How to manage emergency phone alerts for Android.

To manage your emergency alerts on Android, follow these steps:

1. Open the Settings app by tapping the gear icon on your home screen or app drawer.
2. Go to Safety and emergency > Wireless emergency alerts.
3. Enable the alerts you want by using the toggles to adjust your wireless emergency alert settings.

If you don’t see these options, try searching “wireless emergency alerts” in the search bar. Keeping these alerts enabled provides updates during emergencies.

Android can also send you other, non-emergency alerts that you may still find important, such as:

• App safety alerts: Google Play Protect scans your device for harmful apps and sends notifications when risks are detected.
• Permission auto-reset: Android will notify you and reset permissions for your unused apps. You can turn permissions back on at Settings > Apps.
• Real-time scam detection: Scam Detection recognizes conversation patterns common to scam attempts to provide an in-call alert. This feature is currently in testing. Learn more about this and other emerging features here.

Wireless emergency alerts (WEA) are government-issued notifications that provide vital information during emergencies. Authorized federal, state, local, tribal and territorial authorities issue these alerts so critical warnings can reach the public quickly.

WEAs are delivered through a dedicated cell tower channel that prioritizes emergency messages, reaching your device even when regular networks are congested. These alerts include:

• Amber Alert notifications: Issued when a child is missing and believed to be in danger.
• Presidential Alerts: Issued during widespread emergencies, like natural disasters or national threats.
• Early earthquake warnings: Sent when an earthquake is detected, giving you time to take protective action.
• Imminent threat notifications: Provide warnings about natural disasters or other serious threats in your area.
• State/local alert tests: Periodic tests to ensure the alert system is working properly.
• Public safety alerts: Provide information on local safety issues, such as road closures or ongoing criminal activity.

Combined with other Android safety features, wireless emergency alerts can deliver timely information during emergencies.

Satellite SOS connects your phone directly to satellites, allowing you to send emergency messages even without cellular coverage. This feature can be life-saving in certain situations, such as:

• Hiking or camping in remote areas.
• Vehicle breakdowns along an especially lonely highway.
• Cell towers being affected by natural disasters.
• Traveling in countries with limited infrastructure.
• Boating or sailing.

Satellite SOS can be activated on supported devices.

Android’s emergency phone alerts help keep you informed about critical situations like severe weather, public safety threats or missing persons. Learning how to manage these emergency phone alerts gives you added control over the types of alerts you receive, so you can stay updated in a way that works for you.