How-Tos

How to turn on earthquake alerts on Android and iPhone

It's time to enable earthquake alerts on Android and iPhone to stay safe.

After a series of earthquakes hit the Philippines this past week, it’s a good time to check if your phone’s earthquake alerts are turned on. Both Android and iOS devices have built-in systems that can warn you seconds before strong shaking begins.

Android Devices

Android phones use the Android Earthquake Alerts System. It’s often enabled by default in supported areas. The system uses your phone’s sensors to detect early shaking and send alerts.

To check:

  1. Open Settings
  2. Go to Safety & emergency (or search for it)
  3. Tap Earthquake alerts
  4. Toggle it On

Make sure Wi-Fi or mobile data is active and Location Services are enabled.

iPhones

iPhones use the Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) system. It’s part of the Government Alerts feature.

To check:

  1. Open Settings
  2. Tap Notifications
  3. Scroll down to Government Alerts
  4. Turn on Emergency Alerts

By enabling earthquake alerts, you can get notified of potential tremors and take appropriate actions to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Also Read: Check flooding in your area with UP’s Project NOAH

You can also check the intensity and location of the quake on your phone’s map app or on websites like Phivolcs.

Bryan Rilloraza has been a fixture in the local tech scene for over a decade, sharing his perspective as a tech enthusiast and industry veteran. Backed by an MBA from De La Salle University, a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of the Philippines, and 20 years of corporate experience in the telecommunications and banking sectors, Bryan provides a practical, real-world analysis of how technology serves the consumer.

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