The most common reasons for not receiving an emergency alert on a mobile phone are:
- The device is turned off or in airplane mode.
- The phone is connected to a 2G or 3G network, or is WiFi-only.
- The phone is not compatible with the emergency alert system or does not have the latest software updates.
- You were outside of the geographically targeted area for the alert.
- There is no mobile coverage in your current area.
- Sometimes technical issues with phone companies or network operators can cause failure to send the alert to all devices in the affected area.
Emergency alerts are designed to be received on compatible phones within the targeted alert area without needing to be connected to mobile data or WiFi, and no app or subscription is required. Most modern phones running recent iOS or Android versions support receiving emergency alerts if they are within range of cellular coverage and the alert area.
