iPhone and Android users are being encouraged to check their emergency alert settings following renewed discussion about household preparedness in the United States.
The advice comes after former FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino urged Americans to consider how they would cope during a major emergency or disruption to essential services.
Speaking on his podcast, Bongino encouraged families to prepare in advance rather than wait until an emergency occurs.
His remarks have also drawn attention to the emergency notification systems available on modern smartphones, which can help authorities communicate important information during serious incidents.
Although many devices support these alerts, users may not know where to find the relevant settings or how the system works.
How to check whether your iPhone can receive emergency alerts
Apple says iPhone users can review their emergency alert settings by opening the Settings app, selecting Notifications and scrolling to the Government Alerts section.
Where supported by the device, mobile network and region, this section displays available government and emergency alert options.
To check your settings:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Tap Notifications.
- Scroll to the bottom of the page.
- Look for the Government Alerts section.
- Review the available alert settings and ensure the relevant options are enabled where a choice is provided.
Some government alerts are enabled by default, while certain categories may not be available to switch off depending on local regulations.
The options displayed can also vary depending on the country, mobile carrier and iPhone configuration.
If the Government Alerts section is missing, it does not necessarily mean your phone cannot receive emergency notifications.
In some regions, emergency alerts are managed automatically rather than through user-controlled settings.
How to check emergency alerts on an Android phone
Android devices also support emergency notifications, although the exact settings can differ depending on the manufacturer and Android version.
On many devices, users can review their settings by following these steps:
- Open the Settings app.
- Select Safety & emergency.
- Find Wireless emergency alerts or the equivalent emergency alert menu.
- Review the available alert categories and settings.
- Ensure the appropriate alerts are enabled where the device allows them to be changed.
Some Android phones place emergency alert options under Notifications instead.
Users who cannot locate the settings can search for "emergency alerts" within their phone's Settings app.
As with iPhones, the availability of individual settings depends on local emergency alert systems and network support.
What are emergency alerts and when are they sent?
Emergency alerts are official notifications intended to warn people about serious threats or dangerous situations affecting their area.
In the United States, Wireless Emergency Alerts can be used to communicate information about extreme weather, public safety emergencies and certain other urgent situations.
These notifications are delivered through participating mobile networks and can reach compatible devices in affected areas.
Unlike ordinary text messages, emergency alerts can use distinctive sounds and vibration patterns to attract attention.
They may include information about the nature of a threat and instructions from the relevant authorities.
However, receiving an alert depends on factors including device compatibility, network coverage and the emergency alert system being used.
Checking the settings is useful, but it cannot guarantee that every alert will reach a device under all circumstances.
What did former FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino warn Americans about?
Bongino urged American households to prepare for potential emergencies by maintaining essential supplies at home.
During an episode of The Dan Bongino Show, he emphasised the importance of being able to cope if access to everyday services became disrupted.
He recommended keeping emergency equipment and provisions available rather than relying on obtaining them after an incident begins.
His advice included maintaining supplies that could help families manage during disruptions to electricity, communications or access to clean water.
Bongino also warned that neighbours might not have sufficient spare supplies to support others during a widespread emergency.
However, his comments did not establish that a specific national emergency or attack was imminent.
What should Americans stockpile in case of an emergency?
The Federal Emergency Management Agency, commonly known as FEMA, provides guidance on assembling a household emergency supply kit.
According to Ready.gov, households should consider maintaining sufficient supplies to manage independently for at least three days, with additional provisions useful for longer disruptions.
Recommended items include:
Bongino also specifically encouraged Americans to consider water collection and purification equipment, including filtration devices and purification tablets.
Any water treatment equipment should be used according to its instructions, as different methods do not remove every type of contamination.
Why are Americans being encouraged to prepare?
Emergency preparedness is intended to help households manage during situations in which normal services become temporarily unavailable.
Potential emergencies include severe storms, flooding, wildfires, extended power outages and disruptions affecting water or communications infrastructure.
Federal guidance encourages families to develop a basic emergency plan, identify important supplies and understand how they will receive official warnings.
Similar preparedness advice has been issued by governments in other countries, although the specific recommendations vary depending on local risks.
For example, some regions place particular emphasis on earthquakes, while others focus on extreme weather, flooding or infrastructure failures.
These recommendations are generally part of routine emergency planning and should not be interpreted as evidence that a particular disaster is about to occur.
Can emergency alerts work if the internet goes down?
In many cases, wireless emergency alerts do not require an active internet connection or a smartphone data plan.
Instead, they can be transmitted through supported cellular broadcast systems to compatible devices.
This means a phone may still receive an emergency alert even if its ordinary mobile internet connection is unavailable.
However, the device generally needs to be powered on, compatible with the alert system and connected to a functioning cellular network.
If local mobile infrastructure is severely damaged or unavailable, alerts may not reach every device.
That is one reason emergency preparedness guidance also recommends alternative ways of receiving important information, such as a battery-powered radio.
What should iPhone and Android users do now?
Smartphone owners can begin by checking the emergency alert options available on their devices and making sure their operating systems are up to date.
They should also familiarise themselves with official local emergency information sources and consider keeping a charged portable power bank available.
Households may benefit from establishing a simple communication plan so family members know how to contact one another during an emergency.
While Bongino's comments have renewed interest in preparedness, the practical steps involved are useful for a wide range of everyday emergencies.
Understanding how emergency alerts work and maintaining reasonable household supplies can help families respond more effectively when unexpected disruptions occur.
Sources: UNILAD Tech, Rikki Loftus, October 30, 2026; Apple emergency and government alerts guidance; FEMA and Ready.gov disaster preparedness guidance.
