But after fixing this issue, you need to keep your data safe. But if you have an older model and are engaged in a voice or data session when alerts are released, you won't receive the alert. Below, you’ll find instructions for stock Android devices, the Samsung Galaxy S6 or S6 Edge, and the Samsung Galaxy S7 or S7 Edge.

Phones don't really come with instruction manuals anymore, and learning how to use your phone effectively can be a big task. Greenbot is an independent site that is not affiliated with Google Inc. Enhanced Geo-Targeting: Reduces the chance that you will receive the alert if you are outside the Authorized Sender's targeted area. If the emergency alerts is not working on your iPhone, the reason can be the device network. We have explained all the methods in a detailed manner. To turn it on: Enter *5005*25371# and tap . In iOS, AMBER alerts are categorized as Government Alerts alongside Emergency Alerts, the latter which amounts to weather warnings or notifications issued by the President. We’re glad to see that the new software update came in for you & that next time there is something like this you will be receiving the proper alerts. Note: Alerts will only be received by compatible devices. And for some people, it might make sense to turn them off. Step 3: Tap Emergency alert settings > Emergency alerts. Due to inactivity, your session will end in approximately 2 minutes. The repair rate of this method is not very high, but you can still try this first. Nick is a freelance contributor and a former editor for TechHive and PCWorld. For your cell phone to receive a wireless emergency alert, it must: What this means is not everyone will get these wireless emergency alerts sent by cell phone carriers. Special software and hardware changes are necessary to support Wireless Emergency Alert capabilities. Step 4: Toggle off AMBER alerts. Verizon Wireless has chosen to offer wireless emergency alerts, including enhanced geo-targeting, within portions of its service area as defined by the terms and conditions of its service agreement, on wireless emergency alert capable devices. Both my personal and work phones were on my desk at work, but my personal phone (the one with the VA number), did not get the alert. © CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. Here, you’ll see various options you can toggle on and off, such as an option to “Display alerts for extreme threats to life and property,” another one for AMBER alerts, and so on. Not only with AMBER alerts, you will most likely receive an emergency alert when there is a potential safety threat in your area. Both phones are iPhone 6 on the same carrier. “Not all phones are compatible to receive emergency alerts.

Step 3: You can also do this via the Control Center of your device. Let us know in the comment section below if there is any other methods for fixing this error. Please note that his method will completely erase all the contents of your device. Alerts may be re-broadcast more than once in the targeted geographic locations to reach as many devices as possible. Upgrade your lifestyleDigital Trends helps readers keep tabs on the fast-paced world of tech with all the latest news, fun product reviews, insightful editorials, and one-of-a-kind sneak peeks.Digital Trends may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. Public Safety Alerts: These provide additional information on actions to take in response to one of the other alert types. If your device is compatible with WEA and you were located within the targeted location for the alert at the time it was sent, you'll receive the alert. How will I receive alerts if I don't have a WEA-capable device? Provided you’re using an iPhone 4S or later — and your carrier is AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile or Verizon — you should be able to toggle them on and off. Devices capable of receiving Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) are marked on the retail callout card and at the Verizon Wireless equipment descriptions online with the Wireless Emergency Alert Capable logo: The emergency alerts feature on modern smartphones is legitimately useful: It can warn you about dangerous weather conditions, natural disasters, AMBER alerts, or other important tidbits of information. Step 1: Open Settings and toggle the Airplane Mode option on. Anyone outside the defined geographic area at the time the alert is issued will not receive them. Extend your session by clicking OK below. Step 1: From the Home screen, open the Messages app.