How to switch off 'Armageddon' emergency alert on iPhone and Android after Storm Éowyn warning
Millions of smartphone users received an emergency alert by the government on Thursday following the issuance of red weather warnings ahead of Storm Éowyn.
The emergency alert system, which serves to warn the public of threats like flooding or extreme weather, reached the devices of thousands of surprised Scots on Thursday. Some claim they were also woken with a fright when they received a second alert at around 2am last night.
It was issued after Met Office placed red warnings for wind across Northern Ireland and parts of central and southwestern Scotland in place on Friday. The UK Government said it would be the “largest real life use” of the emergency alert system to date.
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But many people were left unhappy with receiving the safety warning, asking if there's a way they can opt out of getting them. It turns out that a few simple setting changes can turn off these alerts for those who aren't fans - however it is recommended that they are kept on as they notify people of dangerous situations to help their safety.
In addition to red warnings, amber and yellow alerts cover much of the UK, highlighting the risk of strong winds, heavy rain, and snow as the storm approaches. Authorities are urging the public to stay prepared and cautious amid the severe weather forecasts.
Prior to the alert, the Cabinet Office issued a statement that said: “The Met Office has issued a red warning for wind on Friday 24th January, meaning there is a danger to life across Northern Ireland and parts of Scotland.
“In light of the deteriorating weather conditions and associated disruption, and in consultation with the Scottish Government and Northern Ireland Executive, the Cabinet Office will issue Emergency Alerts early this evening to people affected by the warnings in Northern Ireland and parts of Scotland.
“The Emergency Alert system will send a message to every compatible mobile phone in the areas at most risk, containing information about the weather warnings and guidance on how to stay safe.
“Mobile phones will make a loud siren-like sound even if they are set on silent. The sound and vibration will last for about 10 seconds. Approximately 4.5 million people will receive the Emergency Alert in the largest real life use of the tool to date.
“The UK Government has well rehearsed plans in place for severe winter weather and is working with teams from devolved governments, local authorities, the emergency services and other public bodies to coordinate the response to any disruption.”
Once you receive and emergency alert, the only action needed in such a case is to swipe away the message or click ‘OK,’ just like dismissing a ‘low battery’ notification. However, if you'd prefer not to receive the alert, there is a way to disable it.
To prevent the alert from appearing, you can activate airplane mode on your phone. Alternatively, to turn off alerts permanently, you can follow these steps.
How to turn off emergency alerts on an iPhone
To disable alerts on an iPhone, head to the settings menu and select "Notifications." Scroll down to the bottom of the screen, where you'll find an "Emergency Alerts" section, including options for Extreme Alerts and Severe Alerts.
From there, simply toggle the buttons on the right-hand side to turn these alerts on or off.
How to turn off emergency alerts on an Android
On an Android device, open the settings menu and navigate to the notifications option. Then, select "Advanced Settings" and scroll to the bottom of the screen.
You'll find a section labeled "Wireless Emergency Alerts." Tap on it to access the emergency alerts settings, where you can choose to opt in or out of Extreme Alerts and Severe Alerts.
Additionally, you can customize your alert preferences, including vibration settings and text-to-speech options.
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