you should make sure the software on your existing device is up to date, and that you are connected to a network provider.
What do I do once I get the test?
Nothing. Phew. In the case of an actual emergency, the alert will explain in detail what is happening and where location, what to do, and how to access more information.
AusAlerts will officially launch in October 2026
On the 1 October 2026, the system will be up and running. And if there ever was an emergency, you now know exactly what the emergency message will look and sound like.
