Emergency Alerts and hidden phones: safety guidance
Updated September 2026. This article was originally published around a UK Emergency Alerts test. The safety issue remains important for anyone who keeps a concealed phone because of domestic abuse, forced marriage or other coercion.
UK Emergency Alerts can make a loud sound and vibrate, including on some phones set to silent. That sound or vibration can reveal a concealed phone.
Emergency Alerts do not track you. The UK Government says it does not need your phone number or location to send an alert and does not collect or share data about you, your device or your location through the alerts service.
If a concealed phone could put you at risk
Government guidance says that people with a concealed phone may decide to opt out of Emergency Alerts. How to do this depends on the phone and software version. Use the current official instructions at GOV.UK: opting out of Emergency Alerts.
Do not rely on an old screenshot or one set of device instructions, because menu names can change after software updates. If you still receive alerts after opting out, GOV.UK advises contacting the device manufacturer.
If you need help
If someone is in immediate danger, call 999. If you cannot speak on a mobile 999 call, follow the operator’s instructions; if prompted, press 55.
Freedom Charity’s current helpline information and other specialist services are listed on the Freedom Charity helpline page.
Official information
About UK Emergency Alerts
How Emergency Alerts work
How to opt out