Public Sign-Up to IPAWS Test Alerts

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This article will show you how to enroll to receive IPAWS Wireless Emergency Alert test messages as a member of the public.

Important Notes

  • The steps in this article do not apply to the Emergency Alert System.

  • Instructions may vary depending on your mobile phone carrier and/or mobile phone manufacturer. For additional questions, please refer to their website(s) and follow the specific guidance provided.

Public Enrollment in IPAWS Wireless Emergency Alert Test Messages for Android Phones

This section will explain how to sign up for and unsubscribe from IPAWS Wireless Emergency Alert test messages on an Android phone.

Sign Up for Wireless Emergency Alert Test Messages on an Android Phone

Note: The process to enable test Wireless Emergency Alerts varies by device.

  1. Ensure your device is powered on if it is not already

  2. Access your device's alert settings through one of the following options:

    • Tap Apps, tap Emergency Alerts, tap Menu (three-dots icon in the upper right corner of the screen), tap Settings, then tap Alert Types

    • Tap Apps, tap Settings, tap Apps & Notifications, tap Advanced, then tap Wireless Emergency Alerts

    • Tap Apps, tap Settings, and search for "Emergency Alerts" or "Public Safety messages"

    • Tap your text messaging App, tap Menu (three-dots icon in the upper right corner of the screen), tap Settings, tap Advanced, tap Wireless Emergency Alerts, tap Menu, then tap Settings

  3. Find the state and local tests alert option or a similarly labeled setting

  4. Tap the switch next to the state and local tests alert option to slide it to the "on" position

    • When this option is turned on, the circle will appear on the right-hand side of the switch

  5. You are now signed up for test Wireless Emergency Alerts

Unsubscribe from Wireless Emergency Alert Test Messages on an Android Phone

Note: The process to disable test Wireless Emergency Alerts varies by device.

  1. Ensure your device is powered on if it is not already

  2. Access your device's alert settings through one of the following options:

    • Tap Apps, tap Emergency Alerts, tap Menu (three-dots icon in the upper right corner of the screen), tap Settings, then tap Alert Types

    • Tap Apps, tap Settings, tap Apps & Notifications, tap Advanced, then tap Wireless Emergency Alerts

    • Tap Apps, tap Settings, and search for "Emergency Alerts" or "Public Safety messages"

    • Tap your text messaging app, tap Menu (three-dots icon in the upper right corner of the screen), tap Settings, tap Advanced, tap Wireless Emergency Alerts, tap Menu, then tap Settings

  3. Find the state and local tests alert option or a similarly labeled setting

  4. Tap the switch next to the state and local tests alert option to slide it to the "off" position

    • When this option is turned off, the circle will appear on the left-hand side of the switch

  5. You are now unsubscribed from test Wireless Emergency Alerts

Public Enrollment in IPAWS Wireless Emergency Alert Test Messages for iPhones

This section will explain how to sign up for and unsubscribe from IPAWS (Integrated Public Alert and Warning System) Wireless Emergency Alert test messages on an iPhone.

Sign Up for Wireless Emergency Alert Test Messages on an iPhone

  1. Ensure your device is powered on if it is not already

  2. Navigate to the Phone app

  3. Tap the Keypad option

  4. Dial *5005*25371#

  5. Tap the Call button (phone icon)

  6. A "Test alerts enabled" alert will appear

  7. Tap the Dismiss button

  8. You are now signed up for test Wireless Emergency Alerts

Unsubscribe from Wireless Emergency Alert Test Messages on an iPhone

  1. Ensure your device is powered on if it is not already

  2. Navigate to the Phone app

  3. Tap the Keypad option

  4. Dial *5005*25370#

  5. Tap the Call button (phone icon)

  6. A "Test alerts disabled" alert will appear

  7. Tap the Dismiss button

  8. You are now unsubscribed from test Wireless Emergency Alerts

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