Emergency Alert: Mobile users in India received emergency alert message, phones started ringing everywhere

Emergency Alert message: Indian government sent emergency alert to mobile users. Know how to turn off Test Alerts in Android and iOS and what is the importance of this technology.

Emergency Alert message: Smartphone users across the country suddenly received a popup message on Saturday which read Test Alert, this is a 'test cell broadcast' message and no action is required from the recipient. This message was issued by the Department of Telecom (DOT) on 28 June 2025, whose code was #900.

As soon as the message was received, users on social media asked many questions about this emergency alert. Actually, the government sent this message across the country for testing the Emergency Cell Broadcast Technology, which has been developed by the Center for Development of Telematics (C-DOT).

How to turn off Test Alerts for Android and iOS users

• Android: Settings > Security & emergency > Wireless emergency alerts > Turn off Test alerts.
• iOS: Scroll down to Settings > Notifications and turn off Test alerts.

Why are such emergency alerts sent?

The government's Cell Broadcast Alert System is designed to immediately warn people in case of natural disasters such as earthquake, flood, tsunami or other dangerous situations. This system is not like a normal SMS, but can send messages simultaneously to all mobile phones present in a particular area.

This does not put load on the network and important information can be delivered to a large population simultaneously. Through this technology, the government and emergency services can send real-time alerts to people such as instructions to immediately move to a safe place, information about rescue measures, etc. This system is very important in disaster management and public safety so that people can take the right steps quickly in dangerous situations and save their lives.

Image Credit: Google