Tip Of The Day: How To Turn Off Government Alerts

To turn off government alerts on your phone, the steps differ between Android and iPhone, but both are straightforward once you know where to look.

How to turn off government alerts on Android

Android gives you two main paths to manage these alerts, though the exact menu names depend on your device and Android version. Start with the most common method:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Notifications.
3. Tap Wireless emergency alerts.
4. Choose how often you want alerts and which settings to turn on or off.

On some Android devices, you can adjust the notification sound or enable vibration for government alerts.

If that path doesn't appear on your device, try this alternative route documented by Google:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Safety and emergency.
3. Tap Crisis alerts and turn Crisis alerts on or off.

Some older Android devices may list the setting under Settings > Wireless & networks > More > Emergency Alerts. Because the exact menu varies by manufacturer and Android version, you might need to search for "emergency alerts" in your Settings app if you cannot find these options.

How to turn off government alerts on iPhone

Apple provides a dedicated section for government alerts that works the same on all supported iPhones. Follow these steps:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap Notifications.
3. Scroll to the bottom of the screen.
4. Under Government Alerts, turn each alert type on or off individually.

These settings are available only when your iPhone uses a SIM card or eSIM from a supported service provider or network provider. If you do not see the Government Alerts section, check that your carrier supports emergency alerts on your device.

What about Windows and Mac?

Neither Windows nor macOS includes a built-in government alerts setting that you can turn off. If you need to stop government alerts on a laptop or desktop, the steps above for iPhone and Android are the only documented methods available.

What to know before you turn off alerts

Disabling government alerts means you may miss critical emergency information, such as severe weather warnings, AMBER alerts for missing children, or imminent threat notifications. If you simply want fewer interruptions during specific times, consider using Do Not Disturb and Silent Mode instead of turning off alerts permanently. These features let you silence your phone temporarily while keeping emergency alerts active, giving you control without losing access to potentially life-saving messages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will turning off government alerts stop all emergency notifications?

No. Some carriers and devices may still send certain high-priority alerts, such as presidential alerts, which cannot be disabled. The settings covered here apply only to the alert types you can toggle on or off.

Are government alerts sent at all times of the day?

Alerts are typically sent only when necessary, but may be sent during non-business hours or late at night in certain emergencies.

Can I turn off government alerts on my iPad?

Yes, if your iPad has cellular capability and uses a supported SIM or eSIM. The steps are identical to the iPhone method: go to Settings > Notifications > Government Alerts and toggle the alerts you want to disable.

Why don't I see the Government Alerts section on my iPhone?

This section appears only when your iPhone is using a SIM card or eSIM from a supported network provider. If you are not using a supported carrier, or if you are on Wi-Fi only, the option may be hidden.

Will turning off alerts save battery life?

Disabling alerts may reduce a small amount of background activity, but the battery impact is negligible. Government alerts use minimal power because they are delivered through the cell broadcast system, not through data or Wi-Fi.

Can I re-enable alerts later?

Yes. Simply return to the same settings menu and toggle the alert types back on. No special steps or carrier intervention is required.